A sharp and sudden chest pain could be caused by any number of issues, such as a heart attack. Another possibility, although extremely rare, is an aortic dissection. Aortic dissections are estimated to occur in about 5 to 30 people per every one million in the United States each year. It is one of the [...]
While stroke is a serious and potentially deadly condition, a Central Texas man is using humor and songwriting as part of his healing process. On November 9, 2021, Chuck King was working as an insurance agent and speaking to one of his coworkers, when suddenly his right side went numb. Knowing something felt off, he [...]
We are always extremely proud of our CTVS physicians when they volunteer their surgical skills and help those in need. One of our board certified cardiothoracic surgeons, Dr. Robert Neely, and CTVS Surgical Tech Theresa Vela, recently returned from such an endeavor in Kenya providing cardiac surgical care and training. They traveled there through their [...]
May is around the corner and one of our warrior patients is an inspiring mom and someone whom we are grateful to know and have cared for. Her name is Kuan-hsien 'Milly' Lee. She is a 36-year old mother of two who was recently treated for a mitral valve prolapse by CTVS board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon [...]
Most musicians will say they want you to listen to their music. But one local and legendary blues guitarist says that you should listen to your heart. Jimmie Vaughan, 72, is an Austin-born musician (and older brother of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan). A few months ago, that may not have seemed possible. Vaughan recently [...]
As the weather is warming up now, it’s a great time to get outside for a walk. Walking is an excellent form of exercise, especially if you are one of the estimated eight to ten million Americans who are living with Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. PAD is a condition caused by the narrowing of [...]
The mitral valve is a major part of the heart situated between the lungs and the left ventricle. It helps to regulate blood flow and ensure that it moves in the right direction throughout the body. If it becomes leaky (mitral valve regurgitation) or too narrow (mitral valve stenosis), it may need repair or replacement [...]
Having the flu may have saved former Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell's life last spring. Because of his severe symptoms, he had a chest X-ray so doctors could take a closer look into his lungs. That's when they discovered what's called a thoracic aortic aneurysm (or TAA). A TAA is a bulge that develops in the [...]
The start of the new year is a great time to prioritize your health. A way to accomplish this is to schedule an annual physical with your physician and also get screened if you are at risk for, or have a family history of, certain serious conditions like cancer. One type of cancer that can [...]
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS) is thrilled to begin the new year by congratulating several of our physicians who have been named to Austin Monthly magazine’s list of Top Doctors for 2023. Each year we are grateful for the recognition that our team receives from the local Austin community, including Travis, Hays and Williamson counties. [...]
