Scholarship Fund Doubles with $ 25,000 Donation from Comedian Amy Schumer
Dedicated Medicaid Appointments at UHC CATALYS® Laser Cataract Surgery LGMC: First Breast Milk Donation Site in Southwest Louisiana
F E AT U R E D C O N T E N T FA L L | 2 0 1 6
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
LGMC Breast Center Navigator Certified P3
Concussion Solutions
The Breast Center at Lafayette
P4
Hospital Spotlight
the certification of Sandy Hebert
P5
Dr. Hamilton | Arachnophobia
P6
UHC Dedicated Medicaid Appointments
P8
Cover Story | Mayci Breaux Scholarship
General Medical Center announced as the center’s first certified breast patient nurse navigator. Hebert is now certified by the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). This knowledge-based certificate is awarded to those who meet the Breast Patient Cancer Navigation’s certification requirements. They must
P10 P11
Cancer Survivor Kelly Brasseaux New CATALYS® Laser Cataract Surgery
P12
LGMC: Thoracic Robotic Surgery
P13
Urgent Care | Flu Season
P14
LGMC: Milk Bank Donation Site
P15
LGH Events
Health In General
is produced by the Lafayette General Health Community Relations Department
201 Audubon Blvd. Ste.102 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337)289-8600
LGH SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNITY RELATIONS STAFF
Daryl Cetnar
Meghan Connell Alexandra Donaldson Gus Fontenot Alex Labat Brent Pelloquin Leslie Primeaux
also attain the knowledge and skills established by the NCBC’s standards to navigate cancer patients through their continuum of care with skill and competency. Hebert is among an elite group of Breast Patient Navigators nationwide.
LGMD Physician Specialists Serving Crowley
Paul Novakovich, M.D.
Otis Drew, M.D.
Damon Patterson, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgeons Paul Novakovich, M.D., and Otis Drew, M.D., and Neurologist Damon Patterson, M.D., members of LGMD Physician Group, are now offering clinic hours in Crowley in addition to their regular practices in Lafayette. Their offices are located in the Acadia General Specialty Center at 1113 E. Northern Street.
Dr. Novakovich’s Office
will be open every Thursday from 8 a.m. to Noon. Dr. Drew’s Office
will be open every Monday from 1 to 5 p.m. Dr. Patterson’s Office
will be open every other Friday from 8 a.m. to Noon. ON THE COVER (from left):
Dondie, Kevin, Ali and Dustin Breaux
Each physician has privileges at
COVER PHOTO BY:
Brad Kemp
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Acadia General Hospital.
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Lafayette General Health Building on Concussion Management Concussions are at the forefront of
League (NFL) and the National Hockey
opportunity to patients who choose to
medical concerns, as modern sports
League (NHL) mandate ImPACT cognitive
enter this program.
medicine drives further discovery of
testing for all of their athletes. Their large
head injury ramification.
database increases reliability and validity
In the event of an injury, the patient can
of testing results.
receive expedited treatment in every
(LGH) is partnering with Concussion
aspect of care with an anticipated level of
Solutions, LLC, to build a health
ImPACT testing into its program, and
management network to best treat
then communicates and helps implement
each provider.
patients with concussions and other
best practices between athletic trainers,
sports-related injuries.
coaches, parents, student-athletes, school
because of the number of hospitals, clinics
administrators and medical specialists.
and physicians involved,” says Tommy
That is why Lafayette General Health
Since its founding in 2011,
Concussion Solutions integrates
The primary focus is injury prevention.
standards and communication between “This is really golden for the community
Concussion Solutions has worked with
Partnering with LGH allows Concussion
Dean, founder of Concussion Solutions.
athletic trainers at more than 30 high
Solutions to expand its model towards a
“For any entity or patient in any Acadiana
schools across Acadiana to provide concussion guidance to their athletic
The goal is to achieve the highest standard of care once an athlete suffers a concussion.
programs. The University of Pittsburgh estimates 19% of contact-sport athletes, or some 300,000 cases in the U.S., experience a concussion each season.
