chsner spring 2 017
your guide to health and wellness
Uncommon Ground
When Jacqueline Shedrick was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ochsner’s unique NET program provided exceptional care
Inside: Fast action and teamwork when every second counts (page 8). Advances in orthopedic surgery keep athletes in the game (page 10). A young patient (and tireless Saints fan) advocates for organ donation (page 15).
Welcome
dear friends,
In this issue, you will also read about the extraordinary teamwork that
On Jan. 2, 1942, our
saved the life of stroke patient Kay Davis and the specialized care Ochsner
founding physicians
provides to patients with extremely rare tumors, as was the case with
opened the Ochsner Clinic.
Jacqueline Shedrick. As an organization and as individuals, Ochsner always
Seventy-five years later, it
strives to ensure that the best healthcare is available to an increased number
is time to reflect on where
of patients every year.
healthcare in this region
We find inspiration in both the past and the present—and even the future,
would be without their
as reflected in the heartfelt story of Jarrius Robertson. Diagnosed with
guiding vision. They were
biliary atresia at a young age, Jarrius has never let his illness stop him,
committed to providing our community with world-
advocating for organ donation and impressing even the New Orleans Saints
class, patient-centered care, and always did so with
with his cheerful attitude.
compassion and integrity. Ochsner Health System upholds that powerful legacy today. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we
Today, we would like to express our gratitude to the health system’s visionary founders. We are deeply grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving our patients for the next 75 years.
remember our beginnings with a story highlighting some of our most notable moments and a look at our colleague of 50 years, Odette Miguelez. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit in which Ochsner was founded.
Warner L. Thomas President and CEO Ochsner Health System
Warner Thomas, President and CEO of Ochsner Health System, toasted a large crowd of physicians at 75 Years Strong, A Celebration of Ochsner Physicians earlier this year.
www.ochsner.org Copyright © 2017 by Ochsner Health System. Ochsner is published as a community service and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or prescribing.
Be a part of history, visit www.ochsner.org/ochsner75 2
w w w.ochsner.org
Cover: Greer Gattuso
Milestones
Reflections on 50 Years at Ochsner
Ochsner’s founding fathers, from left: Dr. Francis E. “Duke” LeJeune Sr., Dr. Edgar Burns, Dr. Curtis Tyrone, Dr. Guy Caldwell and Dr. Alton Ochsner.
75 Years Strong Since its founding 75 years ago, Ochsner has tirelessly served the community of New Orleans and the greater Gulf South region. Here are a few milestones in Ochsner’s history. •
1942: Ochsner Clinic was founded by five local medical school professors. Each doctor contributed $4,300 of his own money to open the first private group practice clinic in New Orleans.
•
1944: The founders established the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation to create a permanent research, educational and charitable organization.
• •
“Ochsner always makes the patient the most important thing. I love it here and I love what I do. It feels like family. Working with the people here really shaped my character. People always ask me why I have worked at Ochsner so long and I say it is because I am very lucky.”
1954: Ochsner Foundation Hospital moved to its current campus on Jefferson
— Ode t te Miguele z, international
Highway.
tr anspl ant co ordinator . Miguele z, 69,
1966: The first successful adult kidney transplant in the Gulf South region was
beg an working at O chsner when she wa s 18.
performed at Ochsner. •
1975: Ochsner doctors Terry D. King and Noel L. Mills invented a device that closed holes in hearts without open-heart surgery.
•
1985: The Ochsner Health Plan was chartered by Ochsner Clinic and Ochsner Foundation Hospital. The prepaid health plan’s enrollment eventually exceeded 200,000 subscribers.
•
2001: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation and Ochsner Clinic consolidated into the not-for-profit Ochsner Clinic Foundation, which became Ochsner Health System.
•
2005: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Ochsner always kept its doors open, providing the community’s only Level 1 trauma care at its Elmwood facility.
