1/17/2008 - Daily
Endovascular Surgery: The Latest in Treating Vascular Diseases

In this episode of Patient Power, Dr. Edward Diethrich talks about the exciting advances in cardiology treatment and detection. Dr. Dietrich is a cardiovascular surgeon and founder of the Arizona Heart Institute. He and one of his patients, Alan Travis, join host Andrew Schorr for this program to explain the new kinds of technologies out there, as well as the importance of early detection and knowing your family history.

You would never guess that Alan Travis, a runner and mountain biker, had blocked coronary arteries. Because of a family history of heart disease, Alan had a new type of CT scan at the Arizona Heart Institute, where the serious problem was detected, and afterward he underwent successful triple bypass surgery to treat his blocked arteries. Alan is extremely healthy, but this genetic component can have much more to do with heart problems. Dr. Diethrich says, “We really haven’t put enough emphasis in this idea of screening and picking up the precursors that can lead to death and disability, and the technology is there now. We can actually image the entire body, not invasively, without really much inconvenience to the patient and without much discomfort.”

Dr. Diethrich also discusses the future of genetic testing and genetic mapping, as well as what therapies may be used once a heart problem is detected, including bypasses, angioplasties and stents. He goes into the history of stents and drug eluting stents. He and Andrew also discuss the new technological advances in heart treatment and research, and how complex it can make treatment. These complexities increase the importance of seeing a specialist and getting individualized treatment for heart problems.

Listen to this show to find out why prevention and early detection can save so many people from instant cardiac death. Learn about new ways you can be tested, and what new and exciting treatment options are available.

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