Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart can no longer operate efficiently on its own, or effectively pump blood throughout the body. Signs of heart failure may include difficulty breathing, a racing heartbeat/heart palpitations, fatigue, or unexplained swelling. If left untreated, this condition can prove life-threatening. Most people would assume that [...]
An aortic aneurysm is a very serious condition that occurs when the aorta (the largest artery in the body that comes off the heart) develops a bulb-like formation. If the aneurysm is not treated appropriately, it can rupture or lead to an aortic dissection, causing blood to dangerously leak out of the aorta and prove [...]
It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are living with PAD, or Peripheral Artery Disease. PAD is a serious condition affecting circulation and blood vessels, causing them to narrow from plaque buildup in the arteries and blocking blood flow to the extremities, typically the legs and feet. It is triggered by atherosclerosis, which [...]
CTVS is thrilled to welcome cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Courtney Weber to our team. She is the second female surgeon to join CTVS, and one of only two female cardiothoracic surgeons in Central Texas. Dr. Weber completed her cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of California in San Diego (UCSD) and will be part of our [...]
New research shows that many cases of cancer and resulting deaths could have been prevented if Americans modified some of their unhealthy lifestyle habits. A study conducted in 2019 and recently published in the American Cancer Society (ASC) Journals evaluated 18 modifiable risk factors (in adults 30 years and older) and their effects on 30 [...]
Spontaneous pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, is a dangerous condition that is suffered more frequently by men than women, according to the NIH: National Institutes of Health. What is spontaneous pneumothorax? Spontaneous pneumothorax refers to a collapsed lung, or portion of the lung. It occurs when air leaks out of the lungs into the space [...]
One of the most common health issues facing men is heart disease. A precursor to heart attacks and heart failure, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in men over recent years. Unfortunately, even if you are presumably healthy, with no history or obvious symptoms of heart disease, it still may be [...]
Nothing makes us prouder at CTVS than when our physicians are recognized by fellow peers in the medical community and professional achievement. This year we are pleased to share that not one, but two of our specialists have been named as Texas Monthly Super Doctors Rising Stars, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Brendan P. Dewan and vascular [...]
Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from the circulatory condition Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and limits blood flow to the lower extremities. This limited blood flow causes poor circulation, which if left un-treated, can severely damage foot and leg tissue, sometimes resulting in non-healing ulcers. When [...]
CTVS patient and marathon runner, Alejandra Saitas, shared her stroke survival story with Nicole Villalpando from the Austin American Statesman in honor of Stroke Awareness Month to help educate others about the lesser-known symptoms she experienced that took her by surprise. You can read her story below or find it on the Austin American Statesman website here. [...]