•
2014: Ochsner’s Multi-Organ Transplant Institute performed its 5,000th transplant.
Want to learn more about Ochsner’s history? Visit www.ochsner.org/timeline.
spring 2017
3
The Scoop
Diabetes Checklist Manage your chronic disease by following these annual recommendations Diabetes is growing at an epidemic rate in Louisiana. According to the American Diabetes Association, 13.9 percent of the adult population in the state is living with diabetes, while an estimated 35,000 residents are diagnosed every year. There are many steps diabetics can take to manage the disease. For instance, coming up with a yearly checklist of tests and questions to go over
Expert Advice Learn everything you need to know about diabetes care through Ochsner’s Diabetes Management Program
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes or just need some extra guidance in dealing with your ongoing condition, Ochsner’s certified educators are here to help. Ochsner’s team of registered nurses and dietitians works with adults living with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes in both individual and/or group sessions. The basic diabetes class sessions last five hours and cover blood sugar monitoring, medication management, healthy diet, exercise and
with a doctor helps ensure any problems are found and treated early. If you have diabetes, you should ask your doctor about the following steps:
✓ A cholesterol test. With diabetes, you have a greater chance of getting heart disease. Knowing and controlling your levels of “bad” cholesterol can help prevent heart disease. ✓ A complete foot exam. Annual foot exams help doctors check for neuropathy (nerve damage), something about half of all diabetics have. ✓ A dental exam. Those with diabetes have greater risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay and other problems related to oral health. Tell dental professionals that you have diabetes, so they know what to look for. ✓ A dilated eye exam. An eye care specialist will temporarily enlarge your pupils to see more easily inside your eye. Because diabetes is the leading cause of preventable new-onset blindness in adults, getting this exam yearly, instead of simply having your doctor look at your eyes, is important. ✓ Urine and blood tests. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure; make sure to get annual blood and urine tests to confirm your kidneys are in a good state of health. Consult with your doctor about any other tests or exams he or she believes you should undergo, and keep track of what you have done each year.
stress relief, among other topics. At individual appointments, patients can get help with injection administration, self blood sugar monitoring, nutrition counseling and insulin pump training. 4
w w w.ochsner.org
➜ To find out more about diabetes and diabetes management, visit www.ochsner.org/diabetes or call 866-624-7637 to schedule an appointment.
The Scoop
Chicken Fajita Wraps For diabetics, it’s important to keep intake of sodium, saturated fats and trans fats down, while consuming a balanced diet of high-fiber whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. This recipe not only makes delicious chicken fajita wraps, but with wholewheat tortillas, reduced-sodium cheddar and only 3 grams of saturated fat, it’s diabetes-friendly as well! Serves 8.
Ingredients: • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tablespoon mesquite flavor liquid smoke • 1 teaspoon salt-free Cajun seasoning blend • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 medium onion, sliced into ¼-inch slices • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into ¼-inch slices • 8 medium whole-wheat tortillas • ½ cup reduced-sodium sharp cheddar, shredded Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken breast on foil. Pour ½ tablespoon liquid smoke over top of each and sprinkle with saltfree Cajun seasoning. Bake chicken in oven until it is done and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (about 25–30 minutes). Allow to cool. While chicken is cooling, heat a large skillet on stove and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Saute onion and pepper over medium heat until softened (about 10–15 minutes), then remove from heat. Once chicken is cool, shred into small pieces and toss with peppers and onions. Place tortillas on plate and cover with wet paper towel. Warm in microwave for 1 minute or until soft and pliable. Place about ½ cup of chicken and vegetable mixture and 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar into center of each tortilla. Fold each like a burrito. Warm a dry skillet over medium heat on the stove and brown each wrap until golden and toasted, about 1 minute per side. Serve with mashed avocado and pico de gallo. (Whip up pico de gallo at home with tomatoes, cilantro, white onions, jalapeno and lime juice.) Nutrition Information (PER WRAP): 321 calories, 8 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 269 mg sodium, 286 mg potassium, 27g total carbohydrate, 4 g dietary fiber, 37 g protein Recipe by Brittany Santos, MS, RD, LDN, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Ochsner Diabetes Management Program
spring 2017
5
Cancer Care
Uncommon Expertise
“I’m so grateful for how my life is right now,” says cancer patient Jacqueline Shedrick.
