COVID-19 and Long-Term Heart Damage: Is There a Connection?
Because of its commonly recognized respiratory symptoms -- heavy coughing and difficulty breathing -- the most severely damaged part of the body following a bout of COVID-19 was thought to be the lungs, until now. A small study recently conducted in Germany and profiled in JAMA-Cardiology reveals that the effects of COVID-19 on the heart following recovery could be quite damaging. The study monitored the cardiovascular health of 100 patients who contracted the virus and subsequently recovered from it. Via Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging evaluation of these patients, it was discovered that the cardiac effects following COVID-19 may be: Long-lasting Hard [...]
AFib Surgical Treatments
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, happens when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly instead of beating effectively to move blood into the ventricles. This irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. What are the surgical treatments for AFib? The two most common surgical treatments for AFib are the Maze (performed during open heart surgery or a minimally invasive approach) and Convergent Ablation Procedures. A third option is ablation during minimally invasive valve surgery. CTVS board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Faraz Kerendi says that treatments are effective, but the severity of your [...]
Tracking Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Smartwatches can track everything from steps taken to sleep habits, and now they may even be able to detect a dangerous heart condition. A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that smartwatches (specifically the Apple Watch 4) were able to identify instances of atrial fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat/arrhythmia. The research was conducted on 50 postoperative cardiac surgery patients. The smartwatch was able to detect the irregular heartbeat 98% of the time in those wearing the device equipped with a downloadable PDF specifically designed to track this condition. According to the American Heart Association, at least 2.7 million [...]
About Our Vascular Intervention Suite (VIS)
The vascular surgeons at CTVS are committed to providing state-of-the-art imaging and treatment options to help restore blood flow to the legs and feet of patients with poor circulation and clogged arteries. We’re doing this in the most convenient way through our in-office Vascular Intervention Suite (VIS). Our team uses sophisticated x-ray technology and equipment, similar to a cath lab, to get an up-close view of vessels, which helps determine a more exact state of arterial or venous disease. The VIS is an integral part of our lower extremity revascularization program, which includes in-office evaluation, non-invasive vascular lab testing, medical [...]
CTVS 1st in Texas to Use TREO Device For Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS) has been making history for decades as pioneers performing several important first-ever medical procedures here in Central Texas. CTVS board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Mazin Foteh is now the first in our region to use the Terumo TREO implant device to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. Abdominal aortic aneurysms form when the blood vessels in the abdomen that supply blood to the heart become enlarged and have the potential to burst and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Most of the time, these aneurysms can be difficult to detect as symptoms are often slow to appear and typically mild. [...]
Dialysis Patients Urged Not to Delay Treatment Due to COVID-19
Dialysis Patients Urged Not to Delay Treatment Due to COVID-19 CTVS wants to remind patients that we are still performing essential vascular surgical procedures associated with dialysis treatment to all those suffering from kidney failure or End Stage Renal Disease. Dialysis and hemodialysis treatments use medical equipment to take over the filtration of blood and other fluids when kidneys are functioning poorly. Poor kidney function is often due to issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, heart disease, or extreme dehydration. We want to stress that it is important not to delay any essential evaluation or procedures for [...]
Celebrating the Dewan Duo on Father’s Day
Inside CTVS, you'll find two Dr. Dewans: Dr. Stephen Dewan is a cardiothoracic surgeon who has been with the practice since 1988. Dr. Brendan Dewan, Stephen's son, joined the practice exactly 30 years later in 2018. It is not uncommon for a child to follow in their parents’ footsteps when choosing a profession -- even cardiothoracic surgery, which ranks as one of the most competitive fields of medicine. As medical lingo often peppered dinner conversation when the Dewan children were young (their mom Diane, is a physician assistant), it was likely that at least one of them would be interested [...]
Five Tips to Prevent DVT on Your Summer Road Trip
After several months cooped up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and out of current fears of flying, many people are looking to hit the open road and travel by car for their summer vacation. “While traveling in your own personal car may help you avoid the virus en route to your destination, it is not without its own hazards,” says CTVS’ board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. David Nation. “Sitting in a car, or anywhere, for long periods of time can promote poor venous circulation, especially in the legs, and lead to a serious condition known as DVT, or Deep Vein Thrombosis.” [...]
Patient Story: Back on Track to Travel the World With a Little Help from Dr. Fortes
Kay Garcia McAnally and her husband, Conor, have been married 30 years. They're avid travelers and go to Europe twice a year where they have a second home in Ireland. So when Kay was sidelined due to her serious condition -- an elevated diaphragm -- they were both devastated. An elevated diaphragm occurs when one half of the diaphragm is paralyzed. The diaphragm is the most important muscle during inspiration. When it contracts the abdominal contents are forced downward and forward increasing the size of the chest cavity and allowing more air into the lungs. When paralyzed, however, the diaphragm [...]
Newer, less invasive procedure can help prevent a stroke
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States according to the American Stroke Association. Most strokes are caused by a buildup of plaque that cause blockages in the brain, and how quickly you receive treatment plays a large part in your ability to recover. CTVS board certified vascular surgeon Dr. Mazin Foteh was recently featured in a story on KXAN about a newer, less invasive procedure that can prevent a stroke from happening in patients that have a known blockage. TransCarotid Artery Revascularization, or TCAR, allows surgeons to access the carotid artery through a small incision just [...]