What is the NanoKnife Cancer Treatment System?

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If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with cancer in Denver, you should know that technology is always advancing and providing hospitals with new ways to treat cancer before it spreads. The NanoKnife Cancer Treatment System is a recent innovation in cancer care that is currently available at our hospital in Denver.

The NanoKnife Cancer Treatment System is a revolutionary new method of removing cancerous tumors from the body. The NanoKnife System is FDA-approved for all soft tissue organs, including the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs.

This is a minimally invasive treatment that can remove difficult-to-reach tumors at a cellular level. Since the NanoKnife System relies on the body’s natural healing process to replace cells, there is little to no scarring after the procedure.

The NanoKnife Cancer Treatment System directs electrical energy directly at the tumor, which opens the walls of cancerous cells, effectively destroying them. This also leaves healthy tissue undamaged, a wonderful breakthrough in the treatment of cancer.

Patients with small tumors that are less than five centimeters are eligible for treatment—these small tumors may have been considered inoperable in the past. The NanoKnife Cancer Treatment System can be used for primary liver tumors or tumors that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body.

A patient undergoing the NanoKnife System can expect to be put under general anesthesia. With the use of a CT scan or ultrasound guidance, the doctor will insert the electrodes on or near the tumor. Once the electrodes are placed, the NanoKnife generator sends a series of short and intense electric pulses directly to the tumor. The NanoKnife System requires only a brief hospital stay, and patients normally experience only a small amount of pain or discomfort following the procedure.

Call the Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado at (303) 562-3132 if you are interested in learning more about the NanoKnife Cancer Treatment System. We offer state-of-the-art treatments and employ top-quality medical professionals.

Gamma Knife: Brain Surgery Without a Knife

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Brain surgery using traditional tools, like scalpels, often requires long periods of healing time and can damage nearby healthy tissue. However, new brain surgery tools are now available.

In this clip, you can learn about the benefits of surgery with the Gamma Knife, a new tool which allows for non-invasive treatment of tumors and other conditions in the brain. This technology delivers radiation to precise points in the brain and has been proven safe and effective.

To learn more about Gamma Knife treatment at our hospital in Denver, or to schedule an appointment for medical care, contact Swedish Medical Center of Denver. Call us today at (303) 788-5000 for additional information about our services.

What are Different Types of Back Pain

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Back pain is a common problem among adults, but its cause is not always obvious. However, there are some common causes of different types of back pain you should be familiar with.

This video provides information about a variety of conditions that can lead to back pain. While many cases of back pain are caused by overexertion or minor injuries, back pain can also be caused by more severe problems, such as slipped discs, osteoporosis, and sciatica. Menstruation and pregnancy are also often linked to back pain. If you have severe or long-lasting back pain, visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

With the right hospital care, you can control or eliminate your back pain. If you are looking for quality healthcare from a hospital in the Denver area, contact Swedish Medical Center by calling (303) 788-5000 today.

Off-Duty Swedish Nurse Helps Save Man’s Life

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“I don’t remember much but from what I heard, I was saved by some angels.”

Sixty-eight year old James Southard was out and about on a normal Thursday afternoon with his wife Michele and his 8-month old grandson and their two dogs. They had just finished up a routine visit at the veterinary clinic and were on their way home.  Getting into the car, James says he felt normal, nothing out of the ordinary but as he was pulling out of the parking lot he stepped on the break and yelled out  “oh no!”  The next thing his wife Michele knew, James was passed out in the driver’s seat. “I was so scared, I put the car in park and got out to start screaming for help,” she explains.

At the same moment that James passed out, off-duty Swedish Emergency Department RN Debora Rewerts was across the street gassing up her car. She pulled out of the parking lot when she noticed traffic wasn’t moving and there was a man lying on the ground. “I didn’t think twice and ran over to him. There were already people there trying to help. One man in particular was there trying to speak to him and kept things calm,” says Debora.  At first she thought James was having a stroke. Someone had already called 9-1-1 so Debora called into the Emergency Department at Swedish Medical Center to warn them a stroke patient was soon to be on their way.

Shortly after the call to the ED, James stopped breathing. The Englewood Fire Department on the way, Debora and another man started administering CPR. “Being a nurse and reacting to emergencies is what I’ve done for 24 years. It’s like second nature,” says Debora.  James was taken to Swedish by ambulance.

“Everyone played a prime part in saving his life. It was just a sense of relief that I wasn’t alone,” says his wife Michele.  She explains that once James was transported to the hospital, a stranger helped to bring her, and her grandson along with the two dogs to the emergency waiting room. “There were so many strangers who helped in this situation. They are truly our angels and I’m so grateful they were there for us,” Michele explains.  Upon arrival to the hospital it was determined that James wasn’t having a stroke but was suffering from a heart attack and he was rushed to the Cardiac Cath Lab where he immediately received a stent and was then taken to the Critical Care Unit.