Concussion Solutions offers guidance
more multi-faceted program in the
parish that lacks medical guidance, we
by establishing protocols that utilize
event of any sports-related injury.
provide the option to offer them care from
the best evidence-based practices and
start to finish, and can help guide them
research in preventing and responding to
physician, and concussion specialist,
through the entire process.”
concussions. The goal is to achieve the
who also provides full-spectrum non-
highest standard of care once an athlete
surgical sports care with LGMD Physician
management is truly a team effort and
suffers a concussion.
Group, serves as Medical Director for
it’s about providing the best service
Concussion Solutions. With Dr. Shute and
and creating the best experience for the
neurocognitive baseline testing to local
Concussion Solutions working together
patient/athlete from start to finish. This
high schools as one part of their service.
to establish a network of care under the
partnership between the hospital and
Some of their testing is based on ImPACT
LGH umbrella, they can offer the resources
Concussion Solutions helps bridge the
Applications, Inc., one of the most highly
of the entire LGH system to a patient
gap in patient care and allows us to do
reputable companies in computer-
under a single model of managed care.
what we do best...help people!”
based concussion testing. More than
From orthopedics and neurology, pain
7,400 high schools, 1,000 colleges and
management, physical therapy or just
universities, and over 200 professional
access to local hospitals or physician
sports teams nationwide utilize ImPACT’s
offices, this network, or teamwork, can
testing platform. The National Football
extend a comprehensive health care
Concussion Solutions provides
Creig Shute, M.D., a Family Medicine
Dr. Shute adds, “Concussion
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shute, call (337) 981-3368.
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J E N N I N G S A M E R I CA N L E G I O N H O S P I TA L
Jennings American Legion Hospital is the newest clinical affiliate of Lafayette General Health. Jennings American Legion Hospital (JALH) has entered a clinical affiliation agreement with Lafayette General Health (LGH). While each organization’s ownership and governance
community. LGH can provide greater purchasing power on supplies and equipment and help with clinical protocol alignment.”
structure will remain the same, the affiliation enhances the economies of scale for both
The past successes of LGH clinical affiliations lie in the belief that care should remain local.
organizations and allows for sharing of best practices.
As health care moves from payments for volume to value-based reimbursement, this
affiliation will strategically position JALH for continued success. Those that can deliver care more efficiently and cost-effectively, leading to better patient outcomes, will see increased financial stability and long-term viability.
The goal of the agreement is to produce a partnership that focuses on producing
high-quality, coordinated care to the residents of Jefferson Davis Parish and surrounding areas. The past successes of LGH clinical affiliations lie in the belief that care should remain local. LGH will offer clinical pathways that can provide lifesaving access to Lafayette General Medical Center’s (LGMC) trauma program for severe injuries needing the resources of a larger facility. This will allow JALH to treat more patients locally and rely on LGMC for critical expertise.
LGH currently owns or manages Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette General
Southwest, Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, University Hospital & Clinics, St. Martin Hospital, Acadia General Hospital and Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, and has a collaborative agreement with Opelousas General Health System and Iberia Medical Center. LGH also has clinical affiliations with Franklin Foundation, Abbeville General and Bunkie General.
“We are excited about this clinical affiliation with Lafayette General Health,” stated
JALH CEO Dana Williams. “This will strengthen our ability to care for the people in our
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Like JALH, many of LGH’s facilities
are non-profit community hospitals. The partners share a similar mindset of reinvesting excess margins back into the hospital through expanded technology, upgraded facilities and improved operations.
“Jennings American Legion Hospital
is a great asset to our health system,” said LGH President David L. Callecod, FACHE. “We continue to help local hospitals retain their patients and further solidify their place within each respective community. We look forward to a great relationship with Jennings American Legion.”
Arachnophobi
Even as a kid, spiders freaked me out.
pain, swelling and heart and nerve damage.
the ER pale, damp and breathing hard.
The worst was on a mission trip to Haiti.
