To Your Health

New Device Retrieves Clots

In January, Marie Kuhn of Tamaqua became the first stroke patient in the region to be treated successfully with the new Merci Clot Retriever™ at Lehigh Valley Hospital, a certified Primary Stroke Center. Interventional radiologist Darryn Shaff, M.D.,* threaded the tiny corkscrew device into Kuhn’s brain and withdrew the artery-blocking clot. Within hours she’d regained speech and movement.

Rethink the Cough Syrup

There’s no clinical evidence that over-the-counter cough syrups are worth taking, says the American College of Chest Physicians. Your best advice: take antihistamines or decongestants for a cold; avoid any cough medicine for children under age 14; and make sure everyone under age 65 is vaccinated against whooping cough.

Coffee for Your Heart?

Researchers at Lehigh Valley Hospital are conducting a clinical trial to see if a coffee additive helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Heart Blend Coffee® contains natural plant compounds that bind with LDL and carry it out of the body. Cardiologist Michael Rossi, M.D.,* and his team will study whether the additives are as effective in a hot, calorie-free beverage as they are in Heart Blend foods. If you’re a coffee drinker (decaf or regular), call 610-402-CARE to see if you’re eligible!

Best Bypass Results

For the third year in a row, Lehigh Valley Hospital has the best coronary artery bypass surgery results in Pennsylvania. (The criteria are mortality and readmissions.) The hospital also performed the second-highest number of bypass and open-heart surgeries statewide. For more information, click here .

*Darryn Shaff, M.D., and Michael Rossi, M.D., are both physicians with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM