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Advancements in Cardiac Surgery

03/21/2012 14:23

Heart valve disease is one area that can benefit from hybrid and percutaneous/endovascular procedures. Heart valve disease refers to conditions that prevent one or more of the valves in the heart from opening and closing properly, which can lead to the development of a valve that does not open wide enough (stenosis) or a valve that is leaky (regurgitation). The symptoms of untreated heart valve disease can reduce a person's quality of life and overall survival.

Although open heart surgery is the traditional method to repair or replace severely damaged heart valves, and most patients can undergo open heart surgery without difficulty, there are new, less invasive techniques that can treat these conditions. Using a pioneering pin hole approach method through a groin vessel, a surgeon can utilize a valve on a catheter without opening the chest. Cardiac care southern california This revolutionary approach is currently offered to treat patients who cannot undergo surgery because their heart function is too severely compromised. These novel approaches are just as effective as open heart surgery to restore normal heart function and help patients return to a normal function and routine quickly.

A major advancement in the management of heart valve disease is the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a new minimally invasive technique for replacing a diseased aortic heart valve. TAVR delivers a collapsible artificial valve into the heart using a catheter, inserted under advanced imaging through a small incision in the groin vessel or between the ribs. The artificial valve is expanded inside the native valve by inflating a balloon, and almost immediately goes to work.

The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic heart valve, for the treatment of inoperable patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. SAPIEN is the first U.S. commercial approval for a transcatheter heart valve device enabling aortic valve replacement without the need for open-heart surgery and the Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute (HHVI) is the first institute in Orange County to provide this revolutionary new technique to patients.

"TAVR is a major milestone in the advancement of treating aortic valve heart disease," says Aiden Raney, M.D., F.A.C.C., medical director of cardiovascular surgery at Hoag Heart & Vascular Institute and the James and Pamela Muzzy Endowed Chair. "Until now, so many patients did not have an option for treatment of aortic stenosis."

Senile aortic stenosis is an age-related hardening of the valve and most patients are not fit for surgery. These patients that have been turned down for conventional surgical replacement of the aortic valve are now candidates for TAVR. "A large percent of patients with aortic stenosis are older and therefore will benefit greatly from TAVR, " vascular disease southern california adds Dr. Raney. "TAVR can help improve patients'' longevity, but most importantly it can help improve overall quality of life."

The recent Edwards trail that led to the FDA approval of SAPIEN, showed 69 percent survival of patients that received SAPIEN versus 50 percent survival in patients that received an alternative treatment. Edwards estimates approximately 500,000 people in the US suffer from severe aortic stenosis.

Rapid Recovery From Joint Replacement Surgery

03/19/2012 10:36

Hip pain can often discourage people from pursuing their daily activities, as well as stop them from enjoying favorite pastimes. Fear of surgery and the unknown can also be significant deterrents to getting a needed joint replacement procedure. Surgery to treat hip pain has often been assumed to be a long, painful route for relief. Today, however, many new and innovative treatment options are available that can improve the quality of life of those suffering from hip pain while returning the patient to their desired activities much quicker than in past years.

Two of the more popular ways to perform hip replacement surgery are the less invasive "posterior" approach and the less invasive "direct anterior" approach. rehab service southern california The type of hip replacement that is suitable for each individual may only be determined through discussion with his or her orthopedic surgeon. The good news is that regardless of the type of approach ultimately selected, thanks to available techniques and approaches, the patient will experience a more rapid recovery and faster return to normal activities.  

The "direct anterior" approach to hip replacement is one of several less invasive techniques. By utilizing a state-of-the-art operating table to manipulate the leg, it is often possible to implant a hip replacement without cutting any muscles or tendons, which leads to less post-operative pain, quicker return to function, and does not require postoperative range of motion restrictions. It also allows for real time X-ray analysis of implant position during surgery and allows the surgeon to more accurately reproduce normal hip anatomy and leg length equality.

