Over the past 50 years, the landscape of heart disease has changed dramatically, and largely for the better. According to a new report from the American Heart Association, overall death rates from heart disease have dropped by 66%, and deaths from heart attacks specifically have declined by nearly 90%. These numbers reflect decades of progress in preventive [...]
Athletes are often viewed as the picture of health. But even those in peak physical condition can face serious vascular challenges. One condition that can affect young, otherwise healthy athletes is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a disorder that can restrict blood flow and lead to clot formation between the collarbone and upper ribs (or thoracic outlet). [...]
If you’ve been diagnosed with a serious condition in your chest, your primary care doctor or specialist may refer you to a thoracic surgeon for expert evaluation and treatment. What is a thoracic surgeon? A thoracic surgeon is a doctor who performs surgery on the organs inside the chest including the lungs, esophagus, and airway. [...]
In June we celebrate fathers and the special male figures in our lives. Since June is Men’s Health Month, one of the best ways to show your love and appreciation is to check in with them about their well-being, both physical and mental. According to research from the CDC, men are less likely than women [...]
Symptoms like facial drooping, arm weakness, blurred vision, or slurred speech are all common indicators of a stroke, but they can also signal a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)—sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” While a TIA may not cause permanent damage, it’s a critical red flag that a full stroke could follow. Recognizing and acting on these [...]
The vascular system is the vast and intricate network of vessels, veins and arteries that supplies the body’s organs with blood. It is estimated that there are more than 60,000 miles of arteries and veins running through our vascular system. A vascular surgeon helps to surgically treat serious conditions and diseases associated with your blood [...]
If you frequently experience pain in the back of your legs when walking, it could be a sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) is a common circulatory condition affecting more than 10 million Americans. PAD causes a narrowing of the peripheral arteries due to fatty plaque buildup (or atherosclerosis) which restricts [...]
Heart disease affects millions of Americans and remains the leading cause of death for both men and women year after year. It refers to the serious conditions affecting the heart, its operation and structure, and the many blood vessels, veins and arteries surrounding it. At CTVS, we work tirelessly to surgically treat the many serious [...]
An estimated 700,000 sternotomies are performed annually in the United States. It is a serious surgery that opens up the chest cavity through the breastbone, or sternum, to gain access to the lungs and heart. A sternotomy procedure is done in advance of other procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery, aortic valve repair and replacement, [...]
For Michael Miskovich, an active 25-year-old, fitness is more than a hobby, it is his way of life. From mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing to rigorous weightlifting, he pushes his body to the limit. But in December 2024, a slight shoulder tightness quickly took a serious turn, revealing a blood clot and a Thoracic [...]