Fortunately, these infections are rare in
After hearing his story, it was pretty clear
One night getting into bed, I pulled back
Louisiana. However, you can get them, so
what happened. We admitted him to
the covers a little, and a large beetle ran
avoid tick bites. If hiking in the woods, use
the Intensive Care Unit for fluids, muscle
out. Weird, I thought, what else is in there?
bug spray all over, and tuck your pants
relaxers and pain medication, and he
Peeling back a little more, a lizard ran out. A
into your socks (ticks climb upward). When
eventually recovered.
little more, another beetle. Finally, I yanked
showering later, inspect yourself for ticks
the sheet all the way back and there was a
– they can be tiny and sneaky. If removed
The other “bad” spider in our area is the
Brown Recluse. This spider’s bite is also
scorpion.
within 24 hours, you greatly decrease your
rare. When bitten, the victim usually feels
chance of disease.
nothing. However, over the next few days
Hairs standing on end, I thought, “What
if I had climbed in without looking?” After
the bite site can get red, swell and develop
5 minutes, I worked up the courage to
People often come to the ER complaining of a “spider bite,” when the vast majority are infected cuts, scratches and mosquito bites.
flick the sheet to toss the beast on the floor, where I kept stomping and jumping back, I’m sure yelping, too, until it was dead.
While scorpions are rare in Louisiana,
the far more worrisome arachnids are ticks.
a bluish blister of dying tissue. It looks like an abscess (or “boil”), but with blue-black tones and an open wound where the skin has died.
Because of what the Brown Recluse
bite looks like, many assume every boil is
Tick encounters are more common in the
a spider bite. People often come to the ER
fall, when they are most active and humans
complaining of a “spider bite,” when the
are out in cooler weather. Ticks don’t sting
like scorpions, but they can transmit some
let’s talk about the most common arachnid
and mosquito bites.
nasty infections. The two deadliest are
Enough about scorpions and ticks;
vast majority are infected cuts, scratches
we encounter – spiders. Spiders have
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and its
an undeserved reputation as bad guys.
spider bite. Avoid putting your hands
Though unusual, you don’t want a
cousin Erlichiosis. After a bite, the victim
But only once in 24 years of practice have
and feet where spiders live. Both Brown
develops fever, headache and fatigue.
I seen a bite from the worst of American
Recluses and Black Widows like dark
Days later, a rash of tiny spots appears
spiders – the Black Widow. A 15-year-old
areas, only biting when their hiding spots
all over, and the patient gets deathly
farm boy had left his boots in the barn.
are invaded. Wear heavy gloves when
ill. Another tick-borne infection is Lyme
That morning when he put them on,
putting your hands in wood piles or other
disease. It starts with a rash that looks like
without socks, he felt a pinprick between
dark spaces. Keep household and outdoor
a target – central redness surrounded by a
two toes. Thinking nothing of it, he went
storage uncluttered – spiders love to hide
pale ring, in turn surrounded by a red ring.
to work. That afternoon he began to feel
in piles of yard debris and bricks.
If undiagnosed, Lyme can later cause joint
sweaty, crampy and weak. He came into
And keep your boots indoors!
Scott Hamilton, M.D. , is a board-certified pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatricians and medical advisor in Lafayette General Medical Center’s dedicated pediatric treatment area within the Emergency Department. Dr. Hamilton is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support course instructor. His blog is available at ParentsDontFret.net and through a link at LafayetteGeneral.com, where it is accessible to parents anytime, anywhere there is an Internet connection. ParentsDontFret.net
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Dedicated Medicaid Appointments at UHC
On July 1, Governor John Edwards
Patients can call (337) 261-6500
signed an executive order to expand
Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.
Medicaid in Louisiana. The program,
to 4 p.m. to schedule dedicated
known as Healthy Louisiana, provides the
appointments for primary care.
opportunity for more Louisiana residents
to qualify for Medicaid coverage. This
specialists available to assist with an
means access to professional health care
application. The Medicaid Enrollment
coverage for many people in Louisiana
Center is located inside Building 7
who were unable to qualify for Medicaid
on UHC’s campus.
UHC has Medicaid enrollment
before.
