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Dr. John Calhoon Elected Chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Dr. John Calhoon has been elected Chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. From 2009-2011 he served as Vice Chairman of the board. The American Board of Thoracic Surgery is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) which encompasses twenty-four specialties with primary Boards. Through ABMS, the boards work together to establish common standards for physicians to achieve and maintain board certification. The primary purpose and most essential function of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery is to protect the public by establishing and maintaining high standards in thoracic surgery. To achieve these objectives, the Board has established qualifications for examination and procedures for certification and Maintenance of Certification. For more information about the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, visit abts.org.

Congratulations to our 2011 Aust Society Resident Paper Competition winners!

Jeremy Simmons, MD , won 1st place in Basic Sciences category at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the J. Bradley Aust Surgical Society in San Antonio, TX, for his presentation titled “The Efficacy of Inhaled Nanoparticle Tacrolimus in Preventing Rejection in an Orthotopic Rat Lung Transplant Model”. This study from the Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Lab showed that inhaled formulation of nanoparticle Tacrolimus achieved similar anti-rejection as the systemic dosing.

Ruchir Puri, MD, tied for third place in Clinical category at the same meeting, for his talk titled “Transthoracic Repair of Slipped Nissen Fundoplications: Techniques and Results”. This was a single center review of transthoracic approach to repair recurrent hiatal hernias.

A Team Approach to Quality Cardiothoracic Care

At CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, physician collaboration is a cornerstone of the world-class cardiothoracic care that it provides to regional pediatric patients. The Children’s Heart Program at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital offers a wide array of surgical services for congenital heart defects, including ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects and coarctation of the aorta. Read entire article on MDNews.com (6-26-11)

Congratulations

Congratulations to Scott B. Johnson, MD, Associate Professor, and Head of Division of Thoracic Surgery, who has been awarded $50,000 by the IIMS/CTSA Pilot Project grant for proposal entitled “Efficacy of Inhaled Nanoparticle Tacrolimus in Preventing Rejection in a Rodent Lung Transplant Model.” This proposal is one of 16 to be funded (some in partnership with CTRC and SOM), ranking near the top of the 74 submissions.

In addition, Dr. Johnson has been awarded $9,900 for academic year 2011-2012 by the Institute for Integration of Medicine and Science in support of his Translational Technology Resources (TTR) application entitled, “Evaluation of Inhaled Nanoparticle Tacrolimus in Attenuation of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Lung Transplant model.”

HSC News — University Transplant Center achieves record lung transplants in one year :

SAN ANTONIO (May 5, 2011) — Larry Franklin, a U.S. Air Force veteran who lives in Schertz, recently became the 40th person in one year to receive a lung transplant from the University Transplant Center. HSC News article.

Diet soda may be bad for your heart:

A study presented at the American Heart and Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference found that diet soda drinkers are 61% more likely to have a "vascular event" than non-drinkers. Lifestyle and sodium may contribute to the higher association with stroke and vascular illness. Dr. Seenu Reddy, spoke with KENS 5's Deborah Knapp to explain the implications of the study. Dr. Reddy advised eating a well-balanced diet and drinking diet sodas in moderation. View KENS-5 video | Patient Care - TMR | Appointments and referrals – 210-450-0999 (2-10-11)

HSC News — Cardiothoracic surgery gives patients bright future:

UTHSCSA entered a new era in cardiothoracic surgery in the fall of 2010 with the creation of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Led by John Calhoon, MD, the department has 12 physicians and a diverse and dedicated group of nurses, midlevel providers, perfusionists, researchers, residents and administrative staff. HSC News article (11-18-10)

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, talks about new American Heart Association CPR guidelines:

The American Heart Association's new guidelines for CPR issued on October 18, 2010, say chest compressions should come before mouth-to-mouth breathing. "What we're really trying to do is save lives," says Dr. Reddy, Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery. "I think a lot of people felt the breathing part is a little more than they want to take on or a little more complex." The American Heart Association guidelines revision does away with the traditional A-B-C (airway, breathing, compressions) training. New guidelines say begin chest compressions immediately after calling 911.
American Heart Association - New CPR guidelines | View KSAT-12 video | KSAT-12 story | KENS-5 video | More about Dr. Reddy (10-20-10)

Lucas Duvall, MD, Chief CT Resident, appointed to TSRA Executive Committee:

