Leader0310b

Page 1

Saturday, March 10, 2018 • Page 1B

New option available in the Heights for acid reflux patients Memorial Hermann Greater Heights For The Leader Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a severe form of acid reflux, is a common disorder that occurs when stomach contents flow backwards into the esophagus. It is caused by a malfunctioning valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Classic symptoms of GERD include frequent, painful heartburn and acid, or food, regurgitation. Painful swallowing, chronic coughing and hoarseness are other symptoms. Left untreated, this condition can damage the esophagus and lead to esophageal cancer. For many patients with severe acid reflux, medication and lifestyle changes do not provide relief. Now, a new minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, using the LINX® device, is giving these sufferers a new lease on life. Reflux-Free Life Jorge Leiva, MD, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons who is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, believes the LINX device is fast becoming the new standard of care for patients with GERD. During magnetic esopha-

geal sphincter augmentation surgery, a quarter-sized ring, composed of magnetic beads, is implanted around the bottom of the esophagus to prevent the valve leading into the stomach from opening. Although the beads in this LINX device are interlinked by titanium wires, each bead can move and expand independently. This allows food to pass to the stomach followed by the valve snapping closed to prevent stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus, airways and mouth. “My patients have had total relief of reflux and regurgitation after implanting the LINX device,” says Dr. Leiva. “Instead of creating a barrier to the valve between the esophagus and stomach, as occurs in the other procedures, the LINX creates a dynamic process that allows the valve to open and close as needed.” Eating the Foods They Love Other procedures such as the Nissen fundoplication have been the gold standard in surgical treatment of GERD since gaining popularity in the 1950s. However, it can result in bloating and an inability to belch or vomit. In contrast, the LINX device allows patients to

Preferred Health Directory

chiropractic care

Northwest ChiropraCtiC George G. Junkin, D.C. Photo supplied LINX provides a new solution for the 20% of Americans with reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

For a physician referral to evaluate symptoms of acid reflux or GERD, call 713.867.GERD. belch and vomit, and swallowing issues last only a few weeks as new tissue forms a capsule around the ring and throat swelling subsides. Also, patients can immediately eat a regular diet after surgery, versus the twoweek liquid diet required with a fundoplication. “Overall, patients are able to eat whatever they want after the LINX procedure, as

long as the amounts are reasonable,” explains Dr. Leiva. In addition to evaluating patients for good esophageal function, Dr. Leiva says hiatal hernias should always be repaired when the LINX device is implanted. “It’s a two-valve mechanism, so pulling the stomach back into place from the esophagus helps ensure successful outcomes.”

Ninja climber

Home the Day of Surgery Magnetic esophageal sphincter augmentation surgery to implant the LINX device generally takes 45 to 60 minutes. Increasing numbers of insurance providers are covering this procedure. Dr. Leiva, who is among a select group of surgeons trained in the LINX device procedure, performs the minimally invasive surgery on an outpatient basis at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights. Patients resume most activities the next day, but Dr. Leiva prefers they take one to two weeks off from work.

the sport is for everyone

D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com

internal Medicine/Pediatrics Nutrition/ Weight Loss

Ana M. Torres, M.D. , P.A. 713.863.9200 427 W. 20th St. Ste #503 Houston, TX 77008 www.Thetorrescenter.com

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Not every climber is going to win a million dollars for their skill, but everyone can benefit by learning to climb. Issac Caldiero, who is the only person to complete all four stages at the American Ninja Warrior competition in Las Vegas and take home the purse, said that he hated working out when he was growing up in Utah. The selfdescribed “rambunctious kid” did like skateboarding and snowboarding, however, and when he started climbing at age 15, he was hooked. “It’s a social sport with cool energy,” said Caldiero, who recently did a ‘How to Be a Ninja’ presentation at Momentum Silver Street. “It’s like a puzzle solving challenge. There are so many solutions. You have to figure it out for you.” Caldiero and Momentum CEO Jeff Pedersen go way back as Caldiero began climbing at Pedersen’s first gym, Rock Garden Climbing Gym. “We got to be really good friends,” said Caldiero. “He saw something in me, took me under his wing and introduced me to the climbing world.” He said that he admired Pederson’s style of climbing, which is free solo climbing.

obstetrics / Gynecology

Photo supplied Momentum Gym offers a variety of climbing opportunities for new and experienced climbers.

Photo supplied Issac Caldiero is the only person to complete all four stages at the American Ninja Warrior competition in Las Vegas.

Free solo climbing, also called Soloing, is where the person climbs without using ropes or harnesses, instead relying on ability. Caldiero said that he wants to climb the uncharted places in the world and to “get out and explore.” “I like [soloing] because I’m 100 percent in control,” he said. “But I never climb to my limit.” Caldiero has travelled the world climbing, working construction jobs in between and relying on sponsorship money. With his girlfriend, who he said is a transformed “city girl” turned very adept climber, Caldiero lived out of a camper in Europe for a time. It was while watching Japan’s Ninja Warrior show

which has been on for 34 seasons, with four different winners, that Caldiero and a friend decided that they should try out for the American version. Caldiero took it seriously and put up an obstacle course in his parents’ backyard. “They had a 32 year old kid,” he jokes. Out of the thousands of people who go through the qualifiers, Caldiero made it to Vegas three times. In the show’s fifth season he had a shoe malfunction and fell. In the sixth season he corrected that but was eliminated during stage three. The seventh season in 2015 was the charm. Caldiero said that it’s See Ninja P. 2B

Dr. Stephanie Fulton Stephanie Fulton, M.D.

1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com

Major Hospitals

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE

Stay a step ahead of common senior foot problems For The Leader Seniors can battle a variety of issues that affect their feet—from arthritis to tight tendons—yet there are steps to prevent many of these issues before they become serious problems. Learn more and enjoy a free breakfast heart on Wednesday, March 28, at St.

Joseph Medical Center in The Heights. Yermesha Kyle, DPM, on the medical staff of St. Joseph, will address common senior foot problems, various treatment options and answer questions. The free event takes place at St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights from 8-9:30 a.m. in

the fourth floor meeting room of the hospital located at 1917 Ashland Street. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by calling 713-969-5376 by 2 p.m., Monday, March 26. Membership in St. Joseph’s Senior Advantage Program is free and open to all seniors ages 55 and up. Call 713-9695376 to join.

St. Joseph Medical Center in The Heights 1917 Ashland Street Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-757-1000 Physician Referral 713-757-7575

Setting the pace for cardiovascular care in Greater Houston. At Memorial Hermann, our team of world-renowned, affi liated heart physicians provides innovative cardiovascular care – from revolutionary new medications, to minimally invasive procedures for correcting atrial fibrillation or repairing heart valves to innovations in heart and lung transplants. These cutting-edge solutions are less traumatic and aim to reduce a patient’s pain and recovery time. Our innovations are putting Memorial Hermann at the forefront of advancing heart health in Greater Houston and helping our patients lead a better quality of life. Learn more about heart care at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital at heart.memorialhermann.org


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.