St. Luke's Health - Brazosport Hospital - Lake Jackson, TX

A Temporary Pump, to Relieve Stress on the Heart and Decrease Damage to the Muscle

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a non-surgical procedure used to widen coronary arteries that have been blocked or narrowed. The procedure involves the use of a catheter to place a stent in the heart, opening the blood vessels and improving blood flow. PCI may be used for the relief of coronary heart disease symptoms or to reduce damage to the heart before or after a heart attack.

Thrombolysis is a treatment used to dissolve clots that develop in the blood vessels and improve blood flow throughout the body. Thrombolytic Medications are sometimes given through an intravenous line (IV) to ensure distribution directly to the affected area.

The traditional and most common type of surgery for aortic aneurysms is open chest repair. It involves a major incision in the chest. General anesthesia is needed with this procedure. The aneurysm is removed and the section of aorta is replaced with an artificial graft made of material such as Dacron® or Teflon®. The surgery takes 3 to 6 hours, and the patient remains in the hospital for 5 to 8 days. It often takes a month to recover from open chest surgery and return to full activity.

A specially designed catheter with a tiny balloon is carefully guided through the artery to the blockage, then inflated to widen the opening and increase blood flow to the heart. A stent is often placed during the procedure, to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated and removed.

A valvuloplasty, also known as balloon valvuloplasty or balloon valvotomy, is a procedure to repair a heart valve that has a narrowed opening. In a narrowed heart valve, the valve flaps (leaflets) may become thick or stiff and fuse together (stenosis). This reduces blood flow through the valve.

Bioprosthetic heart valves are most commonly either made of bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) tissue. Of course the main advantage of a bioprosthetic valve is that there is not typically the need for life long blood thinning medication and therefore a significantly lower risk of bleeding.

Coronary artery bypass surgery is a treatment for coronary artery disease (blocking or narrowing of the arteries that carry blood an oxygen to the heart). The procedure takes healthy blood vessels from elsewhere in the body, often the leg, and grafts them above and below the blockages to redirect blood around the blockage and restore blood flow to the heart.

A heart transplant is an operation in which a diseased, failing heart is replaced with a healthier donor heart. Heart transplant is a treatment that's usually reserved for people whose condition hasn't improved enough with medications or other surgeries.

Heart valve repair can usually be done on congenital valve defects (defects you are born with) and has a good success record with treating mitral valve defects. Severe valve damage means the valve must be replaced and most often involves the aortic or mitral valve. It is also used to treat any valve disease that is life-threatening. Some patients may need more than one valve repaired or replaced.

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a pump that is used for patients who have reached end-stage heart failure. The LVAD, a battery-operated, mechanical pump, is surgically implanted, which then helps the left ventricle) pump blood to the rest of the body.

A significantly less invasive procedure than traditional open-heart surgery, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery involves one or more small incisions, which are usually made on the right side of the chest between the ribs to access the heart. This procedure often results in less pain and faster recovery for the patient.

Any type of surgery that involves cutting open the chest and splitting the breastbone to access and operate on the heart. Open-heart surgeries treat heart conditions like congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, aneurysms, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.

Peripheral stents are often implanted in conjunction with balloon angioplasty. Peripheral stent implants help hold open an artery so that blood can flow through the blocked or clogged artery., The stent—a small, lattice-shaped wire mesh tube, props open the artery and remains permanently in place.

Peripheral vascular bypass (PVB) refers to surgical revision of blood flow to restore perfusion distal to an occluded or otherwise disrupted arterial segment. Peripheral vascular bypass procedures can involve any arteries excluding those in the heart or the brain

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly.

A minimally invasive procedure for patients with mitral valve regurgitation (a condition where the mitral valve is not functioning properly). Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TMVR does not require surgical opening of the chest. Instead, a catheter is inserted into a vein in the groin and up to the heart. The catheter is used to implant a small device that tightens the mitral valve to reduce the effects of mitral regurgitation.

CT (computerized tomography) body imaging is a diagnostic tool that provides a detailed look at the organs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. CT body imaging provides detailed views from many angles and cross-sections of the organs, bones, and soft tissues, and blood vessels, and often incorporates contrast dye to narrow in on a specific area.

Computerized tomography (CT) neuro imaging is a diagnostic tool that provides detailed views of the brain from many angles and in specific “slices” throughout. CT brain scans are used to detect and monitor injuries, tumors, and brain diseases, often with the assistance of contrast dye.

Liver and kidney biopsies are diagnostic procedures performed by removing a small piece of organ tissue for evaluation, typically with the use of a biopsy needle. The biopsied tissue can be closely examined to determine the presence and/or severity of liver or kidney disease.

A neck biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that removes a small sample of tissue from a lump in the neck (e.g., from the thyroid gland) to be analyzed in a lab. Performed with a biopsy needle, an ultrasound is typically used to guide the procedure.

A prostate biopsy is a diagnostic procedure to detect prostate cancer if a prostrate screening has shown any abnormality. A biopsy needle is used to remove a small sample of tissue or cells from the prostate gland (in males), which are then examined under a microscope.

Thyroid/lymph node biopsies are minimally invasive diagnostic procedures that use a fine needle to remove a small sample of tissue or cells from the thyroid gland or lymph nodes for examination in a lab. Typically, these biopsies are used to determine the presence or progression of cancer.

A minimally invasive diagnostic procedure to remove infected fluid from the body, most commonly in the abdomen or pelvis. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses imaging guidance to insert a thin needle or catheter into the affected area to drain the abscess fluid.

Biliary interventions are minimally invasive procedures performed to open or unblock bile ducts. Bile ducts refer to the passageway (that digestive fluid flows through) between the liver and gallbladder. When these ducts become narrowed or blocked, bile cannot pass into the small intestine, resulting in infection.

