Ronnie Schenk enjoys an active lifestyle—hiking, riding his motorcycle and dirt biking. That all slowed down when he began to notice episodes of rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and sometimes, loss of sleep.
Ronnie had a medical history, including an enlarged heart, so he went to his primary care physician. There, his doctor diagnosed him with atrial fibrillation, or AFib. It's a condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally. The health risks associated with AFib include heart failure, stroke and early dementia. Ronnie was referred to Dr. Alejandro Velasco de La Cuesta, a cardiac electrophysiologist at University Health. After discussing his symptoms and his diagnosis, Dr. Velasco De La Cuesta presented him with the treatment option of a convergent procedure. He also met with Dr. Dawn Hui, a cardiac surgeon at University Health. “At first [I was] a little concerned,” Ronnie said. “After the discussion with Dr. Velasco and then the follow-up visit with Dr. Hui, I was convinced I was doing the right thing with the right team of doctors.”
What is a Convergent Procedure?
The convergent procedure is a two-part process, with the first stage needing a one-to-two-day hospital stay. A month or two later, the patient is scheduled for the second stage which is a same-day procedure. When successful, it restores a normal heart rhythm and may allow patients to stop taking medications for AFib, including stopping blood thinners. The convergent procedure has higher success rates for eliminating or reducing AFib, when compared to medications or traditional ablation.
The Surgery Experience
Once the decision was made, Ronnie was scheduled for the two stages of the convergent procedure. The first stage was a procedure done through a small, 3-inch incision just below the breast bone. This stage was performed by Dr. Hui. This was a minimally invasive ablation on the outside of the heart, and Ronnie went home the next day. Six weeks later, Dr. Velasco De La Cuesta performed the second stage, where he used a method that tracks the position of a catheter inside the heart. For this second part, most patients can go home same day. “I chose this option for the high success rate and chances of full resolution of my AFib,” Ronnie recalls. “I felt 100% comfortable during the entire episode of care,” Ronnie said about his care team. “Every person I encountered treated me like a king…I truly felt as though I was someone special to everyone.”
Life After Surgery
After recovering, Ronnie no longer has atrial fibrillation, and he has his energy back. He's doing what he loves without the stress on his health. “Prior to the surgeries, I was worried about the long-term effects related to the AFib. The mental stress was affecting my overall outlook on life and dragging me down. Now I’m relieved," Ronnie said.
Heart Care at University Health
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of AFib, contact the University Health Heart & Vascular Institute at 210-64-HEART (43278). A medical provider can help you find the right treatment or combination of treatments to alleviate AFib. Learn more about heart care at University Health.
