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What’s New...What’s New...

VITAS® Healthcare Joins FirstNet® – St. Mary’s Medical Center

Public Safety’s Communications Performs Its First Awake South Florida's

Platform Built by AT&T Aneurysm Craniotomy Monthly
Healthcare Newspaper

VITAS® Healthcare is the first approved hospice provider to St. Mary’s Medical Center is now performing awake aneurysm
connect to FirstNet- the nationwide broadband network dedi- craniotomies. A weak area in the blood vessels can develop into PO Box 812708
cated to public safety. The company’s access to FirstNet enables a balloon called an Aneurysm, carrying an inherent risk of Boca Raton, FL 33481-2708
VITAS employees to use the highly secure and reliable commu- bursting. This is treated either by coiling, or a surgical tech- Phone: (561) 368-6950

nications tool for patient care and assistance in any circum- nique known as "clipping". During this procedure, the skull is
stance while in the field. opened, and the aneurysm on the artery is clipped, preventing Website:
FirstNet is designed to improve communications across pub- it from bursting and causing a brain hemorrhage
lic safety entities nationwide, allowing first responders to com- “These surgeries are traditionally performed under general www.southfloridahospitalnews.com

municate with one another easily and quickly during everyday anesthesia, but the clipping of aneurysms while patients are
situations, big events or emergencies. This capability is integral awake, is a novel way of treating this condition,” said Dr. CHARLES FELIX
to solving communications roadblocks that previously have Raghuram Sampath, Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon on staff at CAROL FELIX
been imposed on public safety agencies and first responders. St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Having the patient awake is the Publishers
VITAS was selected to join FirstNet and utilize services most reliable way to ensure we don’t cause damage to the brain,
because of the support the company provides to hospitals for while safely securing the aneurysm.” NANCY LAMMIE
both patient care and emergency preparedness. VITAS serves as During the surgery, the patient does not feel pain, as all the Editor

an extended primary user– an organization or agency that could sensitive nerves on scalp are anesthetized. During the surgery, JUDY GRAMM
be called on during an emergency response to help support the surgeon speaks to the patient, and asks them to perform Editorial Manager & Webmaster
public safety. Eligibility for extended primary user status is rig- simple tasks, making sure their motor and speech function
orously reviewed before service is approved to help ensure that remains intact. JMC GRAPHICS
FirstNet’s unique capabilities remain dedicated to first respon- Art/Production
ders and those who support them. lammienancy@aol.com
“We are honored to join FirstNet and be given the opportu- Good Samaritan Medical Center 412-877-5321
nity to serve our patients quickly, efficiently and securely,” said
Nick Westfall, President and CEO of VITAS. “We applaud Performs Its First Incisionless CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
AT&T for the development of this innovative program and ded- Daniel Casciato
ication to public safety.” Surgery to Treat Heartburn Barbara Fallon
Vanessa Orr
Surgery without an incision is now a possibility. The new Lois Thomson
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF, using
the innovative EsophyX® device for the treatment of gastroe-
Voted Best Heart Center in Palm sophageal reflux disease (GERD) is now available at Good
Samaritan Medical Center. “The TIF procedure can significantly LOOK FOR OUR
Beach County improve quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Kimmerle
Cohen, Oncological And Hepatopancreaticobiliary surgeon at NEXT ISSUE
Good Samaritan Medical Center. “GERD is an anatomical prob- IN JUNE
lem which needs an anatomical solution. Reflux medication
like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients' TO REACH US
heartburn symptoms but don't solve the underlying anatomical
problems or prevent further disease progression. Even on PPIs FOR
many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have ADVERTISING
to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. In addition, OR EDITORIAL
recent studies have shown that long- term use of PPIs can lead
to inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium and can Call (561) 368-6950
result in bone fractures. After the TIF procedure, clinical trials or e-mail
show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided carol@southfloridahospitalnews.com
for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previ-
ously did.” The TIF procedure is based on established princi-
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center recently was voted as ples of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier, except that it is
the best heart center in Palm Beach County from the Palm “surgery from within” performed transorally (through the SUBSCRIPTIONS

Beach Post 2020 Best of Palm Beach County Awards Contest. mouth). The procedure reduces hiatal hernia and re-establishes
The Best of Palm Beach County awards celebrate and recognize the high pressure zone between the stomach and esophagus One Year $40
the best our community has to offer, and residents of Palm restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroe- Two Years $60
Beach County vote on the awards. Palm Beach Gardens Medical sophageal reflux. Because the procedure is incisionless, there is
Center was the first hospital in Palm Beach County and the reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar. Three Years $75
Treasure Coast to perform open-heart surgery, nearly 19,000
over the past 37 years, and has remained a leader in providing To subscribe,
heart care ever since. Broadcaster Bob
call (561) 368-6950
Costas Named or subscribe online at
Holy Cross Hospital Named One
“Joe DiMaggio southfloridahospitalnews.com.
of Newsweek’s World’s Best ____________

Hospitals 2020 American Icon” All rights reserved. Reproduction

in whole or part without written
Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale has been recognized Bob Costas was recently named the permission prohibited. Copyright © 2020.
as part of Newsweek’s annual list of World’s Best Hospitals for 2020 recipient of the “Joe DiMaggio
2020 and Best-In-State Hospital in Florida. American Icon Award” at a fundraiser for Joe DiMaggio
“This recognition as one of the world’s best hospitals is a tes- Children’s Hospital.
tament to the care and compassion our patients experience here Costas, one of the world’s most accomplished broadcasters,
at Holy Cross Hospital,” said Doug Strong, Interim President was recognized for representing the values that Joe DiMaggio Don’t forget to include
and Chief Executive Officer at Holy Cross. “We are proud of stood for and contributions that have influenced American South Florida Hospital News
our Associates who continuously deliver people-centered care society. He follows former U.S. President Bill Clinton, basket- & Healthcare Report
and operational excellence every day.” ball legends Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Pat Riley, music’s
Gloria and Emilio Estefan, baseball’s Derek Jeter, and best-sell- in your Marketing Plans
ing author James Patterson as previous American Icon award Call Charles at 561-368-6950 for a Media Kit
winners.

South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com May 2020 41