Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that results from an abnormal connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery in the heart. While in the womb, the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected by a temporary blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus as part of normal fetal circulation. The baby receives…

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

The patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole located in the septum – the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. While in the womb, a fetus does not use its lungs to get oxygen-rich blood. Instead, blood comes from the mother’s placenta and is delivered through the umbilical cord. The foramen…

Pediatric Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia is a change in the regular, even rhythm of the heartbeat. Many pediatric arrhythmias are isolated occurrences that are harmless, but some can be serious and even life-threatening. Atrial arrhythmias in children include: Premature atrial contractions (PACs)— early beats that start in the atria Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)— a rapid, usually regular rhythm, starting…

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues. The exact cause is unknown. In those who have the disease, tiny clusters of immune cells called granulomas form in certain organs of the body. The disease can affect almost any organ, but most commonly affects…

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)

A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is an abnormal widening or ballooning of the aorta found in the chest. About 20% of cases are linked to family history. Risk factors for a thoracic aneurysm include: Changes caused by age Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Inflammation of the aorta Injury from falls or motor vehicle…

Epicardial Ablations

Epicardial ablations targets radiofrequency energy to the outside of the heart, which can resolve complex cases of ventricular tachycardia. Sometimes ventricular tachycardia ablation involves treatment inside the heart and outside the heart at the same time. Radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation can be used during epicardial ablation.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

A canalith repositioning procedure can help relieve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition which causes brief but intense episodes of dizziness that occur when moving one’s head. Vertigo usually comes from a problem with the part of the inner ear responsible for balance. BPPV occurs when tiny particles called otoconia in one part of…

Duodenal Switch

The duodenal switch is an effective bariatric treatment for improving diabetes, hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and sleep apnea. It also results in greater weight loss than any other bariatric procedure.

Asbestosis

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause lung fibrosis. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract as it normally should. How severe the disease is depends on how long the person was exposed to asbestos and the amount that was breathed in and the type of fibers breathed in. Often, the symptoms aren’t noticed for…