Orthopedic surgeons Steven Barnett, M.D. and Robert Gorab, M.D. have been early adopters and advocates of this approach and educate other surgeons nationwide on the technique. Both surgeons have extensive experience with this procedure, completing it successfully on over 1,300 patients during the past three years. They have recently presented peer-reviewed data at a national orthopedic meeting that supports excellent outcomes, low complication rates, and rapid recovery on their first 704 patients using this approach. When compared to patients that underwent total hip replacement surgery utilizing traditional approaches, this patient group required significantly less pain medication while in the hospital, progressed with physical therapy at a faster pace, and were discharged from the hospital in half the number of days on average, with some being discharged the next day.

 



James Caillouette, M.D., one of the founding partners of Hoag Orthopedic Institute, has helped advance new total hip replacement techniques for more than a decade and has presented on the topic of minimally invasive hip replacement to both national and international medical forums. In addition, Dr. Caillouette believes there is more to a successful joint replacement than the surgical technique alone. Physical and emotional preparation, management of fear, education and advances in management of discomfort all lead to most patients being able to walk (with assistance) within less than 24 hours and progress quickly to normal weight bearing. This holistic approach to the complete joint replacement experience is at the core of success for his patients. In fact, Dr. Caillouette has performed many total hip replacements in the outpatient surgery center, where patients go home the next morning.

Steven Gausewitz, M.D., also a surgeon, states, "Total hip replacement is a proven, safe and effective treatment for painful hip conditions. The procedure has evolved in ways that make the recovery more rapid, resulting in a more closely aligned structure than that of a normal joint, and improved durability in such that it can be offered to younger and more active individuals." Dr. Gausewitz also believes that the soft tissues can be better preserved while accurately placing and securing the implants, with shorter incisions and less overall trauma. Anesthesia and pain control also continue to improve dramatically allowing patients to return home in less than 24 hours.

Stephen Mikulak, M.D., who has been practicing minimally invasive hip surgeries for 11 years in Newport Beach, has an opinion similar to Dr. Gausewitz in his description of the advancements in total hip replacement. "The successful combination of using a small incision, specially-designed instruments and eliminating the need to cut muscle, in combination with novel pain management protocols, allows patients to be up and walking within hours of surgery, often without assistance," rehab service southern california states Dr. Mikulak.

Physical Therapy - The Preferred Method for Arthritis

03/16/2012 15:32

Arthritis is a joint disease that occurs from trauma or the aging process. Joint pain is a common symptom of arthritis and it happens because of the daily wear on joint muscles. The arthritis sometimes causes discomfort and pain when you move your joints. The condition becomes worse if your body is stiff from the arthritis. rehabilitation southern california Physical therapy can reduce the symptoms of arthritis, relax your joints and manage the arthritis. Physical therapy offers a practical and long term solution to arthritis. That's why we think it may be better than other solutions.

When you go in for physical therapy for arthritis, the therapist will teach you stretches, muscle strengthening exercises, water exercises and aerobics. For example, because warm water relieves joint pain and relaxes your muscles, it's common for swimming activities to be included in physical therapy. And doing aerobics also helps with the strengthening of the muscles without putting pressure on the joints. It is better for the therapist to know more about your specific symptoms. It will make your condition more manageable on a daily basis. If you are overweight, physical therapy may include weight loss exercises which takes stress off the joints.

Because every patient's situation is different, physical therapy is more specific than other therapy. If you are not comfortable with a certain exercise, ask your therapist to design a new set of exercises. Also if you're still feeling severe joint pain even after the physical therapy, you may have to consider surgery for your condition. Generally, physical therapy is an excellent way to relieve arthritis pain. Sometimes you need to reduce the exercises for a brief time so your body can relax and regroup.

To research a good physical therapy clinic, visit online review websites of local physical therapists by customers and see if you can find anything they had to say about the treatment they received for arthritis. Visit the clinics' websites and read detailed information on their services. Read some local health magazines and read profiles on different physical therapists, then call the therapists and ask how they can help patients with arthritis. You should also ask about the price and if they accept certain insurance providers or Medicare.

