Close to the heart

It’s been an unforgettable year so far for Joseph Wysocki.

The Wyoming man rang in 2010 with serious heart problems. In just two weeks, Wysocki, 58, had two heart attacks and his heart stopped twice.

Although he was taking medication for slightly elevated blood pressure, Wysocki had never experienced heart problems. But on Jan. 1, that changed. He passed out. After passing out on Jan. 1, he awoke at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where his heart valve was opened up due to a blocked artery.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he recalled. “I never thought I’d experience any heart problems. I never felt bad. I never felt winded or had any chest pains.”

When he was released from the hospital, his doctor had him fitted with a LifeVest, the first wearable cardioverter defibrillator. Unlike an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the LifeVest is a treatment option for sudden cardiac arrest that is worn outside the body.

The LifeVest offers patients advanced protection and monitoring as well as improved quality of life, according to Dr. Gopi Dandamudi, who practices cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township. The device continuously monitors the patient’s heart with dry, non-adhesive sensing electrodes to detect life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms.

“The LifeVest is a good option for patients who are at the most high risk,” said Dandamudi. “This is especially for those post-heart attack (patients) who are recuperating at home and awaiting an ICD. It provides peace of mind for patients and his family. It definitely has its uses, but I wouldn’t put it on everyone. It provides a bridge until an ICD is done.”

Usually one to second guess a doctor’s advice, Wysocki didn’t this time and wore the LifeVest home, thinking he wouldn’t need it.

“It’s not the most fashionable item you’d want to wear,” said Wysocki. “And it is cumbersome. Nobody wants a pile of junk on you.”

“I was just going to bed and went to put the lights out and the lights went out for me,” Wysocki said.

He experienced a heart attack at home just two weeks after leaving the hospital.

His wife, Jo Ann, 53, called 911 and the paramedics came to his home. Since the LifeVest had activated, Wysocki declined going to the hospital that night.

The only telltale sign was that the LifeVest released a substance that prevents the skin from burning during the life-saving electrical charge. Wysocki did receive a slight burn from the vest, which he likens to a sunburn.

“Right after the vest went off, I felt fine and I was sitting up in the living room.”

Fitting and use

The LifeVest is fitted to the patient’s body by a professional and it is worn under clothing, Dandamudi said. Electrodes in the garment connect to a monitor that is either worn on a shoulder strap or attached to a belt around his waist. While a person wears the LifeVest, the monitor constantly tracks his heart rhythm; and, if it becomes abnormal, the device automatically provides a treatment to restore normal rhythm.

If a life-threatening rhythm is detected, the device alerts the patient before delivering a treatment shock; a conscious patient can then disarm the device. If the patient is unconscious, the vest releases a gel over the therapy electrodes and delivers an electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.

When the vest is activated, it also plays a recorded message to tell the wearer and family members that the family physician and/or 911 should be called. It sends a second message to a center operated around the clock by the vest’s manufacturers, which delivers a heart reading to the patient’s hospital.

“Timely defibrillation is the single most important factor in resuscitating someone in ventricular fibrillation,” said Dandamudi. “The vest was crucial in saving Mr. Wysocki’s life.”

The next day, Wysocki was advised by his cardiologist to go to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

One hour later, while at the hospital, he experienced another heart attack — his second in 24 hours.

“The LifeVest saved my life,” said Wysocki. “There is no doubt in my mind about that.”

In October 2002, the LifeVest was approved by the FDA; in July 2005, it was approved for Medicare coverage. More than 19,000 patients have worn the LifeVest since its inception.

Because the LifeVest is worn outside the body, side effects are minimal. The LifeVest is not recommended for patients who currently have an ICD or have a physical or mental deficit that would impair their interaction with the LifeVest. The LifeVest is moisture resistant, but should not be placed in water. A patient must remove the LifeVest prior to showering or bathing. The LifeVest has a very low unnecessary shock rate of less than 1 percent per month.

The LifeVest is covered by most health plans in the United States, including commercial, state and federal plans.

Wysocki has since had an ICD implanted in his chest as well as a pacemaker and, he notes, “I have a nice array of pills I take now.”

He follows a heart-healthy diet and his only complaint is that “I can’t have any beer because I am on Coumidin,” a blood-thinner that helps prevent clotting.