Ochsner’s NET program offers advanced treatment options for a rare type of tumor
T
here’s a popular saying
so vague, and they often mimic other
hear hoofbeats, think of
diseases,” explains Pam Ryan, BSN, RN,
horses not zebras.” It’s a variation
Nurse Manager of the Neuroendocrine
on the theory that the simplest
Tumor Program. “That’s why we use the
explanation is usually the right
zebra as our symbol.”
one. But when Kenner resident
The origin of the NET program dates
Jacqueline Shedrick went to the
to the 1990s, when LSU physicians
ER at Ochsner Baptist to get checked
were conducting clinical trials on
for kidney stones, her doctors
these rare tumors. “They started to
discovered the zebra.
learn that surgery was really helping
“On my 61st birthday, I had to go
these people and that maybe we had
to see the oncologist, and she said the
something to offer besides clinical
tumors they found were cancerous,”
trials,” Ryan says.
Shedrick says. “It was a rare carcinoid
After Hurricane Katrina, the
all cancers in the U.S., but also often
[also called a neuroendocrine
program landed at Kenner Regional
go undiagnosed simply because most
tumor] that is almost always found
(which was later bought by Ochsner).
doctors don’t know to look for them.
unexpectedly.”
“We did 56 surgeries the first year.
Fortunately for Shedrick, Ochsner’s
“A lot of doctors end up treating the
Now we do 150 a year,” Ryan says.
symptoms as conditions like irritable
Kenner Hospital (in partnership with
“We’ve seen over 2,500 new patients in
bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease or
Louisiana State University and led
the last 10 years, probably more than
asthma,” Ryan says. “Unfortunately,
by Dr. Eugene A. Woltering) operates
any other NET program in the world.”
even we don’t understand what causes
one of the world’s leading centers for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
6
“The symptoms of these tumors are
in medicine: “When you
w w w.ochsner.org
Neuroendocrine tumors are not only rare, accounting for about 2 percent of
the tumors, and they can happen anywhere—the gastrointestinal tract,
Greer Gattuso
“Our outcomes are phenomenal. We did our 1,000th NET surgery in August 2015, and our outcomes are about twice as good as the national average.” — Pam Ryan, BSN, RN, nurse manager of the Neuroend o crine T umor Pro gr am
follows a multidisciplinary approach
travel from all over the country,
in which each patient is seen by a
even internationally, for treatment
team of experts with an arsenal
at Kenner. “Our outcomes are
of tools—including radioactive
phenomenal,” Ryan says. “We did our
systemic therapy, I-131 MIBG therapy,
1,000th NET surgery in August 2015,
radiofrequency ablation and others—
and our outcomes are about twice as
to ensure that every aspect of the
good as the national average.”
patient’s care is managed effectively and efficiently. When Shedrick came to the NET
Ochsner’s NET program is also leading the way in technological advances. The program recently
program, she said her oncologist,
acquired a NanoKnife system that
Dr. Robert Ramirez, and his team
uses high-voltage electricity to destroy
immediately made her feel at ease with
tumors quickly and painlessly; Ochsner
their compassion and competence. In
is also the only location in the region
fact, the support she received from all
using high-resolution imaging called a
of the caregivers and staff had a huge
Gallium 68 PET/CT scan. “We got it last
impact on her journey to recovery.
year as a clinical trial,” Ryan says. “It
“The love and care they showed was
shows tumors better than conventional
amazing,” Shedrick says. “Everything
scans. Patients previously had to go to
started to move in the right direction.”
Europe to have it done.”
