Grateful to Have Such Excellent Heart Care Close to Home
Regular Gym-Goer, Wife, Cardiology Patient
“I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t go to MyMichigan, especially for heart care. My husband and I have always gone there and believe it’s an excellent facility. When I was connected with Dr. Mattichak, that was a true bonus.”
Midland resident Lucy Schweigert is an active 76 -year-old living with heart disease. Her family history indicated the possibility she would experience heart issues, and she has been an active participant in her health. Lucy has had seven stents to date. Her last two heart catheterizations with stent placement were performed by Interventional Cardiologist Stephen Mattichak, M.D. She said that her experience could not have been better. From Dr. Mattichak’s technical skills to his bedside manner and office interactions, Lucy considers him a trusted partner in her care.
“I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t go to MyMichigan, especially for heart care,” she said. “My husband and I have always gone there and believe it’s an excellent facility. When I was connected with Dr. Mattichak, that was a true bonus.”
Lucy was in extreme pain when she arrived at the Emergency Department for her last heart event—worse than anything she had felt before. But the moment Dr. Mattichak entered the room, she knew he was genuinely concerned for her and completely focused on making her feel better.
“Dr. Mattichak and his staff were wonderful in the procedure room and made me feel at ease,” Lucy shared. “His personality and sense of humor were so calming. Even though I’d been through the procedure before, he still took the time to explain the what and how of it, which gave me total peace of mind.”
During a heart catheterization, Dr. Mattichak threads a narrow tube, called a catheter, through an artery in the wrist or groin and guides it to the heart. Injected dye allows him to use live X-rays to locate exactly where a blockage is and determine its severity. If a blockage is found, he can immediately proceed with an angioplasty by advancing a tiny balloon and a wire mesh stent over a guidewire. Inflating the balloon expands the stent to open the artery, locking it in place to permanently restore healthy blood flow.
“It’s paramount for me to explain processes to my patients so they understand what’s happening and how our team will work together to address their particular problem,” said Dr. Mattichak. “The greatest satisfaction of my job is knowing that I’m helping patients find relief and helping improve their overall quality of life.”
Lucy always completes her cardiac rehab with MyMichigan and openly admits she just doesn't like to sit still. These days, you can find her working out regularly at the gym with her husband. Lucy also loves staying informed about her condition and medications by doing her own research. Whenever she has questions to better understand her health, she says Dr. Mattichak is always more than happy to answer them.
“I feel we should all stay active and informed,” Lucy said. “With caring cardiac experts like Dr. Mattichak right here in Midland, I know I’ll always be taking care of.”
Those who would like more information about MyMichigan Health’s comprehensive heart and vascular program may visit www.mymichigan.org/heart.
