Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure to treat carotid artery disease, which occurs when fatty, waxy plaque deposits build up in one of the carotid arteries. This plaque buildup may restrict blood flow to the brain. During the endarterectomy, a Deborah^® surgeon will open the carotid artery and removes the arterial plaques before closing and repairing the…

Mitral Regurgitation

Minimally-Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB)

At Deborah Heart and Lung Center, cardiothoracic surgeons perform Minimally-Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) surgery. This exciting new procedure allows coronary revascularization to be performed with a small incision and without the use of the heart-lung machine. This reduces complications and morbidity sometimes associated with traditional coronary artery surgery, while maintaining the impressive durability…

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a common type of arrhythmia in which the heart beats faster than normal while at rest. There are many different types of abnormal tachycardia. Common types include: Atrial fibrillation Atrial flutter Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) Ventricular tachycardia Ventricular fibrillation Many things can cause tachycardia, including: Damage to heart tissues from heart disease Abnormal electrical…

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a quick, noninvasive way to check for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The ankle-brachial index test compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured at the arm. A low ankle-brachial index number can indicate narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is used to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during treatment for some lung conditions. Common reasons to perform a diagnostic bronchoscopy include: Investigating abnormal changes to the lung, changes or scarring of lung tissue, or a collapsed lung Lymph node biopsy Shortness of breath or low oxygen…

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in Children

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

A transesophageal echo (TEE) test is a type of echo that uses an endoscope to guide the ultrasound transducer down the esophagus. This allows the physician to see pictures of the patient’s heart without the ribs or lungs getting in the way. The test is used to: Check how well the heart’s valves and chambers are working…

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Closure

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart. Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common congenital and occurs in nearly half of all children with congenital heart disease. Most VSDs encountered in the adult population are small and require little more…

Don’t Do This Before You Go to Sleep

Having a tough time falling asleep? These sleep aids should not be your go-to solution.