Her treatment started with surgery
Now, thanks to the treatment
to remove the tumor, along with her
she got through the NET program,
gallbladder and part of her small
Shedrick is looking forward to
lungs, appendix, pancreas. In most
intestine. But soon after, Dr. Ramirez
spending time with her husband,
patients, they are slow growing, and
noticed spots on her liver that required
children and grandchild.
surgery is the first-line therapy, but
chemotherapy and radiation, which
we have to monitor patients for the
she completed in early December. “I’ve
with things I can’t change,” she says.
rest of their lives to make sure the
been so happy with how they handled
“Everybody has some type of storm
tumors don’t come back.”
the situation,” Shedrick says. “I’ll soon
they go through, and I’m so grateful for
be back to normal doing everything I
how my life is right now.”
Surgical removal is the most common way to deal with these
“I’m very spiritual—that’s how I deal
did before.”
tumors, but every case is different.
Shedrick was lucky that the NET
➜ Visit www.ochsner.org/nets or call
That’s why Ochsner’s NET program
program was so close to home; people
504-502-7118 to find out more.
spring 2017
7
When Every Second Counts Prompt action and a coordinated effort throughout the Ochsner Health Network provided lifesaving care for Kay Davis when she suffered a stroke
O
n a warm Sunday afternoon in
that she might be experiencing a
and treatments to patients who
October, Kay Davis, 68, took
stroke. Kennedy, a retired nurse, knew
otherwise would not have access to top
her beloved dog—an energetic
that every second counts. Because
neurological experts.
rat terrier named Hunter—for a walk in
“time is brain,” the sooner the patient
her Covington neighborhood. It could
is treated, the better the outcome.
Zweifler, Ochsner’s System Chair
have been a day just like any other; she
Davis was rushed to St. Tammany
of Neurology, was able to diagnose
and Hunter take the same walk all the
Parish Hospital, also in Covington.
Davis remotely and recommended
time. But at about 6 p.m., everything
that she be promptly treated with
changed. “I took a step and went
St. Tammany has access to many
the clot-busting drug tPA. “A stroke
oooh,” she recalls. “The numbness
of Ochsner’s world-class resources
is a very time-sensitive disease, with
started in my big toe, then spread to
and technologies. One of these is
nearly 2 million brain cells lost each
my other toes until my entire foot was
the TeleStroke program, in which
minute,” says Dr. Zweifler. “Having
numb. Then my leg went numb. My
Ochsner specialists give patients
an efficient multidisciplinary team
arm and hand were numb before I
live consultations via video. With
to treat patients is critical, and with
knew it. I started to sway. That’s when
the program now at 33 partnering
TeleStroke, I was at her bedside in
I knew it was serious.”
hospitals, Ochsner makes some
less than a minute after St. Tammany
1,800 TeleStroke consults each
contacted me.”
Fortunately, Davis’ friend Maureen Kennedy was with her and recognized
8
Partnered with Ochsner since 2014,
Using this program, Dr. Richard
w w w.ochsner.org
year—bringing swift diagnoses
Because the teamwork between the
Teamwork “The care was extraordinary every step of the way, from the St. Tammany medical staff and Dr. Zweifler and his team to the flight crew and the wonderful nurses. I am very thankful.” —S troke patient kay davis
Best of all, Davis says she is “almost back to my old self,” which means spending quality time with family and friends, resuming her work as an accountant, and going on her daily—
two hospitals was so efficient, Davis
relieved to have so many exceptional
and, thankfully, much less eventful—
was able to receive her critical tPA
people help me,” says Davis, who is in
walks with Hunter at her side.
injection at about 7 p.m.—less than an
physical therapy to help build up her
hour after she started to feel symptoms.
strength. “The care was extraordinary
Dr. Zweifler also requested that she
every step of the way, from the St.
services/ochsner-critical-care-
be transferred to Ochsner’s Jefferson
Tammany medical staff and Dr. Zweifler
telemedicine-program to find out
Highway campus as soon as possible. As
and his team to the flight crew and the
more about Ochsner’s telehealth
the only Ochsner hospital in the region
wonderful nurses. I am very thankful.”
solutions.
