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Articles by Morgan deBlecourt
Duke Offering Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation
Home Blog Heart Care Articles Also known as Electroporation, New Method Comes with Benefits Dr. Piccini, left, uses pulsed field ablation to treat a patient's atrial fibrillation. Pictured right: A hologram image of the heart, which Duke doctors use for guidance during pulsed field ablation procedures. For decades, cardiac ablation has been used to treat atrial fibrillation (Afib), one of the most common types of arrhythmia.
Alternatives to Heart Transplant? You Have Options
Most people who are eligible for a heart transplant have significant heart failure -- a chronic condition in which your heart has trouble pumping blood -- or another severe type of heart disease that could lead to death within one year. You may not be eligible for heart transplantation if you are over 70 years old or have other major health problems. Taking care of your new heart after transplant is a lifelong effort.
Why Do I Have a Lump in My Neck?
Learn the Causes of Neck Lumps and When to See a Doctor for Care If you notice a lump in your neck, it’s important to be evaluated by a doctor quickly. Here, Duke Health head and neck surgeon Trinitia Cannon, MD, discusses causes of neck lumps and when you should see a head and neck specialist. According to Dr. Cannon, most reasons for a lump in your neck are not life-threatening. The most common cause is swollen lymph nodes due to a virus or an infection like tonsillitis or strep throat.
Domino Heart Transplant Offers New Opportunities for Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Asher Hobby, middle, with his parents at Duke Children’s Hospital. Overview When three-month-old Asher Hobby needed a heart transplant, his parents eagerly agreed to help to save another life at the same time. In June 2023 at Duke Health, Asher received a new heart from a deceased donor -- then the healthy valves and arteries from Asher’s old heart were transplanted into another infant with heart disease. Months later, both children are growing stronger and healthier every day.
Epilepsy Surgery in Infancy Allows Toddler to Walk, Talk, and More
Duke pediatric neurosurgeons removed Lily’s cortical dysplasia during a 10-hour surgery. She hasn’t had a single seizure since. While Lily lost motor function on her right side and experienced some developmental setbacks after the surgery, she made quick progress and sat up on her own for the first time just four weeks later. Today, Lily has regained much use of her right arm and leg and is getting stronger every day. She took her first steps at 20 months old and is speaking her first words.
Boy Is Seizure-Free after Complex Epilepsy Surgery
Content Nathaniel was diagnosed with epilepsy in November 2021. Less than two weeks later, he was hospitalized due to continued, uncontrolled seizures during a visit to South Carolina. Local doctors discovered that a collection of abnormal cells in the brain called focal cortical dysplasia was the cause, which is why additional anti-seizure medications weren’t helping. Nathaniel’s parents found research showing that surgically removing the dysplasia in his brain could completely stop the seizures.
Does My Child Need an ENT?
In addition to treating kids with common ENT issues, pediatric otolaryngologists also have advanced training in caring for children with more complex problems. These include stridor (noisy breathing that means airflow is disrupted), neck lumps or bumps, voice changes, and ENT concerns related to other conditions or diseases. “We know it can be difficult to know when your child needs more advanced care.
Can’t Take Statins? There’s Another Choice for Lowering Cholesterol
Overview If you need to lower your cholesterol but cannot take a statin because of muscle aches or other side effects, you may want to try an alternative. New research shows that bempedoic acid can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke without causing muscle pain.
Cochlear Implant Helps Woman Reclaim Independence, Security, and More
Today, thanks to the cochlear implant in her left ear and a hearing aid in her right ear, Williamson can locate where a sound is coming from (called sound localization or spatial hearing). This gives her greater awareness of her surroundings. She can also understand speech, even amid background noise. Williamson can barely contain her gratitude. “There were three things I wanted out of this journey,” she said.
Duke Performing Arts Health Program Helps Injured Young Dancer Return to Competition
By Morgan deBlecourt Updated February 23, 2022 Kayla Montgomery holds a pose at her dance studio in Apex, NC. Kayla Montgomery was 14 years old when a hamstring injury nearly sidelined her from a 2021 dance competition. Her mom, Kristen, took her to the Duke Performing Arts Health Program to see Rosie Canizares, a physical therapist who specializes in treating dancers and other performing artists. Within a few weeks, Kayla had strengthened key muscles and was able to participate in her competition.
