Archives

I have an IVC filter.  Can I still have an ablation with it?

It is possible to do an ablation with an IVC filter in place. As long as your doctor is aware...

Can a ventricular septal aneurysm cause chest pain? Is surgery warranted?

While many pertinent details of your health are not known, in general, I believe this deserves surgical treatment to prevent...

Why would avocados be limited in my father’s diet after a heart attack?

I am not sure why the diet book would limit avocados to twice per week for any condition. It would...

In TMLR, do holes heal like a normal cut, or remain clotted?

In Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMLR), the holes on the outer surface of the heart clot and heal over. The holes...

What technology is used to administer stem cell treatments to the heart?

Belinda, There are many ways of delivering stems cells to the heart, from direct injection in open heart surgery to...

Are there currently any biventricular heart assist devices used as destination therapy for patients with end stage CHF? If so, does your institute use them?

Hi Andrea, Currently there are no long-term fully implantable devices designed specifically for bi-ventricular assistance, however a few devices are...

I don’t think I had a heart attack, but my EKG suggests it. Please explain the result.

This question comes up frequently, almost on a daily basis in patient care with regards to the ECG: A patient...

Is an aneurysmal interatrial septum similar to other aneurysms in the body?

The interatrial septum is the thin wall that separates the upper atrial cavities of heart. When it appears elongated and...

Could Cardura be the cause of this patient’s CHF?

Dear Steve, It is unlikely that this is the cause for so-called CHF. A better definition is needed to know...

Is it possible to laser a stent in the hope of reopening it?

There are multiple devices to treat ISR (in-stent restenosis), including laser, atherectomy, and drug coated balloon. All have limited success.

What can I do for persistent symptoms after my STEMI and stent?

Dear Stephanie: this is not an easy one. Other causes of chest pain are the neck and the GI tract....

Why is my husband on multiple medications after his heart attack?

Dear Judy, Hypertension and elevated cholesterol are not the only risk factors for heart disease. Some of the others are...