Carotid/cerebral angiograms are diagnostic procedures that utilize contrast dye and X-ray imaging to closely examine the carotid arteries, which carry blood to the brain, and the blood vessels of the brain. They are used to spot any narrowing or other abnormalities that present high risk for aneurysms or strokes.

A catheter angiography is a diagnostic/treatment procedure that generates imaging of the blood vessels. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) inserted through a limb or the groin is used to inject contrast dye that allows the blood vessels to show up in detailed X-ray imaging, revealing blockages, aneurysms, and other abnormalities.

Catheter directed thrombolysis is a nonsurgical method of treating blood clots. Often used in cases of deep vein thrombosis, which can cause pulmonary embolism, the procedure involves inserting and running a catheter to the clot-affected area and, through it, injecting clot-dissolving medicine or removing it by suction if necessary.

Coil occlusion of aneurysms is a minimally invasive procedure to treat cerebral (brain) aneurysms. A catheter is used to insert tiny, platinum coils into the aneurysm, blocking more blood from entering the aneurysm. Coil occlusion is most often used to treat unruptured aneurysms.

CT angiography is a medical test that combines a CT scan with an injection of a special dye. That dye produces pictures of blood vessels and tissues in a part of the body.

A musculoskeletal CT (computerized tomography) is a diagnostic imaging tool that provides detailed views of the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, and is used to detect muscle and bone damage and diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, bone cancer, muscular dystrophy, and tendinitis.

A computerized tomography (CT) virtual colonography is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to examine the colon for polyps and cancer. It’s a minimally invasive alternative to a traditional colonoscopy that provides detailed X-ray imaging.

Dialysis and fistula declotting and interventions use angioplasty and stenting procedures to open up narrowed blood vessels and improve blood flow in patients receiving kidney dialysis. Dialysis requires a fistula and graft to grant the doctor access to the blood vessels to withdraw and replace the blood being treated, and these may become blocked or narrowed.

Embolization of bleeding, tumors, and vascular lesions is a procedure used to stop internal/arterial bleeding, as well as to cut off blood supply to (and thus shrink) tumors and aneurysms. Embolization is performed by inserting blocking materials (e.g., small metal coils) through a catheter.

Extracranial and intracranial angioplasty is a treatment for the narrowing or blocking (stenosis) of the carotid artery — extracranial when it’s outside the skull, intracranial when it’s inside the skull. Angioplasty (with or without stenting) is a minimally invasive procedure to widen/open blocked blood vessels.

Inferior vena filter placement and removal are procedures involving a small device (filter) in the inferior vena cava (IVC) in order to prevent blood clots, particularly deep vein thromboses, from traveling to the lungs. The IVC is located in the abdomen and carries blood from the lower body (e.g., legs and pelvis) back to the heart.

Interventions for arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between veins and arteries) of the brain and spine include endovascular coiling/embolization, surgical resection, and stereotactic radiosurgery, depending on the location of the malformation and whether it is ruptured or unruptured.

Paracentesis and thoracentesis are procedures used to remove built-up fluid from the body, often caused by cancer or infection. A paracentesis removes fluid from the (peritoneal) abdominal cavity. A thoracentesis removes excess fluid from the pleural cavity, between the lungs and the chest wall.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure to treat portal hypertension (high blood pressure at the liver). With X-ray imaging guidance, a small metal coil is placed in the portal vein to the liver, holding it open to keep a clear channel for blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus. UFE is a radiological procedure that uses a catheter and contrast dye to direct small polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles into the fibroids to block blood flow and therefore deprive them of nutrients, shrinking them.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures that treat vertebral compression fractures in the spine, often the result of osteoporosis, by injecting bone cement into the vertebra. In kyphoplasty, a balloon first creates space in the center of the vertebra to restore height, which is then filled with bone cement. Both are guided by radiology and contrast dye.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

The CyberKnife allows patients to lie comfortably on the procedure table without anesthesia while the robotic arm moves, without touching them, to treat all areas of the tumor.

A heart, or cardiac, CT scan is used by a physician to view your heart and blood vessels. These scans create detailed images, which can help your doctor to detect any problems.

A heart MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within and around the heart.

Radiofrequency ablation is one of the most common ablation methods for small tumors. It uses high-energy radio waves. The doctor inserts a thin, needle-like probe into the tumor through the skin. A high-frequency current is then passed through the tip of the probe, which heats the tumor and destroys the cancer cells.

Transarterial chemoembolization or TACE places chemotherapy and synthetic materials called embolic agents into a blood vessel feeding a cancerous tumor to cut off the tumor's blood supply and trap the chemotherapy within the tumor. It is most often used to treat liver cancer but may also be used in patients whose cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Chemoembolization may be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery, ablation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a catheter with a small balloon on the tip is inserted into a blocked blood vessel to widen the artery and restore blood flow. Sometimes angioplasty requires the placement of a stent (a metal mesh tube) in the artery to help keep it open permanently.

Intracranial stenting is a treatment for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) — the hardening of the arteries in the brain, which causes recurrent stroke and ischemic attacks —by placing small stents in the affected blood vessels.

Biological therapy is a type of treatment that uses substances made from living organisms to treat disease.

A biopsy is an examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.

Biotherapy (also referred to and immunotherapy) is a type of treatment that uses substances derived from living organisms to help stimulate the body’s immune system and fight off infection and disease. Biotherapy is often used to treat various types of cancer by attacking cancerous cells and preventing them from spreading.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

Colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the colon, which is part of the large intestine, in order to treat diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and (early stage) colon cancer. Depending on the case, it may be performed as open or laparoscopic surgery.

CyberKnife is a highly advanced, robotic form of delivering radiation therapy in an outpatient setting. It is noninvasive, painless, and extremely targeted, delivering high doses of radiation to tumors with minimal effect for healthy, surrounding tissue. Because of its precision, CyberKnife can treat tumors in any part of the body, and offers rapid relief.

A distal pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove tumors from the body and/or tail of the pancreas. The spleen is frequently also removed. The surgery leaves at least the head of the pancreas, which is generally sufficient for function.

An endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) surgery removes abnormal, precancerous, or early-stage cancer tissue from the lining (mucous) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the esophagus and colon. The procedure uses an endoscope tube and does not require an incision.

External beam radiotherapy is a targeted cancer treatment. A machine directs high-energy beams (e.g., X-ray/photon, proton, or electron) to a specific area on the body, allowing for the localized treatment of cancer cells while limiting harm to healthy tissue.

Gamma Knife surgery is a highly precise, painless radiation therapy that — without any incision — uses a computer to direct strong, targeted gamma rays (radiation) to the brain. Gamma Knife surgery is used to treat tumors, nerve issues, vascular malformations, and other lesions in the brain without damaging healthy brain tissue.

Gene therapy is a method of treating disease by genetically altering (modifying the genes/DNA of) one's cells. The procedure may replace or deactivate a problematic gene, or add a new, healthy gene to fight the disease.

Hepatic artery embolization is a therapy to treat liver cancer that works by blocking the blood flow to liver tumors (which happens via the hepatic artery). The procedure may involve a trans-arterial embolization (TAE), trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT).

Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that slows or stops the growth of cancer that uses hormones to grow.

Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, is a form of treatment given to cancer patients to help the immune system fight the cancer. Immunotherapy works either by suppressing or activating the immune system to get the desired response.

A liver transplant is a surgical procedure performed when a person has reached end-stage liver disease. It involves the removal of the diseased liver, which is replaced with a liver from a deceased donor or a piece of a liver from a live donor.

A lobectomy is a major, open surgery to remove one of the (five total) lobes, or sections, of the lungs. A lobectomy is called for when one section of the lung is diseased — such as with lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — in order to protect and leave intact the remaining healthy tissue.

Minimally invasive surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed using tiny instruments through a small incision, rather than through a larger opening. This form of surgery offers the same benefits of open surgery, but results in a quicker operation, less pain, and a shorter healing time.

Chemotherapeutic agents are anti-cancer drugs — categorized primarily as alkylating agents, plant alkaloids, antimetabolites, and antitumor antibiotics — that work by disrupting specific aspects of the production of new cells. New chemotherapeutic agents are consistently being researched and approved for use.

Palliative care is medical care that does not treat the root cause of symptoms, but instead works to improve quality of life and comfort for patients with serious or chronic illness by managing its side effects and symptoms. Palliative care may include medication, but also includes emotional/social support and ways to improve well-being with nutrition, relaxation, and stress relief.

A pancreatectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas, and it is performed to treat pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, and may be open or laparoscopic. Depending on the condition, procedures include: total pancreatectomy, removing the entire pancreas; distal pancreatectomy, removing the tail and body; and central pancreatectomy, removing the body of the pancreas.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (also called a Whipple procedure) is a common surgery to treat pancreatic cancer. The procedure removes the head of the pancreas (where most pancreatic cancer occurs) as well as the duodenum, bile duct, and, in some instances, part of the stomach.

A partial hepatectomy (partial liver resection) is a surgery that removes part of the liver. It is performed to treat liver cancer, or colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, by removing the tumor(s) and affected tissue to stop its spread. Because the liver is an essential organ, the remaining portion must be healthy enough to support the patient.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a systemic molecular therapy to treat neuroendocrine tumors (which develop in the stomach, pancreas, and intestines) with strong doses of highly targeted radiation. PRRT generally has fewer side effects than chemotherapy, and is administered over four sessions.

A pneumonectomy is a surgery to remove an entire lung. Pneumonectomies are primarily performed to treat lung cancer in cases when the location and/or spread of the tumors doesn’t allow for a partial tissue removal, as well as to treat traumatic lung injuries, tuberculosis, advanced lung diseases, and severe infections. The remaining lung must be healthy enough to support respirator function.

A polypectomy is a surgery to remove polyps, most often from the colon or endometrial tissue of the uterus. The procedure can be performed endoscopically (e.g., during a colonoscopy) or as open surgery. The removed polyp(s) will be examined to determine if they are benign, precancerous, or cancerous, and further treatment is decided accordingly.

While there is no way to definitively prevent breast cancer, there are preventative measures for lifestyle and environmental risk factors, such as exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. Depending on one’s genetic risk factors, risk-reducing surgery may also be a preventative measure to consider.

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is the use of high doses of radiation to kill off cancer cells and cause tumors to shrink. In most cases, the radiation used is X-rays, although other types of radiation can be used. Radiation therapy is most often delivered externally, but can also be used internally.

Radioactive seed localization (RSL) is a highly targeted and accurate way to locate breast tumors for removal, especially for small and otherwise hard-to-remove tumors. A small metal seed is placed in the abnormal tissue with the use of mammography, and the seed and surrounding tissue is removed during surgery.

A segmentectomy (segmental resection surgery) is a surgical procedure to treat early-stage lung cancer by removing the cancerous mass and affected tissue. Unlike a lobectomy, a segmentectomy does not remove a full lobe, but only the diseased portion.

Standard chemotherapy is a class of drugs used to treat cancer. All work by targeting a specific aspect of the cell cycle, i.e., the formation of new cells. They carry side effects because they cannot distinguish between cancer and non-cancer cells, and are often used in combination with other treatments.

Stem cell transplants (also called bone marrow transplants) treat certain types of cancer. Healthy stem cells are constantly dividing, and can become platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells — whichever type the body needs. They are necessary to live, but also are often destroyed by cancer and/or cancer treatment. Stem cell transplants can use the patient’s or a donor’s stem cells.

Targeted therapy treats cancer using highly specific, powerful radiation, with less damage to healthy tissue and fewer side effects than chemotherapy. Procedures include external beam radiotherapy, which directs high-energy beams to a specific area on the body, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), a systemic molecular therapy to treat neuroendocrine tumors.