Louisiana residents between the
138% of the Federal Poverty Level for 2016
ages of 19 and 64, who meet 138% of the Federal Poverty Level and are not already enrolled in Medicaid or qualify
Household Size
Yearly Income
1
$16,395
2
$21,108
3
$27,821
4
$33,534
for Medicare, may enroll in the state’s newly expanded health care program.
Eager citizens of Louisiana signed up
to take advantage of the program, but were left asking ‘Where can I schedule
an appointment?’
hospital available to everyone in
5
$39,248
Acadiana. It also offers a variety of
6
$44,961
University Hospital & Clinics (UHC)
UHC is a full-service, acute care
stepped up to accommodate the influx
specialty clinics such as family medicine,
of new patients in Acadiana by providing
oncology, gynecology, cardiology,
dedicated appointments to new
orthopedics and more. It is Acadiana’s
Medicaid enrollees.
largest provider of primary care and specialist appointments for patients that
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have Medicaid or are underinsured.
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For questions about enrollment, call (337) 261-6721 or (337) 261-6723 or visit LafayetteGeneral.com/Medicaid
I was 10 years old when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I remember having a lot of anxiety not knowing what was going on with my father. I wanted someone to explain to me, “Why?” There was a nurse, she took the time, she explained to me about his medications. I was able to assist with setting up his pill boxes – making sure he stayed on his medications. I think it was my early training. So, whenever I became a nurse, I didn’t want my patients or their family members to feel like, “I’m still left in the dark, I still don’t understand.” I want to make sure that we’re there to answer their questions. I want to relieve and reduce any anxiety they have. I tell them there is no need for you to worry. Just relax, and know that you are in good hands. My name is Jernice Rodrigue, and I choose Lafayette General.
Jernice Rodrigue Lafayette General Health Nurse
Learn more about a career in Nursing at LafayetteGeneral.com/Careers
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Mayci Breaux’s Impact Lives On Dondie Breaux talks about her daughter’s dream of becoming a rad tech.
Before Lafayette began to brace itself for the oneyear anniversary of the Grand Theatre shooting, Lafayette General held a celebration for Mayci Breaux, announcing a new scholarship in her name which will impact the lives of young women in the state for years to come.
“I’m just happy that she will never be
On July 14, 2016, the Breaux family
of scholarship finalists.
joined leaders of Lafayette General
Health (LGH) and Lafayette General
something positive and memorable,”
Foundation (LGF), to announce the
says David L. Callecod, FACHE, President
“Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund”. The
of Lafayette General Health. “Mayci
fund started with a $100 donation from
Breaux’s legacy will absolutely not be
an anonymous donor in Montana…just
forgotten.” It is a legacy that will ensure
one day after the shooting.
young women with the drive to pursue
forgotten,” says Dondie Breaux, mother
“I’m just happy that she will never be forgotten” Dondie Breaux Mother of Mayci Breaux
of 21-year-old Mayci Breaux, who toured the facilities at Lafayette General Medical
an education will be able to achieve those goals. All of the money raised for the scholarship will be held in a restricted account by LGF. The money can only be used for the scholarship fund.
Thanks to the donations of many,
“Anyone in the community can
also make a donation to help build
Center just weeks before her life was
including LGH employees, the fund
the scholarship,” says Cian Robinson,
cut short.
quickly grew to $20,000. The day before
Executive Director of LGF. Robinson,
the fund was announced, another
who has been in contact with the
Mayci was known as a loving
individual, with a big smile and even
8
“We took it upon ourselves to do
$5,000 was donated by Bo and Jerry
Breaux family, told them during the
bigger heart. She graduated from
Ramsay on behalf of all of the survivors
presentation of the scholarship, “It has
Hanson Memorial High School in 2012,
and everyone that has been affected
been an absolute honor for us to be able
and was attending LSUE, where she was
by the shooting. “It is the best feeling
to do this. There are so many folks from
studying to become an ultrasound and
in the world that so many people that
the Lafayette General family that came
radiologic technologist.
knew Mayci, or didn’t know Mayci,
together to be able to put this together.
have donated or raised money for this
We appreciate what you have allowed us
Mayci had a lot of loves in her
life, including dancing, but the thing
scholarship in memory of her,” says
to do. It is an honor and a privilege.”