What You Need to Know About Aducanumab
An Update from Duke Health October 29, 2021 After careful review and thoughtful deliberation, Duke Health has decided it will not provide aducanumab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease at this time. This decision was made after evaluation by Duke’s Pharmacy Medication Management Committee, which includes providers from various specialties and medication experts, who review all medications for their availability at Duke Health.
Specialized Care for Women with Epilepsy
Epilepsy can dramatically affect a person’s quality of life, but women with epilepsy have even more to consider. Normal hormonal changes can influence seizure frequency, and medications can affect family planning. As a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, Duke Health provides comprehensive care to women with epilepsy throughout their lives.
Hammer Toe Treatment Gets People on their Feet Faster
Updated June 06, 2021 High-heeled shoes may make some people feel stylish, but those same shoes can cause a foot deformity called hammer toe. Doctors at Duke correct hammer toe with an implant that has several benefits over traditional treatment options. High heels and pointed-toe shoes force the toes down into the shoe or into a point. When toes don’t have enough room to lie flat, a hammer toe can develop, usually with a bunion.
What You Need to Know About the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Duke provider administers J&J COVID-19 vaccine at drive-through Duke Health clinic. There’s no question that being vaccinated against COVID-19 is your best form of protection against the virus. And the sooner people get vaccinated, the faster the pandemic will end. Because the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine is easy to distribute and store, it will become widely available very soon, and more people will get to choose their vaccine by brand.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here: Continue to Practice Safety Precautions
Duke Health has started vaccinating health care workers at high risk for COVID-19 and plans to begin vaccinating patients at high risk in the early months of 2021. Despite the good news, they stress that everyone continue to follow safety precautions -- wear a mask, maintain physical distance, practice proper hand washing, and clean high-touch surfaces -- as we head into the busy holidays and the new year.
New Options Make It Possible for More People to Receive Heart Transplants
Heart transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage heart failure; however, the nationwide shortage of donor hearts may mean a long wait on the transplant list. Duke is among the top hospitals in the country testing new approaches and techniques to match more high-quality hearts to people in need. These programs aim to shorten heart transplant wait times and keep people as healthy as possible while they wait.
How to Safely Enjoy the Holidays During COVID-19
Updated December 08, 2020 Duke Health’s monthly series on health and wellness addressed how to safely enjoy the holidays, even if it means being a little creative and setting some boundaries. Here’s how you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. It' remains important for everyone to continue the safe practices recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19, stressed Duke University Hospital President Thomas Owens, MD.
How to Care for your Back and Spine while Working from Home
By Morgan deBlecourt October 05, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions of U.S. employees out of their offices and into their homes. Without ergonomic chairs and desks, do-it-yourself workspaces can spell trouble for back and neck pain and spine health. Carolyn Keeler, DO, a Duke spine specialist who uses physical therapy and medicine to treat pain and improve function, says there are steps you can take to prevent back problems or keep them from worsening while working from home.
Stroke Survivor Becomes Advocate for Stroke Awareness and Heart Health
Remarkable Recovery Thanks to Complex Thrombectomy By Morgan deBlecourt October 09, 2020 When 44-year-old Raleigh resident Andy Beal suddenly became disoriented and weak in the middle of the night, he didn’t realize he was experiencing a “mini-stroke.” The next morning, his wife insisted they go to their local ER. There, he had a full-blown stroke and was quickly transferred to Duke for a procedure that saved his mobility and possibly his life.
Urgent Care Info Now Available on Amazon Alexa
Stories and news about treatment advances that improve your health and quality of life By Bryan Roth September 25, 2019 As a way to expand access to care, Duke Health has launched its own "skill" through the Amazon Alexa app. The tech-friendly addition makes it easier to connect patients with health care providers. Users can now get real-time information about nine Triangle-area Duke Urgent Care locations.
North Carolina’s First Double Hand Transplant Recipient Grateful for Gift
Stories and news about treatment advances that improve your health and quality of life By Morgan deBlecourt June 18, 2019 In April 2017, Debra Kelly developed an invasive strep A infection that almost killed her and required her hands and legs to be amputated. Just 10 months after learning about Duke’s hand transplant program, Kelly became the first person in North Carolina to receive a bilateral hand transplant.
Mustaches for Movember
Stories and news about treatment advances that improve your health and quality of life From the DukeHealth.org archives. Content may be out of date. By Sheena Faherty November 20, 2014 During the month of November, Duke doctors grow their facial hair in support of the Movember Foundation. The movement raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer and other men’s health issues. People are used to seeing Andrew Armstrong, MD, clean-shaven in his crisp white doctor’s coat.
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