Are Stents Still Beneficial? In Appropriate Candidates, Yes.

In November 2017, a study into the effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) caught international attention for raising questions about the benefits of angioplasty and stenting. The study, Objective Randomised Blinded Investigation With Optimal Medical Therapy of Angioplasty in Stable Angina (ORBITA), concluded there was no benefit for patients with stable angina who underwent PCI.

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Pancreatic Cancer: Early Studies in Detection and Treatment

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. It is an extremely slow growing tumor. PDAC normally remains undetectable until late in the disease process, due in part to the physical location of the pancreas. It is situated behind the stomach at the back of the retroperitoneal space, overlaying the aorta, vena cava, and spine, deep inside the body. Because of the location of the pancreas, a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan is typically needed to detect a lesion, so it may not be discovered until the patient develop symptoms. PDACs located in the head of the pancreas may obstruct the bile duct, resulting in jaundice. Approximately 80 percent of PDAC cases present with this painless jaundice. When the lesion is located in the body or tail of the pancreas, however, the first symptom is likely to be pain associated with invasion of the spleen or stomach, occurring much later in the course of the disease.

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Alternatives for AFib Patients Expand as Left Atrial Appendage Closure Advances

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are at risk for bleeding, left atrial appendage closure is often considered instead of oral anticoagulation as a possibility to reduce the risk of stroke. As left atrial appendage closure options have expanded to include new occlusion devices in recent years, Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano has responded through a team approach.

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