A lung transplant is a surgery to replace a person’s failing or diseased lung(s) with the healthy lung(s) of an organ donor. Lung transplantation is generally performed in cases of advanced lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

A wedge resection is a surgical procedure to treat early-stage lung cancer by removing a triangle-shaped segment of tissue containing the cancerous mass. Unlike a lobectomy, a segmentectomy does not remove a full lobe, but only the (small) diseased portion.

Breast cancer surgery is often part of a breast cancer treatment plan. The operation removes the cancer, and depending on individual medical history and cancer stage, may be a breast-conserving surgery, where only a segment of tissue is removed (e.g., partial mastectomy or lumpectomy) or a mastectomy, where the full breast(s) are removed.

Surgery is the branch of medical practice that treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by the physical removal, repair, or readjustment of organs and tissues.

Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the prostate gland. A radical prostatectomy (the most common) is generally called for as treatment for prostate cancer, while a simple prostatectomy may be used to treat issues of the urinary tract and/or enlarged prostate. The procedure is generally minimally invasive, often with robotic assistance.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat conditions of the chest and lungs with a thin endoscopic tube (thoracoscope) inserted through a small incision between the ribs. Examples of VATS are wedge resections and lung biopsies.

Endoluminal stent placement is a minimally invasive, endoscopic surgery to treat blockages in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract — often in the esophagus, colon, bile duct, or bowel — through the placement of a small tube, or stent. Endoluminal stents are often used to treat liver and GI diseases.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to burn specific nerve endings with the goal of reducing or stopping the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Tumor removal (resection or excision) is a common surgery used to treat cancer by physically removing the tumor and adjacent tissue from the body. Depending on the type and location of the tumor(s), tumor removal surgery may be open or minimally invasive. Tumors that cannot be physically removed are treated with other methods.

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that orthopaedic surgeons use to treat problems in the ankle joint. Ankle arthroscopy uses a thin fiber-optic camera (arthroscope) that can magnify and transmit images of the ankle to a video screen. Ankle arthroscopies can reduce ankle pain and improve overall function. Ankle reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. It's also known as the Brostrom procedure. It's most often done as an outpatient surgery, so you can go

The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill uses air pressure to help unweight the patient. This allows the lower body to be enclosed and supported by the air pressure. ... Once the machine has calibrated to the individual, the body support percentage can be adjusted as desired.

Body composition testing provides the precise breakdown of fat mass vs. muscle mass in the body, where each is stored, and any corresponding health risks. Armed with that information, nutritional consultation can offer tailored, effective lifestyle and nutritional changes for better health outcomes.

ImPACT testing is a neurocognitive screening tool to assess and manage concussions. The program offers baseline and post-injury testing of verbal and visual memory, reaction times, and processing speed in order to specifically evaluate a concussion’s effects and inform treatment decisions.

Debridement is a procedure for treating a wound. It involves thoroughly cleaning the wound and removing all infected and nonviable tissue.

Flexibility exercises help maintain and improve the length, range, and elasticity of the muscles and connective tissue, simultaneously supporting range of motion, muscle limberness, and skeletal/joint health. Flexibility is essential in maintaining physical wellbeing with age.

Fracture care should be specific to the type and cause of fracture — e.g., simple, complex, or burst; caused by injury or osteoporosis; on the bone, joint surface, or clavicle. Treating fractures involves realigning and stabilizing the bone and giving it time to heal, while also managing pain and taking measures to maintain/restore function.

The functional movement screen is a diagnostic assessment that utilizes seven fundamental movement patterns to spot any instabilities, imbalances, and asymmetries. The screen can assess risk for musculoskeletal injury, and inform specific interventions to therefore prevent injury.

Functional movement training is a fitness approach that that works multiple muscle groups at once to build balanced, holistic strength; improve daily movement patterns; and prevent injury. In addition to strength, functional movement training improves proprioception, coordination, and neuromuscular wellness.

Gait training is a specific type of physical therapy to improve mobility and balance and safely develop a healthy walking pattern, particularly after injury or illness. By improving overall mobility and encouraging physical activity, gait training also provides a boost to overall health.

Hip resurfacing is a minimal artificial joint replacement where the hip joint is relined instead of being completely replaced.

Injury assessment provides a thorough evaluation of one’s medical vital signs; pain level (quality and severity of pain, what provoked it and when); and the “six Ps”: pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulses, paralysis, and pressure. Whether a traumatic/acute or chronic injury, this assessment will inform the treatment plan.

Injury is a term to describe damage to the body caused by falls and other types of accidents, physical violence, and weapons. Injuries can be minor or they can be severe and even life-threatening.

Joint mobilization is a gentle type of manual therapy as the sustained rhythmic passive accessory movements are performed to patient tolerance, with the patient always able to stop the movement.

Massage is a manual therapy to reduce pain and tension through the manipulation of the muscles and other soft tissue. In addition to physical benefits, massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress and boost immune function, leading it be recommended to those being treated for conditions such as cancer and fibromyalgia, as well as musculoskeletal pain.

Minimally invasive surgery for hip or knee replacement has become generally regarded as a state-of-the art approach to these common orthopaedic procedures. Smaller incisions and a speedier recovery are benfits of this technique.

Neuromuscular re-education is a technique used by physical therapists to restore normal body movement patterns.

A revision arthroplasty is a surgery to fully or partially replace (reoperate) a prosthetic joint from a previous joint replacement, whether due to wear and tear, infection, or an imperfect fit. For example, a hip revision arthroplasty repairs or replaces components from an original hip replacement surgery.

Sports certified physical therapy is a specialized, board-certified area of physical therapy geared toward athletes of all levels (through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties). In addition to acute care and injury management/rehabilitation, it requires prevention and education in order to identify and address underlying conditions, not just treat symptoms.

Strength and conditioning training aims to reduce risk of injury and improve functional fitness and athletic performance by improving the quality of movement. Physical therapy and strength and conditioning training are mutually beneficial and often go hand-in-hand.

