Lung Transplantation
ANATOMY The respiratory system consists of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity,...
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Catheter Ablation
Any irregularity in your heart’s natural rhythm is called an arrhythmia. Almost everyone’s heart skips beats, and these mild palpitations...
Is it advisable to wait a few months to have my ICD implanted?
Timing of an ICD implant depends mainly on severity of the heart problem and presence of arrhythmia. If you have...
May a patient reside in an assisted living facility while awaiting heart transplantation?
If they meet the parameters and are approved by the medical review board to be listed for transplant then, yes,...
Why do my mother’s body and hands shake after heart bypass surgery?
These symptoms may be transient, but are not typical of any disease after coronary surgery.
Could I have had a heart attack (shown on EKG) and not know it?
Dear Maureen: The EKG has first a computer interpretation. I often correct that interpretation based on what I know about...
Is a third open heart surgery possible for my father-in-law?
Yes, the operation is possible but would be technically difficult due to adhesions. If may be necessary, however, if the...
Must surgery be delayed because of shingles?
I think I understand the surgeon’s rationale, in that if she were to have pain in the area to which...
Can stents be cleaned out if needed?
I am not sure what clean out means, however, if a patient has a re-narrowing or recurrent blockage in a...
What vessel is considered the “widowmaker” ?
The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery is often referred to as the “widowmaker”.
How long does it take to fully return to normal after open heart surgery?
The duration of such symptoms after major surgery is unpredictable. That you are participating in cardiac rehab is helpful.
