Did you know that one in four adults will suffer a stroke at some point in their life? A stroke occurs when the carotid arteries, the two main arteries that supply blood to the brain, become narrowed and restrict its flow. This often results from plaque build-up within the arteries known as carotid disease. Stroke [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
