The Maze procedure was first performed in 1987 by James Cox, MD. It was an open heart operation that was done to cure atrial fibrillation (Afib). The technique required stopping the patient’s heart and connecting a heart-lung bypass machine to support blood circulation during the procedure. It was considered a breakthrough surgical technique at the […]

Lung cancer (LC) starts as a small group of malignant cells that can spread from your lungs to other areas of your body. After the condition has been conclusively diagnosed, it is defined by a stage. The stage of the disease dictates the form of treatment and therapy needed to eliminate the cancerous cells. Staging […]

Being pregnant is an unforgettable experience. One day, after your soon-to-arrive baby has grown older, you’ll tell her about the thrills you enjoyed and challenges you endured while carrying her. Today, however, you’re living through these events. They’re affecting your daily life. The constant discomfort, lack of balance, and persistent fatigue dovetail with a growing […]

Your heart can develop problems with one of the four valves that regulate blood flow in and out of the atria and ventricles (upper and lower chambers, respectively). These problems can be minor or severe. In the latter case, if left untreated, valvular disorders can cause a number of symptoms that can dramatically impact your […]

Your heart works continuously to make sure blood is oxygenated and circulated to the organs and tissues throughout your body. To do this, the four chambers (atria and ventricles) contract in a uniform manner consistent with your heartbeat. As each chamber contracts, the blood within moves outward to other chambers, your lungs, or into the […]

Immediately after undergoing mitral valve repair surgery, you will be disconnected from the heart-lung bypass machine (assuming minimally invasive techniques were not performed). An echocardiogram is done so the surgeon can examine your heart and mitral valve to determine whether the operation was successful. If it was, your body temperature will be raised while the […]

Breastfeeding your baby can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The time you spend with your little as she nurses forms an instant and lasting bond between both of you. Moreover, breast milk is easier for her to digest and protects her immune system, giving it a chance to develop properly. The problem is, millions of […]

The moment you’ve been waiting for is right around the corner. You’ve spent the last nine months watching your body grow as your little one grows inside you. While the joys of pregnancy are many, there have also been challenges, including fatigue, weight gain, and loss of balance and coordination. At this point, you’re ready […]

It’s easy to forget how vulnerable babies are to the world around them. Even experienced moms and dads occasionally neglect to take the proper precautions to ensure their little one’s safety. This is understandable. Parents are accustomed to their homes; things that can be dangerous for babies seem familiar and thus, benign. With this in […]

A common question, and a very understandable one from patients with any cancer is what is the prognosis? The prognosis is the medical forecast of the outcome of the disease if left untreated or treated. Usually, the patient is focused on survivability and thereafter, on the quality of life they will have and what undergoing […]