“God protected me, that is all I can say,” says James.  Debora and James were reunited the day after the incident and it couldn’t have been a better moment for everyone involved. “He looks great! It’s so rewarding to see him,” Debora said with a smile.

“Life is short, Debora expanded mine, that’s for sure!” says James.

How to Prepare for Orthopaedic Joint Replacement Surgery at Swedish Medical Center

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If you will soon be heading to the hospital for orthopedic surgery, remember that your surgery is designed to improve your quality of life. Getting informed is a great way to prepare for your upcoming surgery and can help ease any anxiety you may have before surgery. Continue reading to learn how to prepare for the different stages of your surgical treatment.

  • Before Surgery: According to Dr. James T. Muffly, Swedish Medical Center orthopaedic surgeon, “One of the many strengths of the newly opened Swedish Orthopaedic Center is the emphasis on preparation prior to your joint replacement surgery.  Swedish Medical Center has an excellent Joint Education Class and Pre-Admission Clinic that are both informative and help ease many of the common concerns regarding your hospitalization.” Swedish Medical Center provides you with a Joint Instruction Booklet that outlines specific instructions, which will likely include not eating or drinking anything after midnight on the night before your surgery. Abstain from wearing makeup or lotion on any part of your body, and be sure to bring a few items with you to ensure that you are comfortable during your stay. These items may include your eyeglasses or contact lenses with a case, and a comfortable pair of shoes. You may also want a short robe that opens in the front, a comfortable and loose-fitting outfit, personal hygiene items, and slippers.  Do not bring valuable items such as laptops or jewelry. Leave your medications at home unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Make sure you discuss your medications with your doctor. If your doctor prescribes medicine before the surgery, be sure to follow his or her directions closely.
  • The Day of Surgery: Dr. Muffly states, “ The entire staff at the Swedish Orthopaedic Joint Center have one common goal in mind which is to keep you and your family informed and listen to any concerns that you may have.  Whether it is the check-in process, the anesthesia, the surgery, or the recovery unit – at every step we want you to feel that each went smoothly and was worry free.”
  • After surgery: You will have a team of physical and occupational therapists, orthopaedic nurses, aides, doctors, and discharge planners that monitor your progress and start you on your road to recovery with your new joint replacement

From the personal attention to the state of the art medical care, Dr. Muffly wants each patient to tell a friend, “I’m thrilled that I chose Swedish Medical Center for my joint replacement.”

For top-notch medical care from experienced and dedicated professionals, come to Swedish Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center in Denver, Colorado. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions, so call us at (303) 788-5000.

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

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Cancer is a term used to describe over 100 different diseases, all of which begin when a normal cell mutates and replicates out of control. These mutated cells are then able to keep growing and travel to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. In the United States, the most common cancers affecting women is breast cancer. In fact, one in every eight women is predicted to develop the disease in her lifetime, according to the  National Center for Biotechnology Information. Fortunately, as medical knowledge and technology improve, more and more women are defeating the disease and becoming cancer survivors.

 

Breast cancer is treatable. Even though one out of every eight women will develop the disease, the risk of dying from breast cancer is much lower: only one in 28. To give yourself the best chance of defeating this deadly disease, it is vital that you follow your doctor’s recommendations for mammography screening and breast self-exams. Doing so will help to ensure that you catch any malignant breast abnormalities early, while the cancer is most treatable.

You may be at risk. All women are at risk for breast cancer, especially as they grow older. There are some factors, however, that can put you at an increased risk:

  • A family history of breast cancer.
  • Excessive alcohol use.
  • Possession of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
  • Early start or late end of menstrual cycles.
  • Never having children.

“Having a strong family history of breast cancer or carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. However, these are very small populations of the patients with breast cancer,” explains Swedish Oncologist Dr. Robin Kovachy.

If you think that you may be at risk for breast cancer, speak with your doctor about your possible risk factors and recommended screening schedule. At Swedish Medical Center in Denver, our breast care specialists offer some of the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available. For patients who have recently received a breast cancer diagnosis, our multidisciplinary team strives to formulate the best possible treatment plan. Call our hospital in Denver today at (303) 788-5000 to learn more about our comprehensive healthcare services.

Tips for Preventing your Child from Getting Hurt

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As a dedicated parent, you undoubtedly want to protect your child from harm as much as possible. Parents often remark that when their children hurt, they hurt too, and nothing is more nerve-racking than taking your child to the hospital. Luckily, there are several ways to help your child play safer and avoid physical injury.

Swedish Medical Center pediatrician, Dr. Martin Alswang give parents tips on how to keep their child safe in and out of the house.

