Listen: Mayo Clinic Radio: 7/13/19

When one of the heart's natural pumps isn’t working well, a ventricular assist device can be used to increase the amount of blood that flows through the body. On the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, Dr. John Stulak, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon, discusses ventricular assist devices and heart transplant. Also on the podcast, Dr. Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy and Dr. Eric Edell, Mayo Clinic pulmonologists, explain endoscopic lung volume reduction, which is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And Dr. Kristina Butler, a Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist, discusses diagnosing and treatment options for ovarian cancer.

The post #MayoClinicRadio podcast: 7/13/19 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

When one of the heart's natural pumps isn’t working well, a ventricular assist device can be used to increase the amount of blood that flows through the body. A ventricular assist device is an implantable mechanical pump that helps pump blood from the lower chambers of your heart (the ventricles) to the rest of your body. It is used in people who have weakened hearts or heart failure.

Although a ventricular assist device can be placed in the left, right or both ventricles of your heart, it is most frequently used in the left ventricle. When placed in the left ventricle, it is called a left ventricular assist device. Having a ventricular assist device implanted can improve quality of life for people with weakened hearts, heart failure or for those who are awaiting a heart transplant. 

In this Mayo Clinic Radio podcast, Dr. John Stulak, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon, will cover ventricular assist devices and heart transplant. Also on the program, Dr. Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy and Dr. Eric Edell, Mayo Clinic pulmonologists, will explain endoscopic lung volume reduction, which is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And Dr. Kristina Butler, a Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist, will discuss diagnosing and treatment options for ovarian cancer.

Here is your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

The post Ventricular assist devices offer hope for heart failure patients: Mayo Clinic Radio appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

When one of the heart's natural pumps isn’t working well, a ventricular assist device can be used to increase the amount of blood that flows through the body. A ventricular assist device is an implantable mechanical pump that helps pump blood from the lower chambers of your heart (the ventricles) to the rest of your body. It is used in people who have weakened hearts or heart failure.

Although a ventricular assist device can be placed in the left, right or both ventricles of your heart, it is most frequently used in the left ventricle. When placed in the left ventricle, it is called a left ventricular assist device. Having a ventricular assist device implanted can improve quality of life for people with weakened hearts, heart failure or for those who are awaiting a heart transplant. 

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. John Stulak, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon, will cover ventricular assist devices and heart transplant. Also on the program, Dr. Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy and Dr. Eric Edell, Mayo Clinic pulmonologists, will explain endoscopic lung volume reduction, which is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And Dr. Kristina Butler, a Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist, will discuss diagnosing and treatment options for ovarian cancer.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Use the hashtag #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Access archived shows or subscribe to the podcast.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Ventricular assist devices offer hope for heart failure patients appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Although a ventricular assist device can be placed in the left, right or both ventricles of your heart, it is most frequently used in the left ventricle. When placed in the left ventricle, it is called a left ventricular assist device. Having a ventricular assist device implanted can improve quality of life for people with weakened hearts, heart failure or for those who are awaiting a heart transplant.

On the next Mayo Clinic Radio program, Dr. John Stulak, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeon, will cover ventricular assist devices and heart transplant. Also on the program, Dr. Sebastian Fernandez-Bussy and Dr. Eric Edell, Mayo Clinic pulmonologists, will explain endoscopic lung volume reduction, which is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And Dr. Kristina Butler, a Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist, will discuss diagnosing and treatment options for ovarian cancer.

To hear the program, find an affiliate in your area.

Miss the show? Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

Use the hashtag #MayoClinicRadio, and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is on iHeartRadio.

Access archived shows or subscribe to the podcast.

Mayo Clinic Radio produces a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Ventricular assist devices / lung volume reduction / ovarian cancer appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Wayne Peterson came to Mayo knowing it may be his last chance to find relief from COPD. What he didn't know was that he'd be the first in Minnesota to undergo a new, life changing lung procedure.

Wayne Peterson hadn't been able to breathe easily for years, and time was running out. In 2003, he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), report ABC 6 News, KIMT 3 News and the Rochester Post-Bulletin. He tells the new outlets he was eventually put on oxygen and says he was given little hope by doctors in Texas, where he was living at the time, before coming to Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus. "They wanted to send me to hospice because they said they couldn't do any more," he tells ABC 6 News. "I came up here because I'm from here originally. I knew about Mayo Clinic. I thought if anyone can do anything, it's Mayo."

His instincts and his timing, ABC 6 News reports, were "perfect." The summer before his arrival, the Food and Drug Administration had given its seal of approval to the tiny valve used in a new procedure called endoscopic lung volume reduction. Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus is the first in its region to offer the treatment to patients with debilitating lung conditions tied to COPD, including emphysema. Last month Wayne — who tells KIMT he "wasn't a candidate for a lung volume reduction and I wasn't a candidate for transplant" — was the first patient to undergo the procedure in Minnesota.