Strengthening is an essential element and goal of physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, along with range of motion, coordination, and balance. Resistance is generally increased over time to build muscle strength and endurance.

A unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (partial knee replacement) is an orthopedic surgery to treat osteoarthritis in the knee, possible when damage is only in one component of the knee. The procedure replaces/resurfaces the damaged bone and cartilage with metal and plastic prosthetics, leaving the healthy remainder of the knee. The pain, recovery, and incisions are significantly less severe than with a full knee replacement.

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure to treat hip pain and discomfort by removing damaged bone and cartilage from the hip joint and replacing them with artificial implants. An anterior hip replacement is a type of hip replacement surgery in which a surgeon makes a small incision near the front of the hip to access the hip joint. This technique is minimally invasive and often leads to a quicker recovery than other hip replacement methods.

During arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, the surgeon makes several small incisions—usually two or three—around the knee. Sterile saline (salt) solution is pumped into the knee through one incision to expand it and to wash blood from the area. This allows the doctor to see the knee structures more clearly.

Arthroscopic Joint Repair of the hip and knee is a minor outpatient surgery used to treat individuals with an injured, inflamed, or damaged hip or knee joint. During an arthroscopic procedure, a surgeon will insert a small fiber-optic camera, known as an arthroscope, through a small incision to view and repair the affected area.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a type of shoulder surgery used to repair a tear of the rotator cuff in your shoulder. Shoulder arthroscopy uses small incisions and special equipment to view and repair an injury, and is considered less-invasive than traditional open surgery.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Repair is a minor outpatient surgery used to treat individuals with an injured, inflamed, or damaged shoulder joint. During an arthroscopic procedure, a surgeon will insert a small fiber-optic camera, known as an arthroscope, through a small incision to view and repair the affected area.

Arthrosurface is a knee joint replacement system used to restore the knee joint while preserving the bone and supporting tissue. Arthrosurface knee repair is an alternative to traditional total knee replacement surgery.

Articular cartilage is the cartilage that covers the ends of your bones where they form joints. Articular cartilage repair (or restoration) is a medical procedure in which a surgeon repairs damage to articular cartilage from injury or normal wear and tear.

Cartilage injury repair is the process of healing and regenerating damage to cartilage, an essential connective tissue of the joints. Based on the severity of the cartilage injury, repair may range from rest to corticosteroid injections to surgical procedures like implants and grafts, or microfracture and drilling to promote regrowth.

Follow-up care after orthopedic surgery generally involves immediate at-home care such as icing and dressing the wound; carefully paced mobility and physical therapy exercises; in some cases, managing medical equipment and medication; and in-office follow-ups with the doctor.

Hand repair is a type of surgery that treats both acute and chronic conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Hand repair surgery includes procedures such as hand reconstruction (e.g., after an injury), nerve repair, and tendon repair. Its aim is to restore function to the extremity.

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure that is performed when a joint is severely worn or damaged. It involves the partial or complete removal of the old, damaged joint, replacing it with an artificial joint.

Meniscal surgery is a procedure to treat a torn meniscus in the knee, either by repairing the tear or by removing all or part of the meniscus. Meniscal tears are generally first treated with physical therapy, but if the tear does not heal (or from the start in severe cases), meniscal surgery may be recommended.

minimally invasive Joint replacement uses a smaller skin incision and tends to require less cutting of other soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Muscle and tendon repair is surgery done to treat a torn or otherwise damaged muscles and tendons. Tendons are the soft, band-like tissues that connect muscles to bone. When the muscles contract, the tendons pull the bones and cause the joints to move.

A partial knee replacement is an orthopedic surgery to treat osteoarthritis in the knee, possible when damage is only in one component of the knee. The procedure replaces/resurfaces the damaged bone and cartilage with metal and plastic prosthetics, leaving the healthy remainder of the knee. The pain, recovery, and incisions are significantly less severe than with a full knee replacement.

Rotator cuff repair is a type of shoulder surgery used to repair a tear of the rotator cuff in your shoulder.

Shoulder repair and replacement surgeries (shoulder arthroplasty) treat shoulder injuries by replacing damaged parts with prosthetic components. Surgery is typically called for in cases of severe breaks and arthritis, or when physical therapy and other interventions are not effective.

SLAP repair (or SLAP tear surgery, for superior labrum anterior to posterior) is a shoulder surgery to repair damage to the cartilage ring of the shoulder socket (labrum), which can result from overuse or from acute injury. The procedure is performed as a minimally invasive arthroscopy.

A total knee replacement (arthroplasty) is an orthopedic surgery to remove severely damaged bone and cartilage of the knee, often caused by osteoarthritis, and replace it with metal, polymer, and plastic prosthetics. Knee replacement surgery drastically improves mobility and reduces pain.

ACL reconstruction is surgery to replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — a major ligament in your knee. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon repairs or replaces a damaged bone with a piece of bone from another part of your body. The cells inside the new bone then bond themselves to the damaged bone.

Foot reconstruction surgery can correct disorders, injuries, and deformities in the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the foot and ankle in order to restore function. Issues treated by foot reconstruction include heel/bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, infections, arthritis, flat feet, and hammer toe.

Ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair or replace a damaged ligament. Ligaments are tough, elastic connective tissues that stabilize and support joints. An injury or tear to a ligament causes pain, loss of range of motion and movement, and destabilization of the joint.

The surgical removal of a body part such as a limb, hand, foot, finger, or toe. An amputation can be a life-altering experience, forcing the patient to relearn how to move and interact with their environment without a part of their body. An amputation may be caused by a traumatic accident (known as a traumatic amputation) or by disease, destruction, or infection of bodily tissue (known as surgical amputation).

Cardiopulmonary dysfunction refers to a range of (often serious) conditions that affect the heart and the lungs, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Treatments may range from lifestyle changes to medication to surgery, depending on the individual case.