➜ Visit www.ochsner.org/
that offers a procedure in which clots in the brain can be mechanically removed, he wanted to ensure that Davis was onsite in case she needed the surgery. In short order, an emergency helicopter arrived at St. Tammany Parish Hospital to quickly and safely transport Davis to Ochsner. The helicopter was dispatched by Ochsner’s Regional Referral Center, which contacted Ochsner’s Flight Care Team, a 24/7 transport service for critically ill patients. Specially trained critical care nurses continued administering the tPA during the flight, which arrived at Ochsner within minutes. A CT angiogram revealed that Davis did not have a blood clot in a major artery in her brain, so she didn’t need specialized surgery. She spent three nights in the hospital before being discharged. Today, Davis has almost fully recovered, and Dr. Zweifler expects her
Keeping Promises, Delivering Results Ochsner’s partnerships with health systems and hospitals throughout the state build on the shared strengths of all parties and result in the highest level of care. Witness the strategic collaboration between Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital (STPH), which is now in its second year. Among the notable results of that partnership are: • Building on the successful TeleStroke collaboration, a comprehensive neurosciences institute at St. Tammany Parish Hospital (where two Ochsner neurosurgeons and five neurologists now practice) is in place and growing; the expansion will continue with STPH opening a four-bed neuro intensive care unit in early 2017. • Establishing a jointly branded subspecialty pediatric clinic to provide care for more than 1,500 children and their families; a new STPH Pediatric Emergency Room opened at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in January. • Increasing patient access to comprehensive cancer care with the expanded St. Tammany Parish Cancer Center, which regularly rotates in Ochsner oncologists to participate in forming multidisciplinary treatment plans. The partnership has also increased the number of patient referrals between Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital to ensure people receive the care they need in the right setting, and has created and preserved jobs for both entities.
to be 100 percent before long. “I was
spring 2017
9
Sports Medicine
On the Move Again A complex, minimally invasive hip arthroscopy gave college student and dedicated athlete Shawn Smith a new lease on life Shawn Smith is back in the game, thanks to the care he received at Ochsner.
D
iagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease—a hereditary condition
affecting the red blood cells—Shawn Smith learned at an early age how to live with limits. “You really have to watch yourself,” says Smith, 18, whose symptoms included dizziness, exhaustion and pain. “I loved to play sports, but I had to pace myself.” The New Orleans resident explored his passion for a variety of athletics, playing quarterback (“I’ve got a great arm!” he says) and other positions that didn’t require him to run too much. In his freshman year of high school, Smith hurt his leg during a baseball game, but given his increased tolerance for pain, he says he didn’t think anything of it. His physical state worsened over the next two years, however—and leg pain, fatigue and decreased mobility finally sent him to his doctors at Ochsner in 2015. Smith’s injury had resulted in reduced blood circulation to his leg and deterioration of his hip joint. His orthopedic specialist referred him to Dr. Misty Suri, Senior Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute.
10
w w w.ochsner.org
Greer Gattuso
“Dr. Suri was great to talk to,” Smith says. “He got to know how I was feeling, answered my questions and made decisions based on my needs. It’s wonderful to have such personal care.” Dr. Suri ultimately performed a hip arthroscopy, which was followed by six months of physical therapy at Ochsner Hospital – Elmwood. In September 2016, Dr. Suri performed an arthroscopic surgical femoroplasty and labral repair, a specialized operation that involved reshaping the malformed femoral head of the hip joint. An expert in advanced orthopedic procedures, Dr. Suri is world-
Advances in Shoulder Surgery Senior Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute (and team physician for the New Orleans Saints and the recently named medical director of the New Orleans Pelicans), Dr. Misty Suri has treated more than his share of shoulder injuries: He estimates he performs about 225 shoulder surgeries a year. “We do the highest-quality techniques to help the shoulder, using stem cells and patch supplementation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, instability surgery and biological shoulder preservation, and shoulder replacement surgery,” says Dr. Suri, whose department is involved in several outcomes studies and groundbreaking research on the subject. “We’re trying to promote faster and more effective healing using such advanced techniques and biologic therapies.” To learn more, visit www.ochsner.org/sportsmed, or call 504-736-4800 to make an appointment on the South Shore or 985-875-2828 on the North Shore.