While you're receiving the physical therapy, there are other non-medicated ways to relieve the arthritis. rehab southern california You want to get as much rest as possible at night because your joints need to rest. You should also avoid high-risk activities that will easily cause injuries. If you work from the computer, stand up every few hours and stretch your arms, neck and legs. When sitting in the chair, always sit straight up and don't slump over as this puts pressure on your joint muscles. Instead of taking painkillers, drink herbal teas with lemon and honey as they relieve joint pain. Avoid the lifting of heavy boxes or cans and get someone to help. It also helps to wear special rubber soles in your shoes to relieve the pain of foot arthritis.

Main Symptoms of Diabetes

01/25/2012 15:37

Taking care of health is a very important thing. If a person is not healthy he cannot perform well in anything. As a person gets older, he has to face many health issues. Genetic diseases are diseases that are passed from generation to generation. They can occur in any stage of a person's life. Allergies, diabetes, blood pressure, etc are some of the diseases, which can be called as genetic diseases.

Diabetes orange county is one of the most common genetic diseases, which is found in different areas and races. There is no absolute way to cure the diabetes yet, and it can only be controlled by having proper diabetes treatments. There is no age limit for diabetes, it could happen at any stage of a person's life. Small children can also become diabetic. Diabetes is an inborn disease controlled by a number of genes and it can be described by unusually high glucose levels in the blood of a person. Diabetes is chronic in nature and has no cures. They can only be controlled. Diabetic patients need proper diabetes treatment to control their sugar levels. The symptoms of diabetes do not show up very quickly. They develop steadily in a person and when they become very intense and severe, they can lead to serious problems, and may become life threatening.

The pancreas maintains the steady blood sugar levels in body. When the pancreas begins to breakdown, diabetes occurs. The pancreas also produces a hormone, which is commonly known as insulin. Insulin is a kind of hormone that is required for our body cells to consume sugar in the blood. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs more frequently to young people, however, type 2 diabetes are much more common than type 1 diabetes.

The main symptom of diabetes is that the person always feels thirsty even after he drinks lots of water. Due to the increased level of water intake his urination also increases and this increased urination mostly occurs at night times. A diabetic person either gains weight or starts losing weight in an unexplainable way. His eyesight also gets affected by diabetes. The person also feels hungry all the time as his appetite increases due to diabetes. Whenever a diabetic person gets any wounds, they do not heal. His skin also becomes very dry and itchy.

When diabetes orange county becomes more serious, the patient may face some very bad symptoms. They can become blind and the chances of having kidney failure or nerve damage increases. Diabetic patients may have micro vascular diseases, which are basically related to small blood vessels in the body. They can also have macro vascular diseases that are related to their arteries. In macro vascular diseases the arteries of a patient hardens or contracts which leads to the strokes or heart attacks. Diabetic patients should take care of their diet and should also take their medicines on time if they want to live healthier.

Control Diabetes for Better Life

01/24/2012 10:49

 

 

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world, especially in the developed countries. Usually people think lacking exercises is the main cause of diabetes. This is true to some degree. However, although medical scientists and researchers have developed the idea of diabetes' possible risks and the relative prevention, they have yet figured out the real main causes and the comprehensive therapeutic methods for curing the diabetes. Diabetes treatment can only help you control and maintain your blood sugar level but there is not a medicine as of the day, which can really cure it. In order to maintain your health you need to be cautious of few things.

Most diabetes therapies are about controlling sugar level in the blood system. In some therapeutic procedures, patients may need monitor the sugar level several times a day, and eat different food based on the sugar level. Diabetes is only about controlling, particularly for type 2 diabetes, you need to be more responsive to your blood sugar level and keep track of your results and then compare it on a wider period, such as weeks or months, so you could have an understanding if the diabetes therapy has shown some positive effect or not. Different therapies could have different results for different patients. Most diabetes patients have type 2 diabetes, while type 1 diabetes southern california happens much more frequently in young person.