Mayci was most passionate about was
Dondie, who has been working with LGH
spending time with her family.
and will assist in whittling down the list
scholarship, comedian Amy Schumer,
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After learning about the launch of the
Mayci Breaux’s family and her LSU Eunice classmates.
star of the movie Trainwreck, donated
radiology tech, and love it like she was
$25,000 to Lafayette General Foundation
going to love it.”
color of individuality. It is a color that
and the Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund.
occurs least frequently in nature – a
The fund, now up to $50,000, is endowed
the fund was stocked with Mayci’s
symbol of something unique – something
through Goldman Sachs, ensuring the
favorite treats (Milky Way bars and
that you don’t see all too often. For many,
longevity of the scholarship.
strawberry lemonade), her favorite flowers
that is Mayci Breaux. Her mother agrees,
(orchids) were the center arrangement
saying, “She had so much of a big heart -
For anyone interested in applying for the “Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund”, the criteria are as follows:
The press conference to announce
In some belief systems, purple is the
and were presented to her family after
for family. That’s how everybody should
the announcement. Even Mayci’s favorite
be treating everybody - like family. That’s
color, purple, was incorporated into
how everybody should live their lives.
the event.
Through God, and with family.”
Must be a Louisiana resident
Must be female
that color represented who Mayci was.
For many of the people in attendance,
Must be enrolled in a radiologic technology program
Purple was worn by Mayci’s family
Will attend or is attending a Louisiana college/university
from LSUE.
members, loved ones and classmates
To learn about the scholarship fund or to apply online, go to LafayetteGeneral.com/MayciBreaux
Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above at time of application
Submissions must be received before the end of July each year The 2016 scholarship winners, announced on September 25th (Mayci’s birthday) are Tayler Montet and Nikki Blanchard.
“Some girls struggle. I’m happy we can help somebody who also wants to be in the same field she wanted to be in since she was in junior high,” said Dondie, during a heartfelt speech. “I want the ones that are truly dedicated to being a
Mayci Breaux
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Something as Simple as a Self-Exam Saved My Life Wife, mother and teacher. Those are just a few ways Kelly Brasseaux used to describe herself. Now she adds fighter, survivor and advocate to the list.
Three years ago, we introduced you to
“Within 24 hours, I made my first call.”
She began her journey at Cancer
Center of Acadiana (CCA) with Deborah
absolutely benefitted my recovery.”
she was going through her journey
stayed close,” said Kelly.
alone. At CCA, she had the support of an entire team, not just her doctor.
compassionate people I have ever come into contact with, all the way
to share her story with everyone to raise
down to Bertha who draws my blood,”
awareness of breast cancer in younger
explained Kelly.
women, and helps others going through
similar battles.
same guidance she received with those
explained Kelly. “Some are women who
“I just put cancer behind me, and moved forward. I climbed that mountain and now I’m living.”
have just been diagnosed and are scared. They want to know what happened to me. Others ask which doctor I saw.” Kelly begins her story explaining how
Kelly Brasseaux
she has always tried to lead an active and
that?’ That’s when I felt the lump,” she said.
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who approach her for help. “People told me if you continue to worry all of the time, then you are not living,” said Kelly. “I just put cancer behind me, and moved forward. I climbed that mountain and now I’m living.”
healthy lifestyle. On a typical afternoon in
shocked me and I asked myself ‘What is
Talking through her journey helped
her tremendously. Now, she shares the
“My number will get passed around,”
pain across her right breast. “The pain
“The people at Cancer Center of
Acadiana are some of the most
a survivor for four years. She continues
of her routine run when she felt a sharp
She explains that she never felt like
developed a good relationship and have
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, and has been
October, she was coming towards the end
friends were able to come with me,
Johnson, M.D., and Molly Thomas, M.D.