renowned in his field. His fellowship training with leading sports surgeon Dr. Richard J. Hawkins at
For his part, Smith credits all the
it is always a team effort.” Although Smith had to miss some
the prestigious Steadman Hawkins
members of his care team for the
Clinic of the Carolinas, as well as
exceptional treatment he received. “It’s
of his senior year of high school
other international study fellowship
a cool environment at Ochsner. You
recovering from the hip arthroscopy,
opportunities, gave him the knowledge
can talk to the doctors in a relaxed way,
he graduated and is now majoring in
and experience to perform these
but we always get down to business,”
accounting at Southern University at
complicated surgeries. “When you
he says. “They don’t say things just to
New Orleans.
have been fortunate enough to have
make you feel better; they tell you the
been trained by the best in the world,
truth, and that makes me feel better.”
you get to offer that expertise to your
“Our patients receive the best care
“I’ve always felt that you have to make the best of the hand you’ve been dealt,” Smith says. “This was
patients,” says Dr. Suri. “It’s very
on the planet,” says Dr. Suri. “That
just another hurdle I had to get over
valuable for patients and sets us apart
goes from surgical and nonsurgical
to achieve my goals and make myself
here at Ochsner.”
care to physical therapy as well. Here,
even stronger.”
“We do the highest-quality techniques to help the shoulder, using stem cells and patch supplementation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, instability surgery and biological shoulder preservation, and shoulder replacement surgery.” — Dr . mis t y suri, senior at tending or thopedic surgeon at the o chsner sp or t s medicine ins tit u te
spring 2017
11
Body & Soul
Helping Handiworks Volunteers create comfortable prosthetics for breast cancer patients
While Sandra L. was visiting her doctor at Ochsner’s Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center, her daughter asked if Sandra could wear a sock in her bra following her mastectomy. “Ochsner nurse Judy told me, ‘We have something better for you than a sock!’ ” Sandra recalls. NOLA Knitted Knockers is the New Orleansbased chapter of a national organization that creates and provides free hand-knit breast prosthetics for women like Sandra who have undergone a mastectomy. Unlike other types of post-mastectomy prostheses, which can be heavy and require special bras, knitted knockers are soft, comfortable and worn with a regular bra. The local chapter was also founded by Ochsner employees and includes both employees and patients. To volunteer as a knitter or crocheter, contact Deanna Nettles at dnettles@ochsner.org or Judy Pennison at jpennison@ochsner.org.
give back to others —and yourself A 2016 study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that long-term volunteering is associated with reduced mortality. If you want to give back—and do yourself a world of good, too—call Ochsner’s Volunteer Services Department at 504-842-5085 or visit www.ochsner.org/giving/ volunteer.
The Shape of Things From compassionate volunteers to dedicated pharmacists, members of the Ochsner community always go above and beyond
Connecting Patients With Specialty Medications and Customized Care Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy helps patients achieve their best outcomes With a focus on serving patients with chronic or uncommon medical issues, the Ochsner Specialty Pharmacy stocks medications that can be hard to find at one’s neighborhood drugstore. The trained pharmaceutical team offers a customized experience for patients to ensure proper medication and care. The team consists of patient care advocates who are available to assist eligible patients with securing financial assistance and reviewing insurance benefits. The pharmacy also offers a 24/7 pharmacist hotline to ensure that patients always receive the care they need. One of Ochsner’s eight pharmacies, the Specialty Pharmacy is available to patients throughout the Ochsner system and provides free shipping in Louisiana and Mississippi (coming soon to other states). For more information, visit www.ochsnerspecialtypharmacy.com, email specialtypharmacy@ochsner.org or call 855-312-4193.