Chronic pain is persistent, ongoing pain that lasts for more than six months, such as migraines, back pain, nerve pain, arthritis, and cancer. Chronic pain affects daily life; does not generally have a clear, present underlying cause; and often leads to fatigue, changes in appetite, and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and anger.

General debility — which refers to muscle weakness, not fatigue — often results from pain/injuries, heart/lung problems, and metabolic or neuromuscular disorders, and it interferes with daily tasks. Treating general debility requires rehabilitation therapy

Injury is a term to describe damage to the body caused by falls and other types of accidents, physical violence, and weapons. Injuries can be minor or they can be severe and even life-threatening.

Injury treatment may include rest, medication, physical therapy, and/or surgery, depending on the severity and location of the injury. While simple sprains can be resolved with the “RICE” treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation), it's important to receive a full assessment of sports injuries to ensure the treatment plan aligns with the injury and does not miss underlying causes.

Neuromuscular disorders cause problems with the muscles, the nerves that control them, and communication between the two (e.g., neuropathy, muscular dystrophy). Neurological disorders are issues with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, stroke, migraines, epilepsy).

Performance enhancement physical therapy works toward injury prevention, recovery, and overall fitness. Performance enhancement training starts with a thorough assessment of an individual’s biomechanics and functional/musculoskeletal imbalances and works to improve balance, proprioception, and coordination as well as strength, power, and flexibility.

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA, or stroke) can cause other conditions that require treatment and/or rehabilitation, including the disruption or loss of speech, vision, memory, and motor skills. The severity of the CVA and how quickly it was treated will affect the duration and intensity of necessary rehabilitation, such as with occupational and speech therapists.

Rehabilitation and therapy services include inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. These services are provided to people who are recovering from an injury or illness or have a chronic health condition or disability.

Post orthopedic surgery recovery varies by procedure, but all require rehabilitation. This involves cleaning and care of any incisions, carefully following the doctor’s instructions on introducing and increasing movement (for joint replacements, in particular, this is ASAP), and, often, completing physical therapy.

A bronchoscopy allows for the close examination of the airways to treat, biopsy, and diagnose conditions of the lungs. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube through the mouth or nose, down the trachea, and into the airways, where the specialized scope can capture images and, if needed, collect tissue samples.

A colonoscopy procedure consists of a long, firm and flexible plastic tube with a tiny digital camera and light at one end. A colonoscopy can be used to look for colon polyps or bowel cancer and to help diagnose different symptoms.

A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure of the lower colon and rectum to identify bowel disorders and screen for cancer with a specialized endoscope. A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but it does not go as far into the colon and causes less discomfort.

A small bowel enteroscopy is a specialized, inflatable (double-balloon) endoscopic procedure that can be used to diagnose and/or treat problems in the small bowel such as IBS, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal bleeding or tumors. The endoscope can be introduced orally or rectally.

An upper GI endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD), is a procedure that uses an endoscope to look into the upper gastrointestinal tract. An EGD causes minimal discomfort and allows the doctor to closely examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (or duodenum) for diagnostic and biopsy purposes.

A video capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure in which the patient swallows a tiny, wireless video camera contained in a battery-powered capsule to provide detailed imaging of the gastrointestinal tract and small intestine, which are difficult to access with a traditional endoscopy.

A Temporary Pump, to Relieve Stress on the Heart and Decrease Damage to the Muscle

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a non-surgical procedure used to widen coronary arteries that have been blocked or narrowed. The procedure involves the use of a catheter to place a stent in the heart, opening the blood vessels and improving blood flow. PCI may be used for the relief of coronary heart disease symptoms or to reduce damage to the heart before or after a heart attack.

Thrombolytic medication is given through the veins to dissolve blood clots. Unlike blood thinners, which just stop clots from growing, thrombolytics (or "clot busters") actually, and quickly, dissolve the clot. Thrombolytics are most commonly used in emergency, acute situations.

Advanced Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small incision (usually no longer than half an inch) is made in the skin to access the abdomen. Robotic (or robot-assisted) surgery is often associated with advanced laparoscopy to enable more precision and flexibility than traditional surgical techniques.

The traditional and most common type of surgery for aortic aneurysms is open chest repair. It involves a major incision in the chest. General anesthesia is needed with this procedure. The aneurysm is removed and the section of aorta is replaced with an artificial graft made of material such as Dacron® or Teflon®. The surgery takes 3 to 6 hours, and the patient remains in the hospital for 5 to 8 days. It often takes a month to recover from open chest surgery and return to full activity.

A specially designed catheter with a tiny balloon is carefully guided through the artery to the blockage, then inflated to widen the opening and increase blood flow to the heart. A stent is often placed during the procedure, to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated and removed.

A valvuloplasty, also known as balloon valvuloplasty or balloon valvotomy, is a procedure to repair a heart valve that has a narrowed opening. In a narrowed heart valve, the valve flaps (leaflets) may become thick or stiff and fuse together (stenosis). This reduces blood flow through the valve.

A variety of surgical procedures to support weight loss in individuals who are overweight or obese and have found diet and exercise to be ineffective. Common types of bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy.

A minimally invasive surgical procedure to correct or improve a previous weight loss surgery (such as Gastric Band or Gastric Bypass Surgery).

Bariatric surgery is surgery on the stomach and/or intestines to help a person with extreme obesity lose weight.

Bioprosthetic heart valves are most commonly either made of bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) tissue. Of course the main advantage of a bioprosthetic valve is that there is not typically the need for life long blood thinning medication and therefore a significantly lower risk of bleeding.

Breast surgery is an operation performed on the breasts, and may be done for medical or cosmetic reasons. Lumpectomy or mastectomy breast cancer surgeries are the most common medical procedures, while breast augmentations, lifts, reductions, and reconstructions (after cancer) are the most common cosmetic ones.

Cardiovascular and thoracic (or cardiothoracic) treats conditions in the structures and organs of the chest, such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and major blood vessels. Depending on individual factors, cardiothoracic surgery may be open or endoscopic.