The Thoracic Surgery Residents Association (TSRA) recently appointed new officers to the Executive Committee, including CT chief resident Lucas Duvall, MD. The TSRA Executive Committee is responsible for managing the activities of the TSRA and for planning future directions for the TSRA. The Executive Council is composed of TSRA representatives who have designated responsibilities with the leading organizations in Thoracic Surgery and Resident Education. Thoracic Surgery Residents Association | More about Dr. Duvall (9-14-10)

Announcement: The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Francisco González-Scarano, Dean of The University of Texas School of Medicine San Antonio, is pleased to recognize the creation of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery in the School of Medicine on September 1, 2010. John H. Calhoon, MD, Professor of Surgery, (pictured right) leads this promising, growing, new department. Dr. Calhoon (pictured right), a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon, heads a talented and dedicated group of faculty and staff. Formerly a division in the Department of Surgery, this change in status represents the next logical step in the development of Cardiothoracic Surgery by placing this growing and thriving entity on an organizational par with the top nationally recognized departments in its field. More about Dr. Calhoon (9-7-10)

KENS-5 – New Braunfels hospital offers comprehensive cardiac care:

A new comprehensive cardiovascular center is open at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels. In an interview with KENS-5, Jeffrey McNeil, MD, cardiothoracic surgery, said keeping patients close to home has its advantages. "It's mostly being able to have the support of their family." New Braunfels area physicians have been supportive of this new program, helping with the design of the facility and selection of the equipment. It's considered a vital service to a rapidly growing South Texas city. KENS-5 story, video | More about Dr. McNeil (7-27-10)

HeartGift San Antonio – Life-saving surgery for Mongolian toddler:

Only a year old, Borhkuu Amralt has traveled halfway around the world. The baby from Mongolia was born with a congenital heart defect, a hole. "Because of this hole, his heart works overtime and he has a daily competition between being able to breathe and being able to eat," said John Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UT School of Medicine San Antonio. KENS-5 story, video | More about HeartGift | More about Dr. Calhoon (7-26-10)

'Five Minutes with Daniel DeArmond, MD' — Minimally Invasive VATS Lobectomy:

The San Antonio Business Journal conducts a conversation with Dr. Daniel DeArmond, Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has extensive training and expertise in a novel procedure known as VATS – Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery – which is used to remove cancerous lobes from the lungs. Since joining our faculty in 2007, Dr. DeArmond has performed approximately 80 VATS lobectomies. "We are the only program in this region doing this operation with the commitment of a surgeon who has specific, minimally-invasive thoracic surgery fellowship training," says Dr. DeArmond. Read San Antonio Business Journal article | More about Dr. DeArmond | More about VATS lobectomy procedures (7-16-10)

Heart resynchronization gives S.A. man a new lease on life:

Three heart attacks, congestive heart failure and an enlarged heart, all before the age of 30 — That's what happened to a San Antonio man whose life has been turned around with an amazing implanted device. V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, UT Medicine Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Manoj Panday, MD, UT Medicine Cardiology, worked together to stabilize patient Samuel Ramirez's heart – and completely changed the quality of Mr. Ramirez's life. Read KENS-5 story, view video | More about Dr. Reddy | More about Dr. Panday (7-2-10)

Heart laser and bypass treats crushing chest pain:

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, cardiothoracic surgeon, using a procedure called transmyocardial revascularization, (TMR) is able to use traditional bypass procedures in conjunction with a CO2 heart laser to eliminate chest pain and stimulate new blood vessel growth. "During the same operation, we're able to both bypass the arteries that are bypassable, and then on areas of the heart where the vessels were too small to be bypassed, we created laser channels that are one millimeter in size and about a centimeter apart," explained Dr. Reddy. View KENS-5 video | Learn more about transmyocardial revascularization from the American Heart Association | Patient Care - TMR | More about Dr. Reddy | Appointments and referrals – 210-450-0999 (7-2-10)

Lung transplant patient honored as 'medical miracle' at University Health System's annual UHS Foundation fundraiser:

Kevin King, a lung transplant recipient, credits Luis Angel, MD, with the medical miracle of a new life. Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, King's lungs developed multiple scars, resulting in a restricted ability to move air in and out. In March 2008, King received the gift of a new lung transplant. After some setbacks and problems, King is now doing great. More information: Lung Transplant Program | UHS Medical Miracles Gala | More about Dr. Angel | Lung transplant 'Medical Miracle' patient - KENS-5 story, photos and video (5-7-10)

