Brian's thankful for a new AFib heart treatment at MercyOne

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Brian Lake, 68, of Colona, Ill., had two procedures to treat his atrial fibrillation (AFib), only to have his irregular heart rhythm return each time. When he learned of a new technology offered at MercyOne Genesis Heart Center, he was happy to try it.

He's very glad he did. The first-in-Iowa treatment using the new technology improved his AFib symptoms -- and his life.

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What is AFib?

AFib, one of the most common and undertreated heart rhythm disorders, affects over 2 million Americans and more than 60 million people worldwide. The progressive heart disease starts with off-and-on symptoms that progress and become more persistent. (lasting for more than seven days without stopping). As AFib worsens, the risk of serious complications, such as heart failure, stroke and risk of death, increases. 

When Brian was diagnosed with AFib years ago, he didn't realize his heart was beating irregularly or racing. "They told me at times my heart rate was 90 even at rest," he said. "Physically, I felt fine, but once I was diagnosed, it took a toll on me mentally to know that I had a serious heart condition."

Previously, he had two heart ablations to destroy the abnormal tissue causing his irregular heartbeat. Each time, his AFib came back within months, so he had high hopes for the new ablation treatment. 

The latest AFib treatment and technology

Pulsed field ablation uses targeted electrical pulses to safely isolate the heart tissue that's causing abnormal rhythms, minimizing damage to the surrounding heart tissue. Combined with the new technology, the ablation procedure is now faster, safer and more efficient for patients like Brian.

What's the new technology? It's a single, all-in-one tool that maps where the abnormal heart rhythms are and uses a catheter that delivers pulsed field and radiofrequency to treat or stop them. It's like having a high-resolution camera and a precision scalpel in the same device. The doctor can see the heart's electrical activity and then fix the problem without switching tools.

“This catheter enables physicians to map, ablate, and validate using a single device, enhancing the safety of ablation procedures for our patients. It improves and speeds up our ability to treat patients suffering from AFib,” said electrophysiologist and cardiologist Mark Shen, MD, who performed Brian's procedure at MercyOne.

Since having the procedure in November 2025, Brian said he hasn't had any AFib episodes. He wears a monitor connected to his smartwatch, so he can see his heart rate. "It consistently said I haven't been in AFib more than 2% of the time. In the past, I was at 25%. This is the longest I've gone without any issues. At my last six-month check-up, they gave me the 'thumbs up' that I'm doing very well, and my heart is staying in rhythm."

Feeling great and enjoying life

Brian is enjoying his retirement with his wife of 45 years, Bernadette, and said, "I golf three times a week and walk. I feel great, and I'm far less worried about my heart issues."

He's very happy with the results. "I would highly recommend getting this procedure if you have AFib because the results have been terrific. I had a great experience at MercyOne, because the staff was so efficient and took great care of me. It's not often in life that you get treated that well."

If you think you may have AFib, ask your primary care provider for further testing. If you have AFib, consult with MercyOne Heart and Vascular Care about this new ablation procedure available at MercyOne.

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