Read the rest of the story. 

________________________________________________

This story originally appeared on the In the Loop blog.

The post In the Loop: New hope for patients with COPD appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

She’s happiest there because it’s where her son Chase was given a second chance. Not only did he receive a new heart at Mayo Clinic to replace one that was failing, but the family can now rely on ongoing care from Mayo Clinic physicians who understand Chase’s medical concerns and have pledged to do their best to keep him healthy well into the future.

Lisa’s sense of comfort didn't come easy, however.

A young life interrupted

Before coming to Mayo Clinic’s Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Chase’s future appeared bleak. In May 2011, when he was 11 years old, Chase suffered cardiac arrest on a soccer field in his hometown of Harbor Springs, Michigan. He was resuscitated by his father, Paul. During a brief hospitalization, Chase was tested for cardiac issues, but when his test results came back normal, he was released with a diagnosis of dehydration.

Chase’s heart stopped again two months later during another soccer match. His medical providers diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle is abnormal. They implanted a pacemaker and defibrillator. In addition to prescribing Chase a number of heart medications, including beta blockers and anti-arrhythmics, his care team also informed him that he could no longer participate in strenuous activities. The idea of life without participation in sports hit Chase and his family hard.

“For a state-champion swimmer and an avid soccer player, this was certainly more than a minor life interruption,” Lisa says. “This really wasn’t an acceptable option for us.”

"Right from the beginning, Mayo’s approach was, 'Let’s not let the illness define you.'" — Lisa Fairbairn

The family limped along in their new reality for almost a year, until the summer of 2012 when Lisa attended a Mayo Clinic event in Harbor Springs, where she met Mayo Clinic pulmonologist Eric Edell, M.D.

“The stars aligned that night,” Lisa says.

Dr. Edell not only informed her that her son must be seen by one of his colleagues, but proceeded to immediately email that associate, pediatric cardiologist Michael J. Ackerman. M.D., Ph.D. The next morning, the family learned Chase had an appointment with Dr. Ackerman two weeks later.

To Lisa and Paul, who had grown accustomed to waits that sometimes stretched for months to see specialists and to hear about test results, the pace at which Mayo Clinic operated “was almost unbelievable,” Lisa says.

Medical care redefined

Chase’s first appointment with Dr. Ackerman was no less astonishing to the family.

“One of his first questions for Chase was, ‘How is your quality of life?’ and ‘What can’t you do that you’d like to do?’” Lisa says. “Right from the beginning, Mayo’s approach was, ‘Let’s not let the illness define you.’”

The family spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon with Dr. Ackerman. At one point they asked him whether he had other patients that day, because they felt guilty for taking so much of his time.

“Dr. Ackerman’s response was, ‘No, Chase is my priority today,’” recalls Lisa. “We were sold!”

 “Whatever health challenge Chase will have to fight next, we know we are in the best hands: cutting edge research, integrative care, medical excellence and compassion.” — Lisa Fairbairn

To help determine what was causing his heart problems, Chase underwent genetic testing for the genes known to trigger his type of cardiomyopathy. The genetic test came back positive, establishing the genetic defect that was causing the cardiomyopathy. Chase had arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy — the most severe form of the disease. Not only can this heart muscle condition cause heart failure, it can also causes life-threatening, unpredictable electrical malfunctions in the heart.

“We were devastated,” Lisa says. “While he didn’t say it, we were quite sure Dr. Ackerman was too. I remember Chase saying, ‘This isn’t good is it?’ and Dr. Ackerman’s response was, ‘No, it’s not what we were expecting. But I’m only 40-something years old, and God-willing, I am going to spend the rest of my life figuring out this disease. I will be with you every step of the way.’”

Brave-hearted, looking to the future

Under Dr. Ackerman’s care, the family established a long-term treatment plan for Chase. It included the eventual need for a heart transplant. Two years later, during an appointment in late December, Dr. Ackerman informed the family that Chase’s heart was simply too unreliable to count on any longer.

On Christmas Eve, Chase’s name was placed on the national waiting list for a heart transplant. Throughout the wait for a heart to become available, the family says they received unparalleled support from their Mayo Clinic team. But they were equally blessed by Chase’s courage and strength.

“Chase was our rock throughout all of this," Lisa says. "He didn’t feel sorry for himself. He didn’t complain. He simply looked forward to what tomorrow would bring.”

When the family finally received the call they had been waiting for on April 16, 2016, that a heart was available for transplant, it brought with it a wide range of emotions.

“The emotional discord of feeling hopeful for our son’s future, and at the same time knowing that another family was suffering so deeply having just lost their precious child, was almost beyond comprehension,” Lisa says.

