National Donate Life Month 2022
Have you ever considered “bee-coming” an organ donor? Or are you one already? This year’s theme for National Donate Life Month is “Bee a Donor” because bees support life throughout nature and their community. At CTVS, we are so grateful for those who choose to make the gift of organ donation and marvel at the opportunity that one human saves the life of another. One single organ donor can save up to eight different lives. Last year, 41,354 organ transplants were performed in the United States (3,817 of those were heart transplants). Despite the ongoing medical challenges of the COVID-19 [...]
New Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines Could Save More Lives and Provide Better Access
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, more so than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. In 2022, the American Cancer Society predicts a staggering 131,180 deaths due to lung cancer, however, it also predicts that with more widespread screening, early detection could save a potential 30,000 to 60,000 lives. Updated screening guidelines were recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) last year and are now newly supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The new guidelines aim to make screenings more widely available to high risk individuals and those [...]
How Diabetes Damages Blood Vessels Causing Risk for PAD
Research shows that approximately one out of four Americans does not realize that they have diabetes. For this reason, it is often referred to as a “silent” disease. Diabetes increases the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood to dangerous levels and can occur in one of two forms: Type 1 which is genetic, or Type 2 which is largely due to poor diet and unhealthy eating habits. If left untreated, diabetes can have a negative impact on blood vessels and circulation and lead to serious conditions like atherosclerosis, PAD (peripheral artery disease), and even stroke or heart attack. [...]
CTVS Patient Urges Others to Pay Attention to Your Heart Health
All throughout February, CTVS has been sharing ways to get heart healthy in honor of American Heart Month. One important piece of advice we are sharing comes from a special patient of ours, Chris Valdez, who says that you should never ignore troubling health symptoms, especially those regarding your heart, as it could mean a matter of life and death. Chris, a 43-year old single father of five, recently shared his emotional story on CBS Austin. He was born with a heart defect which he did not get diagnosed or seek treatment for until later in life, despite having chronic [...]
Love Your Heart, Stress Less
February is American Heart Month and a great time to check in about your heart health. Cardiovascular/heart disease is responsible for one in every four deaths in the United States. It also contributes to other serious consequences in the form of heart attack and stroke. If you are already under the care of a heart doctor, make sure to keep up with your regular appointments and medication. Or, if you have a family history of heart disease, but are unsure of your potential risks for it, now is a good time to speak with a physician about preventative measures. One [...]
5 Simple Steps to Improve Cardiovascular Health
If you could follow five simple steps to help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease in 2022, would you? Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with approximately one person succumbing to it every 26 seconds. Heart disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious, and even fatal, conditions such as PAD (peripheral artery disease), heart attack and stroke. Vowing to better your overall health for this new year is a great resolution but resolving to improve your heart health specifically is an even better lifetime resolution. [...]
CTVS Physicians Recognized as Top Doctors by Austin Monthly
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS) is proud to recognize our physicians that have been named to Austin Monthly magazine’s list of Austin Top Doctors 2022. Please join us in congratulating our “Top Doctors” in Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. Cardiothoracic Surgery Stephen Dewan, M.D. Mark Felger, M.D. William Kessler, M.D. Faraz Kerendi, M.D. W. Chance Conner, M.D. Robert Neely, M.D. Brendan Dewan, M.D. Vascular Surgery Phillip Church, M.D. John Politz, M.D. Jeffrey Jobe, M.D. Stephen Settle, M.D. Joe Wells III, M.D. Scott Seidel, M.D. Jeffrey Apple, M.D. Mazin Foteh, M.D. Ryan Turley, M.D. Top Doctors are selected by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. through peer [...]
Treating Diabetes Complications and Preventing Amputation
Diabetes on its own is a challenging condition to manage which requires you to constantly monitor your diet and keep blood sugar and insulin levels in a good range. Patients with diabetes are also at increased risk for a variety of other medical complications, such as peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Both of these conditions can have serious adverse effects on the lower extremities (legs and feet), which can potentially lead to amputation if they are not treated properly. Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can develop with chronic high blood sugar levels. Neuropathy can [...]
Announcing our 2021 Super Doctors®
At Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS), we are always honored to receive praise from our peers throughout the local medical community. It is an even greater privilege to be recognized alongside outstanding medical professionals from across the state. Each year, CTVS has several physicians named as a Texas Monthly Super Doctors®. Our CTVS Texas Monthly Super Doctors for 2021 are: Cardiothoracic Surgeons Stephen J. Dewan, MD Mark C. Felger, MD William F. Kessler, MD Hunter Q. Kirkland, MD Faraz Kerendi, MD Eric M. Hoenicke, MD Brannon R. Hyde, MD Vascular Surgeons Phillip J. Church, MD John K. Politz, MD Jeffrey S. Jobe, MD [...]
What is Hyperhidrosis?
Sweating is normal, and it helps the body release heat and cool itself. But some people sweat excessively, beyond warm temperatures and their environmental surroundings whether they are exerting energy or not. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis may be the result of stress or a genetic factor and is triggered by the body’s sympathetic nervous system which can overstimulate the sweat glands. It most frequently affects the scalp, face, palms of hands, and soles of the feet. According to CTVS board-certified thoracic surgeon Dr. Matthew Gaudet, beyond the health issue, there can also be serious professional and social [...]