For one patient, Providence Swedish's advanced cardiac care felt like magic

September 6, 2024

Swedish Heart & Vascular Team

[4 min read]

In this article:

New pacemaker technology helped save Charlie Hogan's life.
Providence Swedish is one of the first health systems on the West Coast to use this new dual-chamber leadless pacemaker.
A generous gift to the Swedish Foundation from Charlie and his wife Nancy is ensuring that Providence Swedish continues to offer some of the most advanced care anywhere.

After a day at the office, Charlie Hogan realized something was wrong. He had no energy and was having trouble breathing. So Charlie, (in photo above, with wife Nancy) who had received care from Swedish in the past, headed to the Swedish Ballard emergency department.

Nancy Hogan, his wife, remembers every detail of her husband’s ordeal, despite being in California at the time. “His heart rate was 34 — I have the pictures,” she confirms. Nancy immediately flew back to Seattle to join Charlie at Swedish Ballard. At 3 a.m. the next morning, they were transferred to Swedish Cherry Hill for additional care.

While there, the couple met Darryl Wells, M.D., an electrophysiologist at Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute. Dr. Wells explained that Charlie’s heart rate should be nearly double what it was. He presented the couple with two options: a standard pacemaker or a new technology called a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker.

“All the doctors here are just the best ever. I feel very privileged to be surrounded by all these fabulous, world-class surgeons and doctors.”

- Charlie Hogan, Providence Swedish cardiac care patient

Unlike traditional pacemakers, the dual-chamber leadless system syncs wirelessly, eliminating the need for wires (called leads) and bulky equipment. Thanks to generous donors, Swedish was one of the first health care systems on the West Coast to offer this new device to its patients. The difference is “like going from a wall-mounted phone to a cell phone,” Dr. Wells notes.

“Dr. Wells explained the procedure so well,” Charlie recalls. “It was like going through a college course listening to all this information about the procedure and technology. We felt very, very comfortable with him.”

Charlie opted for the dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, becoming the fifth patient on the West Coast to receive the new technology. The procedure was “just magic,” he says, with no pain or complications.

“We are very fortunate to be one of the first to use this technology,” Dr. Wells says. “It’s all thanks to philanthropists who have given to ensure Swedish’s legacy and the advancement of care.”

For the Hogans, it’s a full circle moment. They have a rich history of philanthropy in the community, including with Swedish Foundation. Their reason for giving back is evident not only in Charlie’s new pacemaker but also in their praise for Swedish caregivers from whom they’ve received care: Dr. Wells, of course; Christopher Cannon, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Swedish Orthopedic Institute; and Pravin Khemani, M.D., medical director of Swedish Neuroscience Institute’s Movement Disorders Clinic.

“All the doctors here are just the best ever,” Charlie says. “I feel very privileged to be surrounded by all these fabulous, world-class surgeons and doctors.”

“It’s nice to know that when you come in to be treated at Swedish, the doctor that’s going to see you is going to be this caliber of doctor,” Nancy adds. “Dr. Wells is phenomenal, and that’s reflective of all the doctors here at Swedish. Coming to Swedish, it just instills a level of trust and confidence in you.”

Learn more and find a physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP)

The team of specialists at the Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute has access to the latest treatments and technology and the expertise to know how to use it safely and effectively. Call 206-320-4100 to learn more about the vascular care we offer.

Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.

About the Swedish Foundation

Your generous gift helps support a healthy tomorrow for everyone in every communty we serve. Learn about more ways to give to the Swedish Foundation or make a direct donation online at swedishfoundation.org. You can also contact the Foundation at 206-368-2738 or email foundation@swedish.org. Thank you for helping us shape the future of healthcare. We can’t do it without you.

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