12
w w w.ochsner.org
Innovations
around the spine,” says Dr. Olawale Sulaiman, Chairman of the Neurosurgery Department & Back and Spine Center. “With minimally invasive techniques, we get similar if not better results, less blood loss, less pain and fewer surgical problems with the spine.” Today, 95 percent of the procedures Dr. Sulaiman offers are minimally invasive. “This is the future of spine surgery,” he adds. To learn more about neurosurgery options, call 504-842-4033.
Breakthroughs in Surgery Advanced minimally invasive procedures allow patients to recover faster, with less pain and scarring
O
ver the past 30 years, a surgical revolution has taken place. New technologies now allow surgeons to perform a wide variety of minimally invasive surgeries. In these procedures, surgeons make very small incisions and use imaging equipment to reduce impact on the body and recovery time. Read on for a look at three innovative procedures available at Ochsner. Anterior and Bikini-Line Hip Replacement Traditional hip replacement surgery uses a larger incision and the increased tissue damage can lead to longer recoveries. At Ochsner, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brad Waddell offers minimally invasive hip replacements, including one called a bikini-line hip replacement where the incision is hidden in the crease of the groin and is not visible even when wearing a bikini. “The people who want this generally don’t want anyone to know they had hip replacement surgery,” Dr. Waddell says. He also offers an anterior-approach hip replacement surgery that leaves a slightly larger scar (only 7–8 cm long) but is performed with a surgical robot that “gives me about 99 percent accuracy,” he says. “Patients are usually out of the hospital and walking within a day.” To learn more about orthopedic care at Ochsner, call 504-842-3970. Spinal Surgery
Spinal surgery has seen great improvement in recent years, thanks to minimally invasive procedures. “Traditional open surgeries can cause a lot of collateral damage to the tissues
Cataract Surgery Cataracts, a condition that comes with age, occur when the internal lenses of the eyes cloud over. Replacing these lenses with artificial lens implants is a routine procedure; however, Dr. Pulin Shah, Medical Director of the Ochsner Baptist Laser Vision Center, now uses a minimally invasive laser to make it even easier and more accurate. “The laser procedure takes two minutes,” Dr. Shah says. “The laser goes in the eye and quickly makes the cuts.” Afterward, many people see better than they did before they had cataracts. “About 85 to 90 percent of our patients have vision in the 20-20 range,” he says. “And with the new generation of implants, that can include reading vision too.” To schedule an ophthalmology consultation, call 504-842-3995.
“With minimally invasive techniques, we get similar if not better results, less blood loss, less pain and fewer surgical problems with the spine.” — DR . OlawaLe sulaiman, chairman of the neurosurgery department & back and spine center
spring 2017
13
Navigation Tips
Connecting with your Ochsner healthcare team has never been easier. For non-life-threatening issues, call Ochsner’s free 24/7 nurse care line and speak with a registered nurse, who will help determine the best care options for you. Ochsner On Call provides nurse triage, appointment booking, health education and advisory services. To speak to one of our specially trained nurses, call 800-231-5257.
Stay Connected ➜
Just call, click or tap!
1 Set up a MyOchsner account at www.myochsner.org. 2 Book appointments online at www.ochsner.org/schedule. 3 Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ochsnerhealthsystem. 4 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ochsnerhealth. 5 Keep up with the latest videos from Ochsner at www.youtube.com/ochsner. 6 Check ER wait times at www.ochsner.org/chooseER. 7 Bookmark www.ochsner.org on your tablet or smartphone to contact us on the go.
