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State of the Union: Heart Care in 2023

… of the specialty around the world, the first thing to say is that what's normal here, we like to call “Columbia … valve, aortic, tricuspid—our Structural Valve team is doing percutaneous [through the skin] catheter-based and … where we replace aortic valves minimally invasively, which is now quite well-established around the world but was done …

Last Modified: 09/30/2024 - 09:21

Cleft Lip and Palate

… About Cleft Lip and Palate What is cleft palate? Cleft palate is a condition that occurs when the roof of the mouth (aka … close during development, leaving an opening, or cleft. It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present from …

Last Modified: 05/30/2025 - 17:38

Bicuspid Valve Disease

… Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common birth defect affecting the heart and is present in 1-2% of the population. Bicuspid aortic valve is much more common in males than females. There are three …

Last Modified: 03/17/2025 - 15:45

Transplant Waiting List

… take one week to many months. Unfortunately, the latter is more often the case. This waiting time has been described … provides information on local and national resources. What is Involved in Finding Your New Heart? Once you are accepted … umbrella organization for transplantation, UNOS's mission is to promote and advance the science of transplantation, and …

Last Modified: 01/15/2026 - 15:45

Guide to Heart Surgery Approaches

… How is Heart Surgery Performed? For decades, cardiac surgery was … incision down the middle of the chest. In many cases, this is still the best way to perform heart surgery, but over the … and instruments can then be passed through the tube to the site of the problem. Once in place, the doctor can open …

Last Modified: 12/16/2025 - 14:58

Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)

… Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer located in the liver’s bile ducts, which … Facts Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare disease that usually only affects those aged 50 or … fluid) to the gallbladder and small intestine. If it is discovered early enough, surgery may be able to remove the …

Last Modified: 01/12/2026 - 11:33

Second Opinion FAQs

… I always get a second opinion from doctors? There really is no right or wrong answer to this question. But consider … as much information as possible so you can decide what is best for you. Of course, if you feel totally comfortable … opinion. Meanwhile, consider these questions: How serious is my condition? Should I get independent verification of the …

Last Modified: 05/25/2023 - 11:46

State of the Union: Weight Loss Surgery in 2024

… gives his thoughts on how the field of weight loss surgery is evolving and improving in 2024, the shifting perspective … Next New Medications for Weight Loss What would you say is the most impactful development for weight loss in 2024? Well, the elephant in the room is a group of medications: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) …

Last Modified: 06/24/2024 - 11:50

During your Stay

… If you request a private room on admission and one is available, there is a deposit due at that time which can be made by check, … do not cover this additional charge. Your hospital bed is electrically operated, and your nurse will show you how to …

Last Modified: 02/19/2023 - 13:08

Digestive Disease Dietitians 101

… able to adequately absorb important nutrients. Diabetes is common in pancreatic cancer, and trying to gain weight … protein rich snacks (like cheese or nuts); remember there is no restriction on the amount of fat in your diet. Most … for the dietary fat. Diverticular disease Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches (diverticuli) form in the …

Last Modified: 01/05/2026 - 14:51

Approaches to Acute and General Surgery

… have become the standard approach. Laparoscopic surgery is the operation of choice for procedures such as … and smaller, less noticeable scars after healing. What is Minimal Access Surgery? Minimal access surgery is completed with one or more small incisions instead of a …

Last Modified: 09/12/2025 - 10:32

Adrenal Surgery

… operation. The most common minimally invasive operation is a laparoscopic adrenalectomy, which involves making 3 or 4 … a small camera and special instruments. Once a patient is advised to have an adrenalectomy, the decision regarding … infections (i.e. an infection in the skin at the incision site) and abscess (i.e. an infection on the inside) occur in …

Last Modified: 09/24/2025 - 13:57

Bret Taback, MD

… Dr. Bret Taback is a nationally recognized surgical oncologist in the New … Irving Medical Center department of surgery. Dr. Taback is a leader in the clinical management of melanoma, sarcoma and skin/soft tissue tumor surgery. Dr. Taback is the Director of the Melanoma and Sarcoma Program and …

Last Modified: 03/04/2026 - 08:37

Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

… What is central hypoventilation syndrome? Central hypoventilation … syndrome, sometimes referred to as Ondine’s curse, is an inability of the brain to detect changes in carbon … of oxygen it needs by monitoring how much carbon dioxide is in the blood. If the body detects too much carbon dioxide, …

Last Modified: 09/12/2025 - 10:59

Non-Invasive Imaging Tests for Pancreatic Cancer

… Abdominal Ultrasound How it works : Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive technique using directed sound waves to … into the abdomen without air interference. The transducer is a hand-held instrument that sends the sound waves into the body to create the images. The test is completely painless for the patient and lasts about 20 …

Last Modified: 05/13/2025 - 10:24