Diabetes therapy is a gradual procedure and requires consistency. However, diabetes patients are easier become tired than normal persons. Thereby, diabetes treatment could be a big deal for them. And age factor counts too in such scenario. In most cases people feel positive effects if they carry along the diabetes treatment properly. It is crucial to maintain the improved lifestyle. Otherwise, the sugar level in blood could be higher again.

Diabetes could be controlled if you follow the doctor's instructions and do not eat food that has sugar in it. Exercises would also help you in developing efficiency to your insulin for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes therapy may also have an overwhelming psychological impact on you, you would need to develop a strong will to reject all the sweet food, including your favorites. Keeping all the key factors in your mind, you could begin your diabetes treatment southern california on a test stage. If the results seem to be productive you may continue with it and improvise more effectively to overcome the diabetes.

Bypass Surgery - Most Common Heart Disease Treatment in USA

01/16/2012 11:55

When medication did not work for your heart disease, surgery might be the answer. Heart disease surgery could be fairly simple such as an angioplasty and stents, but it could be complex too, such as bypass and valvuloplasty surgery. No matter how simple or complex the surgery is, the heart disease surgeries always have risk. It is because the heart is the engine of our body, if something bad happened in the surgery, it may cause very bad situation.

When the coronary arteries orange county become blocked, the problem may be treated by creating a new pathway for the blood flow to the heart. Bypass surgery includes taking an artery and grafting the artery in place on each side of the blockage. It helps the blood to get around the blockage. The grafting blood vessels can be taken from different parts of the body including arms, legs and chest. Grafts from those areas are safer to use because there are other ways that carry blood to those tissues.

Because of their long term results, thoracic arteries are commonly used grafts in heart disease treatment surgery. The arteries have their own rich in oxygen blood supplies and can be kept pretty much intact at their beginning point. The surgeon sews the arteries into the coronary artery just below the blockage. The artery can always be accessed primary incision.

Saphenous veins used in heart disease treatment surgery are found in the leg and sewn from the aorta to the coronary artery just below the blockage. This type of heart disease treatment is minimally invasive and usually results in less scarring, as well as a quicker recovery.

The radial and the ulnar are two arteries in the arm. Sometimes they are used in heart disease treatment surgery. The ulnar artery usually delivers adequate blood flow and there are no adverse side effects when the ulnar is removed for the bypass procedure. Preop and introp tests can determine whether the radial artery is good to be used in the bypass. When the radial is to be used, an incision is made in the forearm, about two inches from the elbow to about one inch from the wrist. It usually includes 6 months of a prescribed medication named calcium channel blocker. The medication helps keep the artery open. The side effect after operation includes wrist numbness.

It is not uncommon for multiple coronary arteries to be part of a bypass system used during heart disease treatment surgery. Diagnostic tests run as a prelude to heart disease treatment surgery will be the basis of the bypass method chosen. Depends on the size, location, degree of blockage, and the rough size of the coronary artery, the heart surgeon will choose which grafts are suitable to use. Bypass surgery is the most commonly used heart disease treatment in the United States.

Therapies Offered by Rehab Services

01/12/2012 16:42

There are a variety of rehabilitation services that one can consider when trying to kick addictions or improve a medical condition. Usually, the rehabilitation service is personalized to fit the needs of the patient. Unlike many other services, programs offered through a rehabilitation service are supervised. When people hear the phrase rehab service, they automatically think of drug and alcohol abuse, but rehabilitation services deal with mush more than that.

