Expanding Vascular Surgery at St. Mary's Hospital

Have you fallen prey to varicose veins? If you’ve ever experienced this condition, you know that the  pain and swelling it causes can leave you sidelined from your daily routine.  Each year, more than one million people are diagnosed with varicose veins, but the majority of these patients never seek treatment because they are apprehensive of the conventional choices. However, new minimally invasive surgery is now available that will get you back on your feet in a matter of days.

At St. Mary's Hospital, we know that problems like this may keep you from enjoying life to the fullest.  Because of this, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve added Dr. John Harvey – a fellowship trained vascular and general surgeon – to our team of physicians. Having trained at both Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in New Jersey and the Montefiore Medical Center in New York, Dr. Harvey comes to SMH experienced in the latest surgical techniques. He understands that patients may be wary of traditional vascular treatments, which require longer hospital stays and extended periods of recuperation. However, he is excited to share the new minimally invasive treatments with local residents. He says, “For some, varicose veins are a cosmetic issue, but for many patients they are a serious medical condition. If left untreated, they can lead to blood clots and ulcers on the leg.” Dr. Harvey will be offering a new technology called the TRIVEX system that utilizes a light to clearly identify varicose veins and remove them completely. Taking half the time of the more conventional procedure, the results are phenomenal, discomfort is minimal, and the recovery time is significantly shortened. 
    
But, Dr. Harvey’s expertise goes far beyond varicose veins. As a general and vascular surgeon, his expertise spans all of the arteries and veins in the body with the exception of the heart. From treating leg ulcers and poor circulation to operating on abdominal aneurysms, Dr. Harvey brings the latest medical techniques and general surgical knowledge to St. Mary's Hospital.
    
And patients of all ages are raging about his abilities – especially those who have needed immediate help.
    
As a new physician in the area, Dr. Harvey is looking forward to working with the medical staff at St. Mary's Hospital. He is a part of Shah Associates, M.D., LLC and is practicing medicine in the Solomon’s Medical Center.  If you are interested in learning more about vascular disease and the latest medical treatments and preventive measures, please contact his office at: 410-394-2700.

St. Mary's Hospital Delivers Four Dimensional Ultrasound Technology

Imagine being able to see a video of your baby’s distinct features before he is born.  You see the delicate curves of his face and the detail on his tiny fingers as he waves his hands.  The nudges and gentle kicks you’ve felt have only hinted at his lively personality.  But now, for the first time, his character is on full display for you as he yawns and stretches.  With the magic of 4-D ultrasound, this incredible visualization is becoming a reality for physicians and parents-to-be across the country.  And, at St. Mary's Hospital, we’re proud to bring this technology to residents in our community.

In mid-May, SMH became the proud new parents to a General Electric 4-D Ultrasound unit known as the LOGIQ-9.  From the world of obstetrics to vascular imaging, this revolutionary piece of equipment offers a full-range of clinical applications.  You may have many questions about our newest addition.  How does it work? Is it safe? How is it different from the more traditional ultrasound technology?  We’re looking forward to answering these questions and helping you understand how our latest acquisition will better your health!

What is ultrasound technology?
Many of us are familiar with the term ultrasound, a technology that has been revolutionizing the medical community for over 50 years.  During the last several decades, there have been rapid advances in the field, with each subsequent technology adding more improvements to the quality and definition of images.

Ultrasound technology, or sonography, involves sending sound waves through the body.  During an ultrasound, these waves are reflected off your internal organs and then interpreted by special instruments that create an image on a computer screen.  Because the equipment does not use ionizing radiation, having an ultrasound is completely harmless.   And unless you are having an ultrasound on a painful or tender area of your body, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort or side effects.

How Does 4-D Technology Work?
4-D is shorthand for “four-dimensional” – the fourth dimension being time.  While more traditional ultrasound technology shows still photographic images, the 4-D ultrasound creates live video footage.  As you can imagine, there are a number of medical benefits physicians are reaping from this new technology.  
In obstetrics, 4-D technology allows doctors and sonographers to analyze fetal motion and perform exams that were previously unavailable.  After analyzing movement and breathing patterns, trained professionals can draw conclusions about a baby’s health and development.  The 4-D ultrasound has become an invaluable tool in the early detection of birth defects and life-threatening medical issues.  Armed with this knowledge, parents and their physicians can plan for timely neonatal care and, if necessary, corrective surgeries.

A Diverse Addition to Our Repertoire....
While the ultrasound has become a routine procedure in obstetrics, physicians in several medical specialties are benefiting from the new 4-D technology.  From abdominal anomalies to genetic syndromes, the real time aspect of this equipment allows healthcare professionals to detect or rule out any number of issues. Cardiologists and vascular surgeons can now watch a patient’s blood flow with superior precision and determine how best to handle any irregularities.  Doctors performing biopsies are experiencing greater accuracy than every before thanks to the 4-D’s improved visualization.  But healthcare providers aren’t the only individuals benefiting from the footage.  Because of the equipment’s ergonomic design, patients, themselves, will experience greater comfort during the scanning process.
    
St. Mary’s Hospital is looking forward to offering this state-of-the-art equipment to local residents.  Please note that the 4-D ultrasound will only be available to patients who have a physician’s order.  If you have any questions about the diagnostic imaging services available at SMH, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 301-475-6121. 