Happiness associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease:

Interviewed for an article in the San Antonio Express-News, V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, discusses the link between happiness and good health. Unhappy or depressed people tend to engage in unhealthy activities — drinking too much, smoking, poor diet, etc. If you are depressed and have heart disease, your risk of some sort of cardiac event is increased.
Read San Antonio Express-News article | More about Dr. Reddy | (3-16-10)

Miniaturized assist devices providing hope for South Texas heart failure patients too ill for transplant:

Jay D. Pal, MD, PhD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is specialty-trained in heart transplantation and has extensive experience with mechanical circulatory support, such as the HeartMate II™, which significantly improves survival for extremely ill heart failure patients. In January 2010, the FDA approved use of the HeartMate II™, which provides a continuous flow left ventricular assist system, powered by an electrical cable that passes through the skin to a controller worn around the waist.
New implanted heart pumps give hope to more heart failure patients — KENS-5 News story
HSC News article | Read HSC Press Release (3-11-10)

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, interviewed by San Antonio Business Journal on cost of MIS vs. open procedures

Doctors are not paid more (or less) for minimally invasive surgery: In an interview with the San Antonio Business Journal, V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, UT Medicine cardiothoracic surgeon, states that, whether the patient is undergoing traditional open cardiac surgery or one of the newer minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) — where a surgeon goes in through the patient's side using robotic equipment — payment for the procedure is fixed. Although cost is no different, the patient benefits with a significantly reduced recovery period after an MIS procedure. Read more in the San Antonio Business Journal | More about Dr. Reddy | (2-3-10)

Jeffrey McNeil, MD, performs first open heart surgery in New Braunfels:

In a newly-renovated operating room, Dr. Jeffrey McNeil and his team performed the four hour operation. It was a success. The New Braunfels interventional cardiology program is prepared to perform one or two cardiac surery cases per week, offering New Braunfels patients a first-class alternative to traveling for their heart disease care. Read Wendy Rigby - KENS-5 blog article | More about Dr. McNeil (11-17-09)

Calhoon named Vice-Chair of American Board of Thoracic Surgery:

Congratulations to John H.Calhoon, MD, Professor and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been named Vice Chairman and Chairman-Elect of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. From 2011 to 2013 he will lead the board, which certifies cardiothoracic surgeons nationwide and protects the public by establishing and maintaining high standards in the field. Dr. Calhoon, who joined the Health Science Center faculty in 1989, was mentored by South Texas transplant surgery pioneers J. Kent Trinkle, MD, and Frederick Grover, MD. Dr. Calhoon was named head of cardiothoracic surgery in 1994, succeeding Dr. Trinkle. He occupies the Calhoon President's Council Chair for Excellence in Surgery, which was established in his family's honor by Health Science Center supporters who are members of the President's Council. Read HSC Press Release | More about Dr. Calhoon (11-11-09)

'Keyhole' minimally invasive heart surgery leads to faster recoveries:

In an interview on KENS-5 San Antonio, Dr. Reddy discusses the benefits of minimally invasive cardiac surgery. With only one small incision in the right chest and without dividing any bone, Dr. Reddy is able to use catheters to perform procedures that, in the past, have required a much more invasive approach. With the minimally invasive procedure, patients experience less pain and are able to return to work in a short period of time, as opposed to the traditional open heart surgery which requires a much longer recovery period for the patient. | Read KENS-5 story and view video (9-30-09)

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA to Advanced Clinical Education Skills Top 20 Preceptors:

Congratulations to V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been selected as one of the Advanced Clinical Education Skills (ACES) Top 20 Preceptors. ACES is the 2nd year medical student course that teaches the students the intricacies of the history and physical exam on patients with abnormalities. Award-winning preceptors were selected by the students for effort and dedication to teaching excellence. Students' comments were overwhelmingly positive, making choosing the Top 20 a difficult task — a compliment to the educators selected for the Top 20. | (6-16-09)

Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation grant to Luis Angel, MD:

In the Summer 2009 Vanguard Newsletter (a supplement the HSC's Mission magazine): $25,000 grant from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation to Luis Angel, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pulmonary Medicine, and Director of the UT Health Science Center lung transplantation program. The award is in support of the Barbara Melikan Lung Transplantation Research Fund. More about our heart and lung transplant program (6-3-09)

