The patient A neonate was born with a prenatally diagnosed myelomeningocele, the most severe type of spina bifida, and severe associated myelokyphosis. Due to the extent of the bony deformity, prenatal surgery was deemed too high risk. At birth, the patient presented with a large open neural tube defect with exposed spinal cord and abnormal…
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute has joined a select group of North American centers in a landmark randomized clinical trial aimed at reducing one of cardiac surgery’s most common and consequential complications: postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). About the trial Postoperative atrial fibrillation affects more than half of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, depending on individual risk…
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute continues to expand its role in advancing cardiovascular clinical research, joining a global clinical trial that potentially could redefine treatment for one of heart failure’s most challenging patient populations: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or HFpEF. Why it matters HFpEF patients retain normal left ventricular pumping function (LVEF ≥50%)…
When Hannah McKinley walked into her local emergency department in July 2017 struggling to breathe, she was 26 years old. She lived a fairly carefree life, working in customer service and hanging out with friends on weekends. She received a diagnosis that would redefine her life. A CT scan revealed a mass in her throat….
Epilepsy surgery cures roughly 60% to 80% of children with focal, drug-resistant epilepsy, yet it is still commonly positioned as a treatment of last resort. That misconception, according to Ahmad Marashly, M.D., pediatric epileptologist and director of pediatric epilepsy at Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, can delay referrals for…
When it comes to cardiac disease diagnosis in the primary care setting, choosing the right cardiac diagnostic test depends on several factors, including risk stratification, symptom frequency and clinical context. Here is a practical guide to navigating cardiology testing in primary care, adapted from a continuing medical education presentation by Mostafa O. El-Refai, M.D., interventional…
The patient An 81-year-old male presented to the hand surgery clinic reporting a sudden onset of weakness in his right hand’s ability to extend the middle, ring and small fingers. The index and thumb also were affected, to a lesser extent. There was no history of trauma; the symptoms began following a session of pushups…
A new radiation technology is helping make treatments faster, more comfortable and safer for patients at Norton Cancer Institute. ExacTrac Dynamic, developed by Brainlab, is a motion-tracking and patient positioning system that improves accuracy during radiation therapy, supporting stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) across a range of cancer types. How ExacTrac…
What your patients eat may shape who they become A landmark study published in JAMA Network Open is giving pediatric providers new clinical ammunition for conversations about early childhood nutrition — and the findings go well beyond waistlines. Studies on the link between processed food and behavior have been around for a while and evaluate…
Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is pleased to announce that Felix W. Tsai, M.D., MBA, has joined the pediatric cardiothoracic surgery team. Dr. Tsai’s arrival expands our surgical team to three dedicated pediatric heart surgeons, increasing access and capacity while ensuring continuity of care for the complex pediatric cardiac…
Families in Kentucky and Indiana seeking specialized spine care for their children now have a centralized location and expertise close to home. Norton Children’s and Norton Leatherman Spine have established Norton Children’s Leatherman Spine, a dedicated practice serving children with spine disorders at two Louisville locations: downtown on Gray Street and in the East End…