Colorectal surgery service provides a full range of diagnostic tests, scans, outpatient consultations and treatments for patients with symptoms of benign and malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Coronary artery bypass surgery (a.k.a., coronary artery bypass graft) and related procedures are treatments for coronary artery disease. A bypass surgery grafts healthy blood vessels around coronary artery blockages to redirect blood around the blockage and restore healthy blood flow to the heart.

Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue. Doctors use it to treat many skin conditions (including warts and skin tags) and some cancers, including prostate, cervical and liver cancer. This treatment is also called cryoablation.

Endocrine surgery treats conditions of the pancreas and the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. The endocrine system produces the body’s hormones and regulates many of its functions. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, adrenal cancer, and hyperthyroidism dysregulate core body functions, which endocrine surgery may correct.

An endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) surgery removes abnormal, precancerous, or early-stage cancer tissue from the lining (mucous) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the esophagus and colon. The procedure uses an endoscope tube and does not require an incision.

An Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a gastroenterological procedure used to address problems in the pancreas, bile ducts, and the liver (such as gallstones or cancers). ERCP uses a combination of X-rays and an upper-GI endoscopy to see, diagnose, and treat problems without major surgery.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a weight loss procedure in which an endoscopist inserts a suturing device into the stomach through the throat. Sutures are then placed into the stomach to reduce its size. This procedure is often performed in place of a surgical sleeve gastrectomy, which requires surgery.

An endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a specialized surgical procedure to remove deep tumors from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the stomach, colon, and esophagus, without removing the organ. It is a minimally invasive, outpatient surgery performed with an endoscope.

An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate gastrointestinal and lung diseases (including cancers), as well as pancreatic tumors/cysts and bile duct stones. The minimally invasive test provides detailed information, and can also be used to biopsy or direct medication into a targeted area.

A fecal transplant (bacteriotherapy) treats C. difficile colitis, a serious bacterial infection, by putting healthy stool into sick person’s colon. The transfer of stool introduces healthy bacteria and creates bacterial balance, often quickly healing chronic C. diff.

Feeding tubes ensure the body can receive sufficient nutrients when disease or injury prevents the body from receiving them through normal eating and drinking (e.g., due to the inability to swallow). PEG feeding tube goes directly to the stomach; PEJ feeding tube goes directly to the small intestine; and short-term NG tubes go down the nose into the stomach.

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a surgery to treat gallstones. Performed either as open or laparoscopic, the procedure removes the gallbladder (a non-essential organ that stores bile), thus preventing the pain, infection, and inflammation associated with gallstones.

Surgery on the liver and biliary system (the gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas) treats problems of the digestive system — such as pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, bile duct disorders, and gallstones — in order to restore healthy functioning to the system, which creates/stores bile, filters blood, removes waste, and control blood sugar.

A Gastric Balloon is designed to help you lose weight while developing sustainable, healthy habits that will help you keep it off over time.

A surgical procedure (also known as Laparoscopic Gastric Banding) performed to support weight loss. The procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, limiting the amount of space available for food, and resulting in the patient feeling full after eating small portions.

Gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting the pouch directly to the small intestine.

Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) is a bariatric procedure that removes up to 75-80% of the stomach.

Gastrointestinal surgery is a treatment for diseases of the parts of the body involved in digestion.

General surgery is a discipline that requires knowledge of and responsibility for the preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients with a broad spectrum of diseases.

Gynecologic surgeries are surgical procedures that are performed on any part of a woman's reproductive system.

A heart transplant is an operation in which a diseased, failing heart is replaced with a healthier donor heart. Heart transplant is a treatment that's usually reserved for people whose condition hasn't improved enough with medications or other surgeries.

Heart valve repair can usually be done on congenital valve defects (defects you are born with) and has a good success record with treating mitral valve defects. Severe valve damage means the valve must be replaced and most often involves the aortic or mitral valve. It is also used to treat any valve disease that is life-threatening. Some patients may need more than one valve repaired or replaced.

A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ or body part protrudes. A hernia repair is the surgical procedure to fix a hernia. This procedure is also known as herniorrhaphy.

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a pump that is used for patients who have reached end-stage heart failure. The LVAD, a battery-operated, mechanical pump, is surgically implanted, which then helps the left ventricle) pump blood to the rest of the body.

The LINX Reflux Management System is a device used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), placed with laparoscopic surgery. The LINX device is a small ring of magnetic titanium beads that is placed around the base of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is weak in those who suffer from GERD. The device keeps the sphincter closed, preventing reflux.

A significantly less invasive procedure than traditional open-heart surgery, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery involves one or more small incisions, which are usually made on the right side of the chest between the ribs to access the heart. This procedure often results in less pain and faster recovery for the patient.

A minimally-invasive distal pancreatectomy is a laparoscopic surgery to remove tumors from the body and/or tail of the pancreas. The spleen is frequently also removed, based on its location. The surgery leaves at least the head of the pancreas, which is generally sufficient for function.

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that is focused on the surgical treatment of neurological disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, cerebrovascular system, and central and peripheral nervous system.

Hernia repair surgery can be open or laparoscopic. Both use synthetic mesh and/or internal sutures to mend the hole in the abdominal or groin muscles. Both are highly effective. Laparoscopic hernia repair costs more and requires general anesthesia but generally causes less pain and scarring. Open hernia repair can be done with local anesthetic, but may have a longer recovery time and larger scar.

Splenectomy is spleen-removal surgery, often due to the organ rupturing or the presence of tumors. A minimally invasive (laparoscopic) splenectomy is most common, as it causes less pain and a shorter hospital stay and recovery. However, an open splenectomy may be necessary if the spleen is particularly large/swollen or there is scar tissue present in the spleen.

Any type of surgery that involves cutting open the chest and splitting the breastbone to access and operate on the heart. Open-heart surgeries treat heart conditions like congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, aneurysms, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.

