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 [...]
From Marathon to Hospital: A Patient’s Unexpected Stroke Journey
May is American Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke takes place when blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain become blocked or rupture, resulting in damaged brain cells and potentially even permanent brain damage or death. Sadly, stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability in our country. Imagine not realizing you were experiencing the signs of a stroke, instead thinking you are just suffering from side effects of exhaustion after running a marathon in another country. This is what happened to one of our CTVS patients who recently visited Japan to compete in her [...]
Reviewing the Ross Procedure with Dr. Kerendi
The Ross procedure is a complex operation designed to replace a diseased or damaged aortic valve. This unique surgery relies on a patient's own existing tissue, the pulmonary valve, to replace the aortic valve rather than using an artificial valve. The Ross procedure is only performed by a handful of skilled, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons nationwide who are trained in this highly specialized technique. In fact, only around 300 people in the U.S. each year undergo the Ross procedure for aortic valve replacement. CTVS has a long history of performing the Ross procedure with successful patient outcomes and a mortality rate [...]
Can GERD cause Esophageal Cancer?
The esophagus is the tubular muscle that facilitates swallowing and connects the mouth to the stomach. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 22,000 new cases of esophageal cancer diagnosed this year, and more than half of those will result in death. As April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, our team of thoracic surgeons are eager to educate people on the risk factors and often subtle signs that can be hard to detect associated with this serious disease. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common risk factor that contributes to esophageal cancer. What is GERD? GERD [...]
What is a mediastinal mass?
The mediastinum is an area in the chest located between the lungs in the middle of your thoracic cavity. Residing inside the mediastinum are the heart, aorta, esophagus, trachea, lymph nodes, and a small organ called the thymus. In rare cases, abnormal cells can develop in the mediastinum and a mass forms. This is known as a mediastinal mass, a condition our thoracic surgeons at CTVS are highly experienced and skilled at treating. What is a mediastinal mass? Mediastinal masses can develop in a variety of forms including lymphomas, thymomas, tumors and cysts. Generally, these masses tend to be benign, [...]