  • In the kitchen, keep hot liquids away from your child. Avoid carrying hot items and your baby at the same time. Plus, use your stove’s back burners and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Make sure to keep glassware, flatware, appliances and appliance cords away from the edges of tables and counters.
  • In the bathroom, keep all medication in a secure place where your child cannot access it. Avoid using euphemisms for medicine such as “candy,” as this could give your child the wrong idea about its uses.
  • Always close toilet seat covers, and always cover all buckets of water and cleaning agents – children can fall in and drown.
  • Never put cleaning agents and chemicals into other bottles (i.e.: soda bottles) as children may see a “soda” bottle and have a drink, injuring themselves.
  • Around the house, keep all lighters and matches safely locked away and do not use candles around young children. Also, use safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and be sure to close and lock the basement door to help prevent injuries from falls. Utilize window guards that prevent a window from being opened all the way. Additionally, buy cordless blinds or cut the cords so your child cannot get tangled up in them.
  • Children climbing up TVs or shelving have caused them to topple and have killed and maimed many children. Secure them against the wall with hardware devices and prohibit the act.
  • In the garage, safely store any chemicals in a secured place. Be sure to keep tools off the ground and on high shelves that children cannot reach.
  • In the yard, fence off and cover your pool when you are not actively using it. Never let a child swim or wade without adult supervision. Lastly, make sure all playground equipment is sturdy and soft—cover any sharp corners or edges with padding to help prevent injury.
  • Cover lawn-edging strips especially if metal – falling on the edges can cause deep dirty cuts.
  • Inform visitors who are staying over to be very aware to be careful with their medications, not leave them around, secure them etc.

If you or your child is in need of medical care in Denver, come to Swedish Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Center with excellent doctors, nurses and personnel who provide high-quality medical care. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and pride ourselves on our efficient and capable care. Call us at (303) 788-5000.

Understanding Good vs. Bad Fats

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Many people are under the impression that all dietary fats are bad. This notion, however, is incorrect—and may even be harmful. Watch this video clip about eating a healthy diet and what to avoid in order to learn more.

Sources of good—or healthy—fats include foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, avocado, olive oil, almonds, and walnuts. These fats are good for you and supply you with valuable nutrients that clear and strengthen your arteries. Bad fats are commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fat. Fats from these sources can clog your arteries and lead to weight gain.

For top-quality hospital care in the Denver, Colorado area, come to Swedish Medical Center. We diagnose and treat a wide array of medical disorders and problems, and we are a Level I Trauma Center. To learn more, please call (303) 788-5000.

How to Recognize Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms

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It It is important to be able to recognize when you or someone near you is having a heart attack—this knowledge can even save a life. Learn how to recognize heart attack symptoms in women by watching this clip.

Women’s heart attack symptoms are a bit more subtle than men’s—the squeezing chest pains that many people expect from a heart attack may not be present. Shortness of breath, jaw pain, back pain, tingling, and flu-like symptoms may be present in women.

Call Denver’s Swedish Medical Center today at (303) 788-5000 to learn more about women’s healthcare. As a Level I Trauma Center, we are highly committed to providing the utmost of care to each and every patient who walks through our hospital doors.

What are your Bariatric Surgery Options?

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Many men and women struggle to control their weight, even after dedicated weight loss efforts. If you are looking to improve your health through weight loss and have found that diet and exercise are ineffective, bariatric surgery may be a good option. At Denver’s Swedish Medical Center, our experienced weight loss surgeons offer three minimally invasive bariatric surgical procedures to help you get to your ideal weight with a shorter recovery time. These procedures include: 

  • Adjustable gastric banding. This procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band (gastric band) around the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. By restricting the size of the stomach, patients feel full sooner during meals and for longer periods of time. This helps to suppress appetite and promote long-term weight loss. The gastric band is also adjustable, allowing the physician to customize the stomach opening to fit a patient’s needs.
  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch and connects the small intestine directly to it, effectively bypassing the rest of the stomach. Like the gastric banding procedure, this new, smaller stomach pouch effectively diminishes the patient’s appetite and reduces caloric intake.
  • Sleeve gastrectomy. Sleeve gastrectomy, like the other bariatric procedures mentioned above, involves reducing the size of the stomach to suppress appetite. This procedure, however, results in the removal of 85 percent of the stomach, turning it into a sleeve-like structure.

Are you interested in learning more about whether or not you are a good candidate for one of the above medical procedures? If so, schedule a consultation with the bariatric surgery specialist at Swedish Medical Center of Metro Denver. Our hospital staff will be happy to help you formulate the best possible weight loss plan to suit your needs and lifestyle—call today at (303) 788-5000 to find out more.