For example, rehabilitation service orange county deals with injuries such as physical therapy. Physical therapy helps people recover from an injured body part and regain the use of it. The doctor focuses on helping the client regain mobility while trying to decrease the amount of pain that the client experiences. During the physical therapy treatment, the doctor may put together an exercise plan to help the client improve faster. It may be combined with massages as well as nerve stimulation treatment. Physical therapy can last several months or less depending on a person's condition. Individuals who have serious injuries may be recommended to continue physical therapy for an extended period of time.

 



Except physical therapy, occupational therapy is also offered through a rehab service. Occupational therapy improves loss of function in certain areas of the body, reasoning abilities and basic motor functions. It is perfect for individuals who are disabled mentally, emotionally and physically because it's designed to improve these conditions while helping the client to return to their daily activities. During occupational therapy, clients are well informed and educated on their medical condition. By understanding that, the patients will understand the plan the doctor puts together. For example, if you're overweight, your doctor will probably put together a meal plan, exercise plan and treatment to help you to lose the weight. You are also taught how to improve the condition so that when you're done with the treatment, you know how to keep yourself healthy at home.

For the alcohol and drugs rehab service, the treatment depends on the severity of the patient's condition. A rehab service for drugs and alcohol on an inpatient basis is recommended for individuals who have a long history of drug use. During the rehab service, the patient will go through a detox program to clean the toxins in the body. Once successfully completed the rehab program, the patient may be required to participate in counseling sessions and take prescription medication.

Rehab Services - Help You Overcome Bad Addictions

01/12/2012 14:35

It is a difficult to help a drug addict get rid off the bad habit. There are many medical rehab centers providing different services. However, usually these rehab services can be classified into three categories. Most of the time, these three methods are used at the same time. However, experts might focus on a different method at a time. The needed rehab services for each patient are different because the situation of each patient is different.

1) Medical Rehab Services

In the medical rehab services, the facility usually employs a number of doctors, nurses, therapists and psychiatrists who are experts of the field. They keep a close eye on the condition of the patient and help in controlled withdraw from the drugs. The physical therapy is more commonly known as detox and can be really serious as it usually results in a number of health problems including hallucinations, pain and seizures. The withdrawal symptoms can have serious effects and may even lead to death and thus medical supervision is a must. The rehab services ensure that the withdrawal symptoms are kept in check by medication.

2) Dual Diagnosis Rehabilitation Services

Many times it has been observed that the addict suffers from some other type of problem as well. This might include bipolar disorder or depression. This certainly makes the things a lot difficult but the experts present at the rehab center helps the patient recover mentally as well as physically. Depression or any other problem can be a big hindrance in the recovery process as the medicines or therapies that cure depression might not be drug free which is the reason why the patient needs rehab services. Experts keep a close eye on the situation and treat both the conditions together.    

3) Counseling

Counseling is a form of occupational therapy that includes meaningful and purposeful activities which help in overall health improvement. The activities are done under the supervision of experts and include other addicts as well. Encouragement and teamwork is the key and the experts discuss the personal as well as family issues with the addict. The purpose is to guide the addict in the right direction and motivate him. Also, the group exercises helps a lot in motivating people as they realize that they are not the only ones going through the pain. This also ensures them that they are moving towards the correct goal and would be free from addiction in the time to come.

Education to the patients is also very important, although it may not be offered as a rehab service directly. The addicts are continuously educated about what the therapy is all about and what all changes are going on in their bodies and addictions. It is very important for the addicts to understand these.  rehab service orange county Understanding that addiction is a disease and how a cure can make their life better makes them more positive in the fight against it. Knowing about the symptoms would mean that they can understand the situation better and take necessary precautions. With the aid of professionals, education can be a great tool as used by rehab services to help people lead a better life.

Diabetes Treatment and Therapy General Information

12/30/2011 14:41

Diabetes is that kind of chronic disease, which has no cure. Once a person has diabetes then he can never get rid of this disease. Only proper treatment and proper diet can help him in staying healthy. Diabetes can be divided into two types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body of a person faces some problem in the production of insulin. Due to this problem, the beta cells of pancreas get destroyed. The other names for type 1 diabetes are insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes irvine is more common in teenager than adults.

