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 [...]
For 27-year-old Rachael Boyle, heart health was a familiar topic. Her younger brother had experienced heart problems as a teenager, but she had always been healthy. That all changed when she fell ill in April 2024. The First Signs As Rachael wrapped up her spring semester at the University of Texas, she started experiencing persistent [...]
As one of our board certified vascular surgeons, Dr. Nicolas Zea performs a variety of complex procedures, and his dedication to patient care and service is exceptional. What you might not know about him is that he is also an avid adventurer, running ultra marathons and traveling far and wide to embark on trail run [...]
If you never experienced symptoms of heart trouble and were in excellent shape, would you think to visit a cardiologist? What if you had a family history of cardiovascular disease – would you change your mind? For CTVS patient Chad Benestante, these questions hit close to home. Chad is a very active, fit and generally [...]
CTVS patient, William Penny, shared his aortic dissection story with Nicole Villalpando from the Austin American Statesman to help raise awareness about heart health during American Heart Month. You can read his story below or find it on the Austin American Statesman website here. Will Penny and his wife were going for a run on [...]