The transplant surgery went off without a hitch. Just 18 hours after surgery, Chase was out of bed and sitting in a chair. A few days later, the family saw and listened to his new heart beating strongly in his chest. Seventy-five days after his heart transplant, Chase returned home to Michigan. In September, Chase was healthy enough to return to playing soccer for the first time in five years.

From the family’s first encounter with Mayo Clinic, to diagnosis, transplant and ongoing follow-up care, Chase’s care team has been with them every step of the way, Lisa says.

“The care we’ve received from Dr. Ackerman and the team of doctors at Mayo is beyond words,” she says.

Chase’s medical journey did not end with transplant, however. For the rest of Chase's life, his medical team will work with him to ensure his body doesn’t reject his new heart.

“As daunting as his medical needs are in the future, we know there is no place we would rather be for his care,” says Lisa. “Whatever health challenge Chase will have to fight next, we know we are in the best hands: cutting edge research, integrative care, medical excellence and compassion. What an amazing package. We have hope, thanks to Dr. Ackerman and Mayo Clinic.”

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Learn more about cardiomyopathy.
• Read about the Division of Pediatric Cardiology.
• Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s Pediatric Heart Transplantation Program.
• Explore the Campaign for Mayo Clinic.
• Request an appointment.

The post Teen Receives Thorough, Compassionate Care Before, During and After a Heart Transplant at Mayo Clinic appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My brother-in-law has never smoked, but was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer at the age of 45. He was told there is no way to determine what caused it, even though he had a biopsy. What are some of the things that cause lung cancer?

ANSWER: It’s true that pinpointing a specific cause of lung cancer based on biopsy results — or any other lab test, for that matter — isn’t possible. A likely cause often can be assumed, though, based on a person’s lifestyle, medical history and environmental factors. Smoking is, by far, the most common cause of lung cancer, but it certainly isn’t the only one.

As it has been for many years, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. for both men and women. Smoking causes the majority of lung cancers. People who smoke are nine times more likely to get the disease than those who do not. That’s because when cigarette smoke enters the lungs, it almost immediately begins to damage cells that line the lungs. At first, the body can repair that damage. But, as exposure to the toxins in cigarette smoke continues, the damage increases. Over time, that can trigger abnormal changes in the lung cells that can lead to lung cancer.

But, lung cancer is not just a smoker’s problem. People who live or work around smokers, or who otherwise have sustained exposure to cigarette smoke over time, are also at an increased risk for lung cancer. Secondhand smoke, as this exposure is called, includes breathing smoke that a smoker exhales, as well as inhaling smoke that comes from a burning tobacco product. The smoke contains a wide range of chemicals known to cause cancer, including ammonia, butane, carbon monoxide, cyanide and lead, among others.

Although the research is not definitive at this time, other forms of smoking also appear to raise the risk of lung cancer, including smoking marijuana and using e-cigarettes. Basically, anytime you inhale toxins, you raise your risk for lung cancer.

Another factor that has been associated with lung cancer is long-term exposure to radon gas. Radon is created by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Over time, it becomes part of the air you breathe. In areas prone to radon, the gas can build up within homes and other buildings. If you live in an area where radon is known to be a problem, it’s a good idea to have your home tested for it. If the level of radon is high, there are ways to bring it down to a safer range.

Working or living around other substances known to cause cancer can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, too. Examples of these kinds of substances include asbestos, arsenic, chromium and nickel.

Finally, in some cases, a family history of lung cancer may raise an individual’s risk for the disease. In particular, the risk seems to go up most in people who have a parent, sibling or child with lung cancer.

Anyone who is concerned about the possibility of developing lung cancer should talk to his or her doctor. He or she can assess an individual’s overall risk. In people who are at high risk, tests such as CT scans may be appropriate to look for signs of lung cancer before symptoms appear. — Dr. Eric Edell, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

The post Mayo Clinic Q and A: Pinpointing A Specific Cause of Lung Cancer Isn’t Possible appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Listen: Mayo Clinic Radio podcast 03-05-16

On Mayo Clinic Radio, pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist Dr. Eric Edell explains how low-dose CT lung scanning is helping to diagnose lung cancer earlier. Also on the program, the deadly trio of radon gas, carbon monoxide and lead in your home can result in illness or death if not detected. Occupational medicine specialist Dr. Laura Breeher outlines how to protect your family and yourself from these household health hazards. And, endocrinologist and diabetes expert Dr. Robert Rizza discusses why a diagnosis of prediabetes doesn't automatically mean you'll get diabetes.

The post In Case You Missed the Show: #MayoClinicRadio Podcast 3/5/16 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Here's your Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

The post Lung Cancer Update/Household Health Hazards/Prediabetes: Mayo Clinic Radio appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Some risk factors for lung cancer can be avoided or reduced ... while others cannot.

Listen to the program at 9:05 a.m. CT, Saturday, March 5 and follow #MayoClinicRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.

Access archived shows.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Lung Cancer Update/Household Health Hazards/Prediabetes appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.