Orthopedic surgery is a procedure that is performed to repair or replace damaged bones, joints, and connective tissue. Examples of surgical procedures that can be done include hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and ACL reconstruction.

Peripheral stents are often implanted in conjunction with balloon angioplasty. Peripheral stent implants help hold open an artery so that blood can flow through the blocked or clogged artery., The stent—a small, lattice-shaped wire mesh tube, props open the artery and remains permanently in place.

Peripheral vascular bypass (PVB) refers to surgical revision of blood flow to restore perfusion distal to an occluded or otherwise disrupted arterial segment. Peripheral vascular bypass procedures can involve any arteries excluding those in the heart or the brain

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a procedure that is used to aesthetically or functionally treat areas of the body the body that have been affected by a congenital defect, trauma, or developmental abnormalities.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an electrical current to remove specific tissue for a variety of concerns, such as treating tumors and managing pain. For pain management, radiofrequency ablation stops nerve tissue from transmitting pain signals, offering relief for chronic back and arthritic pain.

Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control.

Skin and soft tissue repair are essential parts of wound healing. After the bleeding stage, open, closed, and torn soft-tissue injuries heal through an inflammatory phrase, proliferative phase, and remodeling phase. Healing can take up to a year, and chronic or non-healing wounds may require additional intervention.

Surgical oncology is a surgical specialty that is focused on the surgical treatment of cancer. This involves the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer and the surgical management of symptoms related to cancer.

Surgical shunts for portal hypertension (high blood pressure at the liver) manage the condition with a small metal coil (stent) that is implanted with X-ray imaging guidance in the portal vein to the liver, holding it open to keep a clear channel for blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly.

A minimally invasive procedure for patients with mitral valve regurgitation (a condition where the mitral valve is not functioning properly). Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, TMVR does not require surgical opening of the chest. Instead, a catheter is inserted into a vein in the groin and up to the heart. The catheter is used to implant a small device that tightens the mitral valve to reduce the effects of mitral regurgitation.

A lung transplant is a surgery to replace a person’s failing or diseased lung(s) with the healthy lung(s) of an organ donor. Lung transplantation is generally performed in cases of advanced lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.

The upper digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (duodenum), and is where digestion begins, preparing food for nutrient extraction and distribution. Common issues with the upper digestive tract include heartburn, acid reflux, upset stomach, and problems swallowing.

Urological surgery is the integration of surgical activities for the pelvis including; the colon, urogenital, and gynecological organs-primarily for the treatment of obstructions, dysfunction, malignancies, and inflammatory diseases.

The Whipple procedure (or minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a common surgery to treat pancreatic cancer. The procedure removes the head of the pancreas (where most pancreatic cancer occurs) as well as the duodenum, bile duct, and, in some instances, part of the stomach.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove a woman's uterus. This may be done for many reasons, such as uterine fibroids, excessive bleeding, uterine prolapse, cancer, and other issues. The ovaries may also be removed.

A hysteroscopic polypectomy is an outpatient, minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove uterine polyps, which are overgrowths of the cells of the uterine lining and can be pre-cancerous or interfere with fertility and normal menstrual bleeding.

Hysteroscopic sterilization is a form of permanent, irreversible birth control that works by blocking eggs from traveling through the fallopian tubes to meet sperm. The outpatient procedure requires no incisions, and is performed by placing small devices in the fallopian tubes with a hysteroscope.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus. UFE is a radiological procedure that uses a catheter and contrast dye to direct small polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles into the fibroids to block blood flow and therefore deprive them of nutrients, shrinking them.

A surgical procedure performed to restore a prolapsed (or fallen) bladder, which occurs when the muscles between a woman’s vagina and bladder loosen or weaken. The most common type of bladder repair is an anterior vaginal repair, in which a surgeon will rebuild the tissue holding up the bladder using the body’s existing tissue or an artificial mesh.

A hernia repair is the surgical procedure to fix a hernia which most commonly occurs in the abdominal area.

Robotic gynecologic surgery allows for procedures such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, pelvic organ prolapse repair, and tumor removal to be performed as minimally invasive procedures, lessening incisions, pain, recovery time, and risk of complications.

Surgery for cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers vary by severity, progression, and spread. Pre-cancers can often be treated with cryosurgery, laser ablation, or laparoscopic excision of tumors and abnormal cells. More severe cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers require surgeries to remove the affected organs (e.g., uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) and tissue.

Vaginal prolapse surgery includes various procedures to correct weak or damaged muscles, ligaments and tissues that hold a woman’s pelvic organs in place.

Endometrial ablation is a noninvasive surgical procedure to treat excessive menstrual bleeding by removing or destroying the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to reduce or stop menstrual flow. A variety of methods (e.g., heat, cold, fluids, radiofrequency) can be used. It is not recommended for those who wish to become pregnant in the future.

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a surgery to treat gallstones. Performed either as open or laparoscopic, the procedure removes the gallbladder (a non-essential organ that stores bile), thus preventing the pain, infection, and inflammation associated with gallstones.

This involves surgically removing some or all of the lump. They'll look at the tissue from the cyst or tumor under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If the lump is filled with fluid, your doctor might use something called fine needle aspiration

Blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) is essential to wound healing. Increased blood vessel formation can be encouraged by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which uses high-pressure oxygen to treat damaged or diseased tissue, particularly due to diabetes, infections, poor circulation, or radiation.

Infection control prevents or stops the spread of infections in healthcare settings. This site includes an overview of how infections spread, ways to prevent the spread of infections, and more detailed recommendations by type of healthcare setting.

The use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers in wound care helps preserve damaged tissue. The oxygen-enriched bloodstream allows for better healing of chronic and complex wounds, and the preservation of damaged tissue improves outcomes on several fronts.

Complex and chronic wounds require specialized treatments and therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers, negative pressure therapy, enzymatic debridement, platelet growth, and skin and tissue repair to facilitate healing.