She was diagnosed at the age of 34 with
home, where my family members and
“I really liked all of my doctors. We’ve
Kelly’s personal battle with breast cancer.
she explained. “But, being close to
With no history of breast cancer in her
family, she was scared. With the support of CCA and her family, she was able to overcome her fears. “I was very scared when I took my first chemo treatment,”
To learn more about Cancer Center of Acadiana visit, LafayetteGeneral.com/ Cancer
Pictured (L to R) are Ophthalmologists Ricardo Leoni II, M.D., Jonathan Joseph, M.D., Kirk LeBlanc, M.D., and Kevin Swan, M.D.
CATALYS Laser Brings New Vision to Cataract Surgeries ®
For patients needing eye surgery, the CATALYS® Precision
especially amongst those candidates in need of multifocal
Laser System is proving to be a major success at Oil Center
and vision-correcting lenses.
Surgical Plaza (OCSP). Since its first use in Acadiana in early
Oil Center Surgical Plaza, located in the Medical Office
May, the laser quickly surpassed 100 cases by mid July.
Building at 1000 W. Pinhook Road, is a surgical specialty center
The CATALYS laser is used mostly for cataract surgeries, but is
that serves patients needing outpatient surgical procedures
used for other eye procedures as well. Cataracts often develop
ranging from ophthalmology, ENT (ear, nose & throat), plastic
in older adults as the lens of the eye hardens and becomes
surgery or pain management.
cloudy or less translucent. This can cause light to appear glary, vision to be blurred and colors to seem muted.
Preparing for cataract surgery requires multiple incisions on
the covering of the eyeball, and inside the eye around the lens. Traditionally, these cuts were made by hand, with hand-held tools. The CATALYS is beneficial because its laser can make these incisions with more accuracy and precision than by hand.
The CATALYS is equipped with a guidance system that maps
the eye structure in three dimensions and establishes safezone parameters. Since every eyeball is uniquely shaped and configured, being able to plan and customize these incisions makes for a more predictable result and outcome.
Removing the cataract using traditional methods required
high-energy ultrasound to break up the cataract into pieces for removal. With CATALYS, the laser cuts a grid-like pattern across the cataract to soften it. That allows the lens to be removed gently and in clean-cut sections. This helps leave a betterprepared setting for the replacement lens to be inserted. The end result is that the CATALYS laser reduces redness and discomfort after surgery, and allows for faster visual recovery.
“With this new technology, it makes a great cataract procedure even greater. I am so excited about this new era in cataract surgery.” Dr. Jonathan Joseph 609 Guilbeau Rd., Ste. 1 | (337) 981-6430
“The precision and efficiency of the laser makes even the most advanced of cataracts safe and easy to remove. In my 20 plus years of experience I’ve seen nothing like it. We have brought the most advanced technology the world has to offer right here to Lafayette.” Dr. Kirk LeBlanc 1000 W. Pinhook Rd., Ste. 303 | (337) 234-8533
“We are excited to have this technology available at Oil Center Surgical Plaza. We now operate here with a precision that is unequaled in the industry, leading to tremendous outcomes for our patients.” Dr. Ricardo Leoni II 203 Rue Louis XIV, Ste. A | (337) 981-2393
“The CATALYS laser is the most advanced technology available for cataract surgery. It is precise, and makes cataract surgery less difficult. I am excited to have the opportunity to provide the most advanced care in cataract surgery to my patients.” Dr. Kevin Swan 609 Guilbeau Rd., Ste. 1 | (337) 981-6430
Physicians with privileges at OCSP to use the CATALYS laser are Ophthalmologists Jonathan Joseph, M.D., Kirk LeBlanc, M.D., Ricardo Leoni II, M.D., and Kevin Swan, M.D. The physicians say they are experiencing wonderful outcomes in vision restoration,
For more information on the CATALYS® Precision Laser System, visit LafayetteGeneral.com and click “Ophthalmology” under the “Services” tab
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da Vinci Provides a Precise and Steady Hand ®
da Vinci Xi | Robotic Surgical System ®
Lafayette General Medical Center
surgeon is 100% in control of the robotic-assisted system,
(LGMC) announced the acquisition
which translates his/her hand movements into smaller, more
of the da Vinci® Xi Surgical System
precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s
last year. Now, LGMC is offering
body. The Xi System’s immersive 3D-HD vision system provides
thoracic surgery through the
surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes
da Vinci Xi. Thoracic surgery is performed in the chest, and its purpose is to treat diseased or injured organs, including the esophagus, chest wall, heart and lungs. Thoracic surgery using the da Vinci Xi is only being offered in Louisiana at LGMC, Ochsner, Tulane and Touro (as of September 2016). The robotic surgical system further advances minimally invasive surgery. The Xi System is optimized for multi-quadrant
“The three main improvements I see for my patients are fewer complication rates, it’s less painful and patients have a shorter recovery period, which means they can go home quicker following surgery. This is an amazing piece of equipment.” Dr. Victor Tedesco
surgeries in the areas of gynecology, urology and general surgery, among others. Through thoracic surgery, a mass can be removed from the lung, ultimately benefiting patients with
Robotic Incision
VS
Traditional Incision
and hands into the patient.
