Innovative AFib treatment restores quality of life for Indiana veteran

Leonard Strunk, a 79-year-old retired U.S. Air Force veteran, and his wife, Bonita, a retired nurse, have always embraced an active lifestyle centered around family and the outdoors.

They especially enjoy hiking and exploring the wooded property surrounding their home in Heltonville, Indiana, just south of Monroe Reservoir. But as his atrial fibrillation (AFib) progressed, it became harder for him to stay active.

AFib can cause rapid, irregular heartbeats. It led Leonard to have significant fatigue and shortness of breath that affected his daily life.

He has had heart issues for more than 40 years and undergone several treatments and procedures.

Since 2017, Leonard has been guided through his cardiac journey by Rachel O'Connor, NP, who specializes in cardiology.

Because AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke, Leonard started taking blood thinner medication to help reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots. The medication initially helped.

Later, Leonard had multiple falls, and the continued use of blood thinners raised the risk of serious bleeding if he fell again.

Leonard was excited when offered the option to have a cardiac ablation and a WATCHMAN procedure done at the same time by cardiac electrophysiologist Kyle Hornsby, MD. The approach had the potential to improve his AFib symptoms while eliminating the need for long-term blood thinner medication.

Fewer hospital visits and surgeries also improved convenience, reduced exposure risk and shortened overall recovery time compared to undergoing separate procedures.

“Now that insurance will cover the dual procedure, it was clear the best choice was to do it at the same time,” said Leonard.

In the past, insurance typically did not cover these procedures when performed together, but coverage is more common for eligible patients.

Leonard noticed improvements soon after the surgery and steadily returned to a more active lifestyle.

“I have been feeling much better. I have more energy and stamina and can walk farther without having any issues,” said Leonard.

He and Bonita are excited to be taking their first vacation in years and look forward to enjoying more time outdoors together.