You might have seen news reports that the actor and musician Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, had to cancel his 2024 concert tour after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgeries to repair a heart defect. Glover, who grew up in DeKalb County whose credits include creating and starring in the TV series “Atlanta,” […]
If you or someone you love is preparing for heart surgery, it’s normal to feel nervous. One common concern I hear from patients is: “How long will it take for my chest bone to heal?” Let me walk you through what happens. I hope it will ease your mind. The heart surgery team here at Northeast Georgia Medical Center […]
Your cardiologist recently referred you to a surgeon, who recommended you undergo heart surgery in the near future. You know what to expect from the surgery itself, but how long will recovery take afterward? That seems like a straightforward question, but the answer can be complicated. Heart surgery recovery times vary in length depending on […]
Your heart is a hardworking pump, and one of its most important parts is a tiny flap called the aortic valve. Although it’s only about the size of a quarter, this valve plays a key role in keeping blood flowing the right way, out of your heart and through your body. The role of the aortic valve The aortic valve sits between the heart’s […]
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a vascular surgery aimed at reducing stoke risk by removing plaque from the carotid arteries. This can be a lifesaving surgery for patients living with carotid artery disease. While the most common complication is stroke, the risk is relatively low and can be managed with careful surgical techniques and postoperative care. Before we go into more depth on carotid endarterectomy, let’s talk […]
Cardiac catheterization (or heart catheterization) is essential for diagnosing and treating some heart conditions. Many people feel nervous about medical procedures, but keep in mind that a cardiac cath is safe, effective and brief. Let’s explore diagnostic cardiac catheterizationprocedures, including how long they take and why they are beneficial. What is cardiac catheterization? Cardiac catheterization, “cardiac cath” or “heart cath” for short, involves inserting a thin, flexible hollow tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually from the wrist/arm or groin, […]
As a heart surgeon, I focus on getting the best results for patients. A great result includes great pain control for a quick recovery. If you have been told you need heart surgery, you might be concerned about the potential for pain. I want to reassure you that while pain is a natural part of the recovery process, we have new options […]
Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Sometimes called a “cath” for short, in involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and guiding it to the heart. While the idea of having a tube inserted into your heart might sound scary, cardiac catheterization is generally […]
If you have been told that you need a coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, you probably have a lot of questions — especially about how long the procedure and recovery take. The answers depend on several factors, including the type of surgery and your overall health. Read on to learn more about this common heart […]
After he had a heart attack in spring 2023, Ron Josey was told he would need coronary artery bypass surgery. The Savannah man did some research, and the idea of open-heart surgery made him anxious. “I soon began to realize, if possible, that I did not want the traditional bypass with the sternotomy,” said Ron, 62, using a term […]
When you hear about someone having a heart bypass, you probably think about it as a major open-heart procedure. But with new technologies and techniques, opening up the chest isn’t always necessary. Thanks to innovations in minimally invasive procedures in the last decade and robotic technology, some heart bypasses—also called coronary artery bypasses—can now be […]
Coronary artery bypass surgery, also called heart bypass or CABG, is a common way of treating severe blockages in the arteries that deliver blood to the heart. What are your options, though, when you aren’t eligible for a heart bypass? More than 18 million Americans have coronary artery disease, making it the most common type […]
At your recent cardiology appointment, perhaps “TAVR” was mentioned as an option for treating aortic stenosis. But what exactly is TAVR? TAVR is a relatively new and innovative way of treating aortic stenosis. In cases where surgery is needed to replace the aortic valve, this minimally invasive procedure offers an alternative to traditional open procedures. […]
Robotic heart surgery is becoming more common these days, but is it as safe as traditional heart surgery? We’re answering that question in today’s blog with a look at robotic heart surgery survival rates. Any type of surgery involving a robot may sound like it’s straight out of a science fiction thriller. When the surgery […]
If you’ve been told you need to undergo a heart procedure, you probably have many questions. One of those questions may be about what your life will be like after heart surgery. That’s a really common question, actually! It’s entirely normal to wonder what things will be like once you’ve had surgery. In many cases, […]
You need to have a heart procedure performed in the near future and know that robotic heart surgery is an option. But there isn’t a robotic heart surgeon nearby. What are your options? If you’ve talked with your cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon and know that robotic heart surgery is an option for the type […]
Learning that you need any type of surgical procedure can be worrisome. When heart surgery is needed, you probably have many questions. That’s actually a good thing! Before you proceed with a surgical procedure of any type, you should learn all you can about the surgery and why it’s necessary. Your surgeon, cardiologist, and other […]
You underwent a septal myectomy to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Now what? Any surgical procedure requires some amount of recovery time, and septal myectomy is no different. The length of your recovery and how you feel as you recover will vary somewhat, but we answer a few common questions about what recovery looks like below. Is […]