Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator What is a defibrillator? This tiny battery-powered device can be surgically implanted in your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. If a dangerous arrhythmia (irregular beat) is detected, the device automatically sends a small electrical impulse in an attempt to return the heartbeat to normal. The process of implanting an ICD is similar to implanting a pacemaker. An ICD typically includes electrode wire(s) that pass through a vein to the right chambers of the heart. Pacemakers are more often temporary and are generally designed to correct a slow heartbeat

Pacemaker What is a pacemaker? A pacemaker is a small electronic device that takes over the job of providing the electrical impulses needed to establish an appropriate heart rhythm. It keeps track of your normal heartbeat, and can sense when it becomes too slow. When that happens, the pacemaker generates a small electrical impulse, very similar to the heart's natural impulse. This keeps your heart beating at a normal pace. How is a pacemaker implanted? The generator may be implanted under your skin through a small incision. The generator is connected to your heart through tiny wires that are

Therapeutic Hypothermia What is therapeutic hypothermia? Therapeutic hypothermia is controlled, temporary cooling of a patient’s body temperature. Munson Medical Center began performing the procedure in 2009. About 90 percent of the 300,000 Americans who suffer a heart attack outside of a hospital die each year. For decades, conventional wisdom has been that if the heart stops beating longer than six to 10 minutes, the brain is dead. Mounting evidence of survival with little to no brain damage prompted hospitals around the country – including Munson Medical Center – to add therapeutic

Transesophageal Echocardiography What is transesophageal echocardiography? Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make detailed pictures of your heart and the arteries that lead to and from it. An echo transducer that produces sound waves is attached to a thin tube that passes through your mouth, down your throat and into your esophagus. The sound waves sent to your heart by the probe in your esophagus are translated into pictures on a video screen. Because the esophagus is so close to the upper chambers of the heart, very clear images of those

Structural Heart Clinic The team at Munson Medical Center’s Structural Heart Clinic care for patients from across northern Michigan who in years past would not have an option for getting better. Now through technology and medical expertise, these patients – such as an 86-year-old who experienced a catheter-based heart valve procedure – enjoy immediately getting back to a more active life. “I had Cardiac Rehab call me and ask why the patient was not going to rehab,” recalls Linda Minor, BSN, RN, a nurse in the clinic. “I told them she felt so good she was going to yoga classes twice a week.”

Financial Support Oncology Financial Navigators We realize that finances may be a key concern for patients when discussing treatment options. Our oncology financial navigators can help you understand the financial aspects of cancer care. They can work with you and your physicians to help relieve financial stress and improve your access to the care you need. An oncology financial navigator will review and evaluate your healthcare benefits to determine what your potential out-of-pocket costs may be and see if resources are available to lower your costs. Your navigator also may: Look for co

Events at the Cowell Family Cancer Center American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking Group Quit Program Held throughout the year at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, this 8-week program has a proven track record – hundreds of thousands of people have become smoke free through this group clinic, which offers a structured, systematic approach to quitting. Learn more and see the upcoming class schedule.

Health and Wellness Services at the Cowell Family Cancer Center We believe that everything matters in cancer treatment. The Health and Wellness Suite at the Cowell Family Cancer Center offers space for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing through integrative therapies, meditation, exercise, nutrition, and the arts. Cowell Family Cancer Center well-being services are available to patients, staff, family members, caregivers, and the community. Click the links below to learn more about our Health and Wellness Services. Art & Music Integrative Therapies

Cancer Treatment Locations Wherever you live in northern Michigan, you have access to Munson Healthcare’s system of coordinated cancer care. You will find the same high quality standards of care at each location.

Community Benefit Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital is a non-profit organization that benefits the communities it serves in many ways through direct and indirect patient care. The hospital reinvests in its communities with measurable community benefit to fulfill its mission of community service and to meet its charitable tax-exempt purpose. The Munson Healthcare system annually provides $65 million in health care programs and education, as well as free, discounted, and unreimbursed services. Those programs are highlighted in Community Connections, a report on community benefit. Community