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Advanced Surgical Technical Offer Fast Recovery for Patients

For anyone who has ever suffered from knee pain, the idea of “growing” healthy knee
cartilage may seem futuristic.  But, at St. Mary's Hospital, we’re helping Southern Maryland residents do just that!  During a minimally invasive procedure, healthy knee cartilage cells, known as chondrocytes, are removed from the patient and sent to a laboratory where they are processed to increase their number. These newly grown cells are then implanted back into the damaged part of the knee, helping to form new, healthy cartilage.

The result?  Most patients are able to put full weight on their repaired knee within six to eight weeks.  Dr. Daniel Bauk is one of St. Mary's Hospital’s orthopaedic physicians currently performing this procedure.

Because not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, the traditional approaches have been honed and specialized to get patients up and moving again. Knee pain was a fact of life for Betty Vallandingham, a long-time Southern Maryland resident who was suffering from arthritis.  She wasn’t the only member of her family who was dealing with its debilitating effects.  Betty laments, “Both my younger sister and my identical twin sister have suffered with knee problems – it runs in the family!”  Having recently undergone successful procedures with St. Mary's Hospital orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lloyd Cox, her siblings suggested she schedule an appointment to see if he could alleviate the discomfort in her knees.

Shortly after her initial consultation, she had total knee replacement surgery on the worse of her two knees.  She felt a difference immediately and was moving at full speed six weeks after surgery.  Eager to regain the complete use of her other knee, she returned to the hospital in 2005 for her second replacement.  “I spent only three days in the hospital each time and received a lot of TLC from the entire nursing staff!”

Advanced Science for Better Living
As a Smithsonian Curator for Mexican and Central American Archaeology, Mechanicsville resident, Ron Bishop frequently travels to Mexico and Guatemala to perform his research.  But, when the wear and tear caused by miles of hiking and pyramid climbing kept Ron from his work, he knew it was time to take action.  “Every time I took a step, I was hearing a crack.  I was overcompensating and putting the rest of my body under strain.  It was time to do something.”

With both knees causing problems, he consulted physicians at St. Mary's Hospital.  After reviewing his case, Dr. Cox suggested that Ron was an excellent candidate for a new minimally invasive procedure called a Unicompartmental Replacement.  Not only would his recovery time be shortened, but there would be less overall discomfort and minimal scarring.  Ron was pleased at the prospect of utilizing the new technology and decided to undergo the procedure on his right knee.

As predicted, his first surgery was a success.  Ron moved quickly through his physical therapy sessions and began working again shortly afterwards.  Two years later, he returned to St. Mary's Hospital for the same treatment on his left knee.  “I was in the hospital for only two days!” shared Ron, who quips about why he waited so long to undergo the procedure.  “I was up and moving on the same day of surgery.”  An intensive four-week physical therapy session followed, ensuring that Ron would be strong enough to return to the field.  “Having a goal was vital to my recovery,” he says.  Because walking through miles of thick jungle and muddy forest floors were common obstacles, Ron told his therapists that he wanted to walk without a limp and perform deep knee bends.   Just months after his second surgery he is back in business and traversing the rugged terrain of Guatemala with ease.  “My objective was to recover as soon as possible and get back into the field.  I was very pleased with the results!”

Expert Advice Close to Home
New Telemedicine Option Arrives at SMH

When a baby is in your future, ensuring his or her health becomes a primary goal.  At St. Mary's Hospital, we understand that your family’s well-being is of the utmost importance.  During this special time, your obstetrician may suggest that you consult with a physician specializing in high-risk pregnancy to ensure that your soon-to-be son or daughter develops into a healthy infant. 

In the past, making an office visit to see a specialist involved spending several hours on the road, navigating unfamiliar streets and battling rush-hour traffic.  However, with the implementation of a new telemedicine program at St. Mary's Hospital, consulting with an expert is as easy as driving to our facility!

Making the Connection
While telemedicine itself isn’t new, there are only a handful of programs in the United States that utilize the technology for monitoring high-risk pregnancies.  Through a grant from the State Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, our Women’s Health & Family Birthing Center was given the opportunity to establish a telemedicine program with the University of Maryland Medical Center.  Now well into its first year, St. Mary's Hospital is the only facility in Southern Maryland to bring residents the ease and convenience of skilled, high-risk pregnancy care.  The Hepp family, featured above, learned firsthand about the value of telemedicine.  Through the link, they learned of their daughter’s health issues and were able to make life-saving decisions.

The Link to Expert Care
Women who experience a telemedicine session will receive the highest level of expertise and the finest compassionate care.  During the consultation, specialists will take time to answer questions, offer advice and order any necessary medical or laboratory tests.  In many cases, these tests can be performed at SMH, allowing patients to stay close to their home and family.  The connection has already allowed dozens of women to receive full consultations with high-risk specialists. 

From local Amish women to active members of the military, the six obstetricians and gynecologists at St. Mary's Hospital see patients from a variety of lifestyles.  Because of their particular circumstances, many county residents lack the transportation to visit a specialist out of the vicinity.  Dr. Lawrence Tilley, Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology at SMH, praises the success of the program.  “We are excited to offer area residents a program that links patients to specialized care at the University of Maryland.”
    
At St. Mary’s Hospital, we’re proud to bring this extraordinary program to county residents and consider it a privilege to share in your birth experience.  If you would like to meet with one of our obstetricians, please call our physician referral line at 301-475-6088.