UAB Med Cast UAB

Learn why robotic-assisted CABG is a groundbreaking technique for many with coronary artery disease. Sasha Still, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon, describes the advantages of performing robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass — a minimally invasive version of the traditional CABG procedure that can further be performed on a beating heart. She discusses the complexity level and characteristics of patients who are most likely to benefit. Discover why Dr. Still and her colleagues felt it was important to offer this highly technical procedure at UAB.

Two devices for preventing blood clots are allowing many patients to stop taking blood thinners completely. The Amulet and the Watchman are both devices that allow doctors to perform left atrial appendage occlusion more safely than ever before. Tom McElderry, M.D., co-director of the Heart & Vascular Center, explains what has made these devices easier and faster to install, with complication rates well below 1%. He also discusses imaging technology that makes same-day procedures possible. Learn more about clinical trials related to these devices underway at UAB.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer. It is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary team — for patients, that can mean a drawn-out array of appointments. Robert Cannon, M.D., surgical director of the UAB Liver Transplant Program, discusses the new Hepatocellular Carcinoma Clinic (HCC), which brings together relevant specialists for the benefit of patients. As he explains, patients can now leave one appointment with a diagnosis and a care plan built by the entire team. Learn more about exciting clinic trails offered through the HCC.

Head and neck cancers have always been some of the most difficult to treat, but advancements in robotic surgery, advanced imaging, and multidisciplinary recovery approaches are improving the outlook for many patients. Benjamin Greene, M.D.; Harishanker Jeyarajan, M.D.; and Carissa Thomas, M.D., share new insights and techniques in the field.

Learn more about the connection between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer; new tools allowing more accurate diagnoses and monitoring for recurrence; and the surgical precision made possible by robotic surgery alongside intraoperative fluorescence imaging.

Degenerative mitral valve disease is the most common heart valve abnormality. Panayotis Vardas, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon, reviews the distinctions between primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. He describes categories of patients who would be candidates for mitral valve repair, which is the standard-of-care treatment, versus those who might undergo mitral valve replacement. Learn more about the dramatic success rates of mitral valve repair and clinical trials underway that explore new techniques for complex cases.

Some people struggle with symptoms for years and never receive a clear answer on what condition they have. UAB Medicine is part of the National Institutes of Health Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN), which means they are committed to applying the latest technology to make diagnoses for their regional community. Bruce Korf, M.D., associate dean for Genomic Medicine, explains the various tools the undiagnosed disease team uses, including radiologic imaging, neurological testing, and genomic sequencing. Learn how patients from all demographics may gain access and be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. He also explains how new diagnoses can help doctors understand the less common ways diseases present.