Page 5 - Methodist Health System | Methodist Dallas Medical Center | Shine | Spring 2013

Percutaneous pulmonary artery embolectomy.
Try saying that five times fast!
Once your tongue is untwisted from
the big words, take note of this big
news: This procedure — removing a
blood clot from the lungs through a
minimally invasive procedure —was
performed for the first time in the state
of Texas on Aug. 30 at Methodist Dallas
Medical Center.
Robert Feldtman, MD, independently
practicing cardiovascular and thoracic
surgeon on the hospital’s medical staff,
performed the procedure using the
advanced AngioVac® system.
Blood clots in the lungs — called
pulmonary embolisms — generally have to
be removed through open heart surgery.
However, Dr. Feldtman and his team of heart
and vascular surgeons were able to remove
the patient’s clots via two small incisions in
the groin during a one-hour procedure.
“This new, advanced type of surgery gives
us the ability to provide our patients with
a minimally invasive option that results in
less pain and a shorter recovery time,”
Dr. Feldtman says. “We’re thrilled to be
able to offer this lifesaving surgery as an
option for our patients requiring urgent
removal of clots from the lungs.”
Learn more about our cardiovascular
services at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Vascular.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians
on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent
practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health
System or Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
Celebrating
a medical first
It works for you night and day, 24/7, year after year; but how
often do you think about giving that heart of yours some
TLC? By making these wise choices, you can protect yourself
against the No. 1 health threat: heart disease.
1. Drop by your doctor’s office. When was your last blood
pressure check and cholesterol screening? These tests help
measure your risk of heart disease. “Your heart disease risk
rises with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes,”
says Gaurav Gupta, MD, independently practicing cardiologist
on the Methodist Dallas Medical Center medical staff. “It is
important to make time each year for a routine checkup.”
2. Fuel up for your heart. A heart-healthy diet should
include fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Cut out artery-
clogging cholesterol and fat. Give nonfat milk and lean
meats a try.
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ways to protect your heart 4
3. Step away from the couch. Dr. Gupta reminds us that a
sedentary lifestyle boosts heart disease risk. “Find time for
a 10-minute brisk walk,” he says. “Work these short walks
into your daily schedule so that you get at least 2½hours of
exercise a week.”
4. Watch your weight. Oversized portions and high-calorie
foods contribute to excess weight and raise your risks. Tipping
the scale even a little in the weight-loss direction helps
improve heart health.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
How old is your heart? Try our Heart Health Profiler at
MethodistHealthSystem.org/HeartSmart to find out.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health
System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist
Health System or Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
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Methodist Dallas Medical Center • ❁ Spring 2013 5
Pulmonary embolisms are
blood clots in the lungs.