Type 2 diabetes is caused due to less production of insulin or because of no reaction of receptors of cell with the insulin. In some cases, type 2 diabetes is also known as insulin resistant diabetes. The body of the patient generates too much insulin, patient's body develops a resistance by itself. Diabetic patients can control and maintain their health if they take proper balanced diet and workout regularly. The balanced diet, which diabetic patients take, should be full of nutrients. Most doctors recommend diabetic patients to take diet that is rich in fiber like apples, peas, apricots, broccoli, etc.

A person can stay fit by following proper diabetes therapy. There are many different types of diabetic therapies, some commonly used diabetic therapies include: tai chi therapy, stem cell based diabetic therapy, diabetic medical nutrition therapy, amino acid therapy, massage therapy, music therapy, Chelation therapy, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Ayurvedic medicine and herbal therapy, etc. These therapies are very effective for the diabetic patients and by following these therapies, a person can stay healthy.

Many patients prefer natural diabetes therapies to keep themselves healthy. Natural diabetes therapies usually do not have side effects. First of all, a person should do his exercise regularly like walking, cycling or swimming. It is important for diabetic patients to control their weight. Secondly, a diabetic patient should not drinking or smoking. Thirdly, a patient should get his diet plan from his doctors and follow it. Diabetic people should not eating sweet dishes and drinking sugary and fizzy drinks, as they usually contains too much sugar. It is very important for a diabetic patient to manage his stress. Usually, stress have a bad impact on the insulin and blood sugar levels of a diabetic patient. Last but not the least treatment, which a diabetic patient needs, is proper medication. Proper medication helps a diabetic patient in controlling his insulin secretions and blood sugar levels.

General Information About Heart Disease Treatment

12/23/2011 10:28

Our heart is one of the most vital organs of the body. In order to enjoy a healthy and vigorous life, we need make sure our heart is always in good physical shape. A person is said to be suffering from a heart disease when his heart condition starts to change from its normal state.

Generally speaking, heart disease is simply described as a painful condition of the heart. There are different types of heart diseases: hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, heart infections and others. In most cases, heart ailment is getting higher in infants as well as teenage years.

 



Heart diseases can be caused by many reasons. Some reasons are sedentary lifestyle, smoking habits, diabetes, improper diet, hypertension and other hereditary factors. Part of the heart disease treatment is to trace the early signs of the condition. Unfortunately, The symptoms of the early stage of the heart disease are not very evident. Most of the symptoms are noticeable when the condition is already at its critical level such as cold sweating, severe chest pain, sickness and heart attack.

There are many different diagnostic procedures that are available to determine if a person has a heart disease. ECG and Angiography are normal for initial diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with heart disease, it is important that you consult a heart specialist immediately. Usually, the heart disease treatment begins with basic medical tests to identify the actual state of your health condition. It is only through the doctor's advice that you will know whether you will undergo certain medication or surgical procedures. The usual medication given to heart disease sufferers are beta blockers, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and drugs that can reduce the cholesterol level of the body. The surgical procedure is also the options for heart disease treatment. Because of major technological advancements in the medical field, many surgeries are now available in different hospitals such as Angioplasty, Coronary Artery Bypass and heart transplant.

When taking medications, always remember to consult your doctor about what heart disease treatment options are suitable to your condition. It is also vital that you are familiar with each medication particularly the generic names and the proper dosage prescribed by the doctor. Also make sure that you are following the correct instruction.

To have a good healthy life, you must have a healthy life style. Eating the right kind of food and exercising regularly is the initial step towards successful heart disease treatment. heart treatment newport beach Talk to your doctor or a certified heart specialist to know what food you ought to eat and the kinds of physical activities that are suitable for your condition. Smoking and overeating are the major risk factors that cause heart ailments. You need stay away from these habits. Remember that no heart disease treatment can help you if you do not change your lifestyle.

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