CTVS Treats Heart Failure with Expanded Team
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 heart failure typically affects seniors, but younger people can suffer from it too. A study conducted over the years of 2012 to 2019 shows the rate of death due to heart failure in those aged 16 to 44 years old actually increased. With the cases [...]
The link between high blood pressure and aortic aneurysms
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 life-threatening. Factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can accelerate aortic atherosclerotic disease, which can lead to an aortic aneurysm. As September is Aortic Disease Awareness Month, and our team of cardiothoracic experts knows a thing or two about aortic aneurysms, we’re sharing [...]
PAD Awareness Month and Treating Arterial Ulcers
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 occurs when fatty deposits or cholesterol accumulates within the arteries. September is PAD Awareness Month, and at CTVS, our board-certified vascular surgeons are helping to educate and arm you with information to prevent PAD and the many severe symptoms often accompanying this painful condition. One [...]
CTVS Welcomes Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Courtney Weber
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 experienced team that surgically manages heart failure. Her clinical specialties includes: Coronary Artery Revascularization, including Off-pump and total arterial revascularization Valve Replacement and Repair Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Heart/Lung Organ Procurement Robotic or video-assisted thoracic surgery Minimally invasive Pacemaker/CRT Laser lead extractions Transcatheter Aortic Valve [...]
Preventing Cancers by Modifying Risk Factors
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 different forms of cancer, such as lung cancer, something that our team of thoracic surgeons treat here at CTVS. Some of the risk factors that were studied include: Cigarette smoking Excess body weight Consumption of red and processed meats Low consumption of fruits, vegetables and [...]
What is Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
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 between your lungs and the chest wall (known as the pleural space). The leaked air on the outside of the lungs then pushes on it causing it to collapse. This condition can prove fatal if not addressed right away because the collapsed lung puts severe [...]
A Patient’s Journey Through Sudden Heart Failure to a Life-Saving Heart Transplant
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 there. If you think it can’t happen to you, think again. 43-year-old Brandon Ring is a patient of ours at CTVS who has been under the care of not one, but three, of our dedicated cardiothoracic surgeons who, along with a multispecialty team of healthcare [...]
CTVS Celebrates Physician Recognition
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 surgeon Dr. Nicolas Zea. Additionally, one of our vascular surgeons, Dr. Jeffrey M. Apple has been named by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Vascular Surgeons 2024. CTVS Super Doctors Rising Stars Super Doctors Rising Stars are selected annually based on medical peer and patient [...]
How much do you know about PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease)?
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 these ulcers are not treated properly, they could become infected, and in extreme cases, pose a threat for foot or leg amputation. Risk factors for developing PAD include: Diabetes Obesity High blood pressure or high cholesterol Kidney disease Smoking Family history of PAD or other [...]
Healthy Woman Survives Stroke After Running Tokyo Marathon
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. Alejandra Saitas is not who you think of when you think stroke. The 60-year-old Austinite has been running for 30 years, done marathons and half Ironman triathlons. She runs five times a week and lifts weights two days. Her cholesterol is "perfect," she says, and [...]