Economic stress has effect on heart and overall health:

Cardiothoracic surgeons V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, and Daniel T. DeArmond, MD, are interviewed by the San Antonio Express-News regarding the impact of a depressed economy on the health and healthcare of South Texas pulmonary and cardiac patients. Both the intensity of stress and the effect of stress on our bodies are potentially harmful for some post-surgical patients. Read Express-News story | More about Dr. Reddy | More about Dr. DeArmond (3-19-09)

Minimally invasive heart surgery reaping maximum benefits:

With traditional open-heart surgery, the sternum is split and a bypass machine is used while the cardiothoracic surgeon operates on the stopped heart. Minimally invasive heart surgery is performed through small incisions, typically between the patient's ribs. V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, recently was interviewed by MySA.com regarding the techniques and benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery. Read complete story on MySA.com | SA Express News Video | More about Dr. Reddy (2-23-09)

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA &mdash New heart surgery promises shorter hospital stay:

Seenu V. Reddy, MD, MBA, performs first-time minimally invasive heart surgery at Christus Santa Rosa. "This is a relatively newer technique," said Dr. Reddy. Instead of opening the patient's chest, a small incision is made in the groin. Wires and catheters are inserted through the incision, and will be used to insert a stent. Because this procedure is significantly less invasive than traditional heart surgery, it is especially useful for older patients who might not be in the best of health. Read story on WOAI | View WOAI Video | SA Express News Video For physician referrals, please call 210-358-4025. (2-10-09)

Jeffrey McNeil, MD, USAF, researching synthetic blood products:

In an effort to improve surgical outcomes, the Air Force Surgeon General, Wilford Hall Medical Center, and the UT Health Science Center San Antonio are collaborating in an ongoing research project at the Health Science Center's Research Imaging Center. Their research is testing whether a synthetic oxygen-saturated blood product can help the brain and other organs during major heart surgery, possibly providing a protective boost for patients who may be at risk for stroke or other internal injury. Read Express-News article | More about Dr. McNeil (1-15-09)

Daniel T. DeArmond, MD, discusses VATS on CNN:

New technique reduces trauma of lung surgery. The less invasive VATS procedure for lung cancer can significantly decrease recovery time when compred to open chest surgery.
Read CNN article | More about Dr. DeArmond | More about VATS and DaVinci™ Robotic Surgery For physician referrals, please call 210-358-4025. (11-26-08)

Two year old Chinese boy alive thanks to new San Antonio charity:

Pediatric cardiolothoracic surgeons repair hole in child's heart - "He had a very formidable defect," says John Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. "There was a blockage of blood flow to his lungs and a hole in his heart." The surgery was done last week, and now, Jian is back up and playing like a normal child. Read story on WOAI.com | More about HeartGift San Antonio (11-20-08)

DaVinci robotic surgery for early stage lung cancer:

Dan DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, explains precision robotic lung cancer surgery options: Patients whose lung cancer has been caught very early now have a minimally invasive surgical option at Christus Santa Rosa Northwest — da Vinci® robotic surgery. Using the da Vinci robotic system, Dr. DeArmond is able to perform lung tissue resections with minimal incisions, greatly reducing the patient's recovery and in-patient days. "If this tool can help us to move that frontier forward, then it's an advantage to patients," says Dr. DeArmond. This surgery is not for all lung cancer patients, but for those whose disease has been caught soon enough, long-term survival rates are a very encouraging 80%. More about Dr. DeArmond | Learn more about the da Vinci® system | Physician Referrals: 210-358-4579 (10-16-08)

Transmyocardial laser revascularization eases untreatable chronic chest pain:

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, uses laser surgery to relieve otherwise untreatable chest pain: Many patients with chronic, life-limiting chest pain will be able to benefit from a procedure called sole therapy transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR). In San Antonio, the procedure is available only at University Hospital. Dr. Reddy is director of thoracic aortic surgery for the UT Health Science Center San Antonio Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Read more | More about Dr. Reddy
View animation video demonstrating the TMR procedure (video will open in a new browser window) | Animation video graciously provided by Cardiogenesis (9-30-08)

Heart-lung transplant milestone:

Two Texas men breathing easier with simultaneous dual lung transplant at University Hospital: In March 2008, Dr. Scott Johnson, head of Thoracic Surgery, and Dr. Luis Angel, assistant professor of pulmonary diseases, performed the life-changing surgery for Kevin King and Kenny Deison. The dual operation marked the 300th lung transplant of the Lung Transplantation Program. Read San Antonio Express-News story | HSC News Story | More about the Lung Transplant Program | More about Dr. Johnson | More about Dr. Angel (6-18-08)

John Calhoon, MD - Heart-Felt Heart Surgery:

The June-July 2008 issue of NSIDE SA Medical Journal features Dr. Calhoon, chief of cardiothoracic surgery, in an article describing Dr. Calhoon's vast knowledge and the many pathways of his 20 year career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Read article. | More about Dr. Calhoon (6-17-08)

San Antonio's Health Care Heroes:

HealthCareHeroes Congratulations to Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, John Calhoon, MD, who has been chosen as an Outstanding Physician – one of San Antonio's Health Care Heroes in 2008 – by the San Antonio Business Journal, recognizing health care professionals who make a difference in health care in San Antonio. (4-23-08)

New lung cancer procedure is less invasive:

A new surgical procedure for early-stage lung cancer is helping patients recover more quickly and without as much pain as the traditional operation. Daniel DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is one of only a very small number of thoracic surgeons in San Antonio who is performing the new video-assisted thoracic surgery procedure (VATS). View KENS-5 video | SA Express-News article | More about Dr. DeArmond | More about VATS procedures (3-14-08)

Anti-rejection nanotherapy shows promise in rodent lung transplant model:

Rejection can lead to failure of transplanted lungs. Scott Johnson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is one of many participants in a new study testing nanoparticle aerosol therapy to prevent post-transplant rejection, in the hopes that aerosol therapy will more directly target the lungs than traditional high-dose medications. Read HSC press release. (3-6-08)

Dr. Scott Johnson interviewed on KENS-5: Local scientists testing lung transplant drug on rats. Each year 1,500 American lives are saved by lung transplants but there is a high rate of rejection. Now, some scientists are trying to find a better way .... View KENS-5 video. (3-12-08)

2008 Medical Miracles Gala honoree, esophageal cancer survivor SAPD Officer Larry Price:

In the late summer of 2006, Dr. Scott Johnson, associate professor of thoracic surgery, surgically removed a large portion of Larry's esophagus. This year, Larry is being honored by the University Health System Foundation as 2008's medical miracle.

Surgeon has built transplant program that has real heart:

(San Antonio Business Journal, 1-21-08) Dr. John Calhoon, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, is an outstanding educator, and the major clinical and educational driving force behind the UT Health Science Center's extremely successful cardiothoracic surgery program. Read article in SA Business Journal (1-18-08)

New options open up for treating heart problems in children::

Article (1-11-08 San Antonio Business Journal) by John Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of infant mortality in the US, representing 36 percent of all infant deaths due to birth defects, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Read article in San Antonio Business Journal (1-16-08)

Double-lung recipient, wife hope their story will help other families

Lloyd and Ruth Wilkins of Redwood City, Calif., wrote firsthand accounts of their quest to get Lloyd a lung transplant, a hunt that ended when they learned about The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Photo:Dr. Calhoon, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins Antonio / University Hospital lung transplant program. Lloyd, a high-risk case because of his lung disease, underwent a double-lung transplant June 6, 2005, at University Hospital, one of the Health Science Center's primary teaching hospitals. He is doing very well.

Lloyd's article addresses many of the practical considerations patients need to know; Ruth's article is geared to what caregivers need to know. Luis Angel, MD, associate professor of surgery, is the pioneering pulmonologist who accepted Lloyd Wilkins' challenging case. John Calhoon, MD, professor of surgery and Calhoon President's Council Chair for Excellence in Surgery at the Health Science Center, led the team that performed the transplant. Because of highly innovative procedures to preserve donor lungs and to stabilize patients awaiting transplant, the UTHSCSA/UHS lung transplant program has among the shortest waiting times among U.S. medical centers for patients needing single or double lungs.

The Real Deal on Lung Transplants by Lloyd Wilkins

The Real Deal on Supporting a Person Who Needs a Lung Transplant by Ruth Wilkins

Read HSC News article

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Cardiothoracic Surgery - news, articles and resources