lung cancer. Choosing a da Vinci procedure over a standard
You should consult with your
procedure typically results in a shorter hospital stay, less blood
doctor to see if the da Vinci Xi
loss, fewer complications, less medication, a faster recovery and
procedure is right for you.
minimal scarring. With the robotic surgery you can reclaim your BENEFITS TO ROBOTIC SURGERY
active lifestyle quicker.
Victor Tedesco, M.D., Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon
Shorter hospital stay
with Heart & Vascular Center of Acadiana, is the only surgeon in Acadiana who performs robotic assisted lung surgery using da Vinci Xi. He has seen a dramatic difference in thoracic surgeries compared to standard open surgery.
“The three main improvements I see for my patients are
fewer complication rates, it’s less painful and patients have a shorter recovery period, which means they can go home quicker following surgery,” said Dr. Tedesco. “This is an amazing piece
The robotic surgical system advances minimally invasive surgery, using smaller, multi-quadrant surgical incisions.
Less blood loss Fewer complications Less need for narcotic pain medicine Faster recovery Smaller incisions associated with minimal scarring
of equipment.”
This technology provides the surgeon with unparalleled
precision, better dexterity and control, increased comfort and more efficiency. As with all da Vinci Surgical Systems, the
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For more information on minimally invasive surgical options at LGMC, visit LafayetteGeneral.com/daVinci.
Are You Prepared for Flu Season?
With every season comes change.
Urgent Care Center locations.
you, but for the people you care for and for
Fall is known for leaves changing color,
The vaccination can take two weeks
the people you come close to,” explained
and days getting shorter while nighttime
to become effective.
Dr. Simon.
comes faster. However, there is another
season which begins around the same time,
throughout the season can help prevent
influenza (flu) season.
spreading the virus as well.
Just as you prepare for the things you
look forward to from season to season,
Washing your hands frequently
How can you track flu outbreaks? The
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
it’s equally as important to prepare for flu
(CDC) makes it easy for you to follow the
season.
flu online or with their app on your phone.
Updates provide locations across the
Three ways to prepare for flu season
FLU
are to know when the season starts, know when you should get vaccinated and track flu outbreaks.
Flu season typically starts around
country where outbreaks are occurring.
“If you have the flu, taking yourself out
of your work or school situation is most important to the community,” explained
October, however the season’s dates vary
Dr. Simon. “You can be contagious up to
from year to year. Influenza travels, causing
seven days.”
outbreaks to occur across the country at
different times. The season can sometimes
flu-like symptoms, contact your primary
extend to April or May.
care physician or visit Lafayette General
Urgent Care Centers located in Carencro,
“I like to remind my patients that
influenza is probably the most significant
If you feel like you may be experiencing
River Ranch and Sugar Mill Pond.
infection you will be exposed to all year,” said Pernell Simon, M.D., Medical Director of Lafayette General Urgent Care Centers. “Chances are you may be exposed to the flu, and it’s always a good feeling knowing
The vaccine not only helps you, it can
help the community as well. The person
you might have some immunity with the
next to you may not be able to receive the
vaccination.”