14
w w w.ochsner.org
Superhero Spotlight
In October 2016, Jarrius Robertson appeared on Good Morning America with host Robin Roberts.
The Jarrius JJ Robertson Fund was created at Ochsner to provide pediatric liver transplant patients and their families assistance with unexpected costs before, during and after a transplant. To contribute to this fund, please visit www.ochsner.org/jarrius.
“It Takes Lives to Save Lives” A young Ochsner patient and New Orleans Saints superfan speaks out for organ donation
“It
takes lives to save lives,” said 14-year-old Jarrius “JJ” Robertson during a segment on Good Morning America. “That means if people go out and donate
anything like blood, organ, kidneys or liver, then they can save somebody else’s life.” The topic of organ donation is all too familiar to Robertson. Diagnosed at an early
Robertson is taking advantage of his football fame to promote organ donation. With more than 2,000 people on the waiting
age with biliary atresia, a rare chronic liver disease in which one or more bile ducts
list for a new organ in Louisiana (and 120,000
are abnormally narrow, blocked or missing, he had a liver transplant when he was
waiting nationwide), organ donation is a
1 year old and is currently on the waiting list for another.
pressing need. Children are especially at a
Despite everything, Robertson hasn’t allowed his illness to hold him back. image Cour te s y of the Ne w Orle ans Saint s
We love him.”
disadvantage, due to the shortage of pediatric
When New Orleans Saints players visited Ochsner Hospital for Children a year ago,
donors. Just one donor can save up to nine
Robertson impressed them with his constructive criticism and great attitude; he
people’s lives.
began attending their practices, where he soon became known as the team’s “hype
Ochsner’s Multi-Organ Transplant
man” (gaining viral video fame for scolding Carolina Panthers players for dancing in
Institute is one of the nation’s leading
“his end zone”). Robertson was even invited on Good Morning America, where Saints
transplant centers. Since its inception in
coach Sean Payton presented him with a contract making him an honorary Saint.
1984, the Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant
Payton also invited Robertson and his family to join the team in Kansas City and act
Institute has performed more than 6,000
as their social media correspondent for the weekend.
lifesaving transplants.
“We love having Jarrius out here. He’s such an inspirational young man,” says quarterback Drew Brees. “His strength, his attitude—he’s welcome out here anytime.
Register today to become an organ donor at www.ochsner.org/savenine.
spring 2017
15
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
New Orleans LA Permit No. 1324
1514 Jefferson Hwy Jefferson, LA 70121
Get the Right Care, at the Right Place. Match your symptoms to the right location for faster care. primary Care
urgent Care
Emergency Care
Annual checkups
Sprains and broken bones
Chest pain
Immunizations
Non-life-threatening allergic reactions*
Severe bleeding
Chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease) Non-life-threatening allergic reactions* Minor burns or injuries*
Minor burns or injuries*
Severe asthma attack/ difficulty breathing
Sunburns and heat ailments*
Severe head trauma
Earaches
Loss of consciousness
*
Mild asthma
Sunburns and heat ailments*
*
Coughs, colds and sore throats*
Earaches*
Fevers or flu-like symptoms*
Mild asthma*
Mild to moderate stomachaches*
Coughs, colds and sore throats*
Urinary pain*
Fevers or flu-like symptoms*
Severe allergic reaction Sudden vision loss or impairment Severe abdominal pain Severe dehydration
Rashes or other skin irritations*
Mild to moderate stomachaches*
Select immunizations
Urinary pain*
Lacerations
Rashes or other skin irritations* Schedule an appointment with a Primary Care Physician by visiting ochsner.org/PC. Extended hours available.
Indicates that treatment can also be provided by Urgent Care Providers.
*
Š 2017 Ochsner Health System
Visit ochsner.org/UC to find an Urgent Care Center near you. Walk-in appointments and extended hours available.
Indicates that treatment can also be provided by Primary Care Physicians.
*
For all emergencies, visit your local emergency room or dial 911.