vaccine due to health reasons, therefore
your vaccination may help them. “The flu
Starting in October, the flu vaccination
will be available at all Lafayette General
For more information about Lafayette General Urgent Care Centers visit LafayetteGeneral.com/UrgentCare.
vaccination is always important, not just for
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First Breast Milk Donation Site in Southwest Louisiana
The demand for human donor breast milk in hospital neonatal
intensive care units (NICUs) continues to rise. The new milk
The milk depot is serviced by Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin
(MMBA). Nonprofit milk banks like MMBA ensure donor human
bank depot at Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) gives
breast milk is safe and available to the infants who need it most.
lactating mothers a new, convenient drop-off location for their
The pasteurized breast milk dispensed is specifically processed
donations of the much-needed resource.
to meet the specific needs of fragile and sick babies.
Collection sites like LGMC are called ‘depots’ because they
function as a user-friendly and safe satellite storage facility. The milk is kept frozen before it is shipped to MMBA for pasteurization.
Women who are breastfeeding infants under 12 months
old are eligible to be screened at no charge to become a human breast milk donor. If you would like to become a registered donor, visit LafayetteGeneral.com/MilkDepot for information on beginning the screening process.
Approved donors may conveniently drop off frozen breast
milk at LGMC, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. View our
Nonprofit milk banks like Mother’s Milk Bank at Austin ensure donor human breast milk is safe and available to the infants who need it most.
drop-off procedure at LafayetteGeneral.com/MilkDepot.
LGMC is the third milk bank depot in the state. Milk bank
depots are also located at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans, and Birth Center of Baton Rouge.
For more information or to make a donation, call Darlene Leblanc, RN, Lactation Consultant at (337) 289-7785.
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EVENTS
On July 1 at UL’s Cecil J. Picard Center on Devalcourt Street, Lafayette General Health welcomed new LSU residents. Katie Hebert, Chief Executive Officer of University Hospital & Clinics, individually presented new Family Medicine and Internal Medicine residents with their official white lab coats during the welcoming ceremony.
On August 17, St. Bernard School announced that St. Martin Hospital was the Grand Prize winner of the “Paint the Town Blue and Gold” decorating contest.
Lafayette General Medical Center’s ICU nurses gave back to the community by volunteering their time for Habitat for Humanity on June 2. This is just one of the many activities the unit has organized in an effort to increase their employee engagement.
LGMC welcomed the birth of quadruplets at 2:26 p.m., 2:27 p.m., 2:27 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on September 2nd. LGMC called in extra personnel for the delivery, including 2 obstetricians, 2 medical residents, 2 neonatologists, 2 neonatal nurse practitioners, 2 from anesthesia, 2 labor & delivery nurses, 8 neonatal nurses, 6 respiratory therapists, 2 surgery techs, 2 x-ray techs and one set of amazing parents!
Chavanne and Garrett Stine with “Holden’s Hope” stopped by LGMC’s Neonatal ICU with a big surprise! With a donation to the Lafayette General Foundation, four mamaROO units are now able to comfort infants just like their parents do. These seats bounce up and down and sway from side to side, giving newborns the attention they need while freeing up our nurses to attend to other patients.
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Your Health Your Health RISK FACTORS
DETECTING HEART DISEASE
SYMPTOMS
Smoking Family History of
Heart Disease
Obesity
Chest Pain or Uncomfortable Pressure
(lasting more than a few minutes and/or stopping and starting)
Pain in the Upper Back, Shoulders, Arms, Neck or Jaw
High Cholesterol
Throat Discomfort
Indigestion or Heartburn
High Blood Pressure
Cold Sweat/Dizziness
Nausea and Vomiting
Diabetes
Shortness of Breath
Extreme Fatigue
Inactivity
A lack of symptoms does not mean an absence of problems, which is why checking with a cardiologist is so important.
To make an appointment with a cardiologist
Call (337) 289-8429.
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