Mountainview Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates

When Hannah, 44, moved to Las Vegas with her family last year, she set about finding new doctors, including a new primary physician. While at her first meeting with her primary care physician, she told Hannah that she heard a severe heart murmur and needed to have it checked out.

Fast forward a few weeks and Hannah underwent a minimally invasive mitral valve repair at MountainView Hospital to correct severe mitral valve prolapse, meaning the valve’s flaps do not always fit and close properly between each beat of the hear, causing the valve to leak blood backward through the valve back to the left atrium. Dr. Nauman Jahangir, heart and vascular surgeon with MountainView Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Associates, said the procedure Hannah underwent is one of the many options available to patients needing a medical or surgical intervention for their heart.

Hannah, who had been training for a marathon, credits her Las Vegas and MountainView physicians for saving her life.

“Keep listening to your instincts,” she said. “I learned to ignore them over the years. If I hadn’t moved here and had the doctors that I did, then I probably would have ended up in heart failure.”

Read Hannah's story here: https://bit.ly/3wAWJAb

? About 10 to 20 minutes is all you need for a full-body skin exam – one of the best ways to catch skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. About 4.3 million adults are treated for skin cancer in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Take care of your skin with these screening guidelines from Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, part of our larger health network.

If you notice a change in your skin, don’t ignore it! It may be harmless or it could be a sign of skin cancer. Learn what to look for and how to protect your skin: https://bit.ly/45XSquR

No one likes to talk about colore**al cancer. But if you’re 45 or older, experts recommend that you get regular screenings. Start with these screening guidelines from Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, part of our larger health network.

Colore**al cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States (excluding skin cancers), according to the American Cancer Society. In its early stages, colore**al cancer often has no symptoms – that’s why screening is so important. Talk to your doctor about which screening test is right for you.

Talk to your P*P to discuss screening guidelines and if you're a candidate.

**alCancerScreening

If you’re thinking about ways to become a healthier you in 2024, consider the health screenings you might need. Is lung cancer screening one of them? If you’re not sure, take a look at these screening guidelines from Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, part of our larger health network.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lung cancer is most common type of cancer in both men and women (not counting skin cancer), and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. The CDC also reports that most people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is in its later stages. But there’s good news: Regular screenings can find lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Talk to your P*P about screening and learn more: https://bit.ly/3FGMStN

Congratulations to Dr. Garrett Friedman, who this week performed his 500th robotic-assisted surgery! Dr. Friedman is a dual board-certified colon and re**al surgeon and a nationally recognized expert in minimally invasive colore**al surgery.

MountainView Hospital’s Las Vegas Institute for Robotic Surgery is a Center of Excellence, an accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation. The hospital continues to be a leader in robotic-assisted surgery technology, not only training surgeons from around the country, but bringing the latest in surgical care to the Las Vegas community.

Read more about robotic surgery on our website:
https://mountainview-hospital.com/specialties/robotic-surgery

As part of HCA Healthcare, the Las Vegas community is connected to something bigger which means more resources, solutions and possibilities for all. It's a busy season for many and it's nice to know you can get the urgent care you need from the comfort of home.

CareNow Urgent Care offers Virtual Care. It's simple and easy! In just a few quick steps, you can video chat with a provider without having to leave the house. Visit https://bit.ly/3TlQj12 to speak with a provider today.

If experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

MountainView Hospital achieved a distinguished 3-star ranking for its Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program for its patient care and positive quality outcomes.

The 3-star ranking, which denotes the highest category of quality, comes from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Cardiology, for the time period ending Sept. 2021. This ranking places MountainView Hospital among the elite for TAVR heart care in the United States and Canada, representing the top 4 to 8 percent of all centers, depending on procedure. There are only 22 (22!) 3-star programs in the country, out of 830 programs, and no other rated programs in Nevada!

**What does this mean for patients of our practice?**

Our physicians are on staff at MountainView Hospital and are pleased to be part of such a world-renowned program. It's important to know LVHA physicians have helped make the program one of the 'best of the best' in the country and state for the treatment of aortic stenosis. As an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, TAVR is an innovative, minimally invasive approach for certain patients.

**What is aortic stenosis?**

This condition refers to the abnormal narrowing or constriction of the aortic valve. This important valve controls the flow of blood from the heart into the aorta. The condition can cause symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath and is important to be treated and managed correctly and timely.

Congratulations to MountainView Hospital for elevating cardiac care in Las Vegas! Thank you to the LVHA physicians and community doctors for making this a top notch program!

Visit MountainView Hospital's Newsroom for more information:
https://mountainview-hospital.com/about/newsroom/mountainview-hospital-achieves-3-star-ranking-for-tavr-program

We recently shared a milestone surgery that our very own, Dr. Matthew Selleck performed. Checkout the story of his patient, Hugh Smyers who received the first Whipple surgery in Las Vegas using a robotic system.

This was a very complex surgery that can take anywhere from five to eight hours and can require a lengthy stay.

“I expected a long recovery with a lot of pain however I woke up with next to no pain,” noted Smyers. “I was feeling well enough that I took my first walk the next day, only 18 hours after the operation,” said Smyers. “I was released to go home after only four days after my surgery”.

Thank you, Dr. Selleck for the world-class care being offered right here in Las Vegas!

Patient Testimonials Hugh Smyers was enjoying a relaxing day on the water, fishing in May of this year when unbeknownst to him, he would be visiting a local emergency room days later.  Smyers typically avoids medical appointments and hospitals but he endured two full days of excruciating pain before finally seeking hel...

Our city has experienced a heinous tragedy. Our prayers are with our community as we all work to heal and recover from this unspeakable event.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders whose heroic actions exemplify courage and selflessness.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families of this senseless event, we stand in solidarity, offering our deepest condolences, strength and unwavering support.

Happy Hanukkah to our patients, our community and across the globe. Today we celebrate bringing light into a sometimes dark world. Happy Holidays and Happy Festival of Lights to all.

If frigid temps are taking hold where you live or visit this holiday season, it's a good time to review winter safety tips. Older adults are especially vulnerable as they have a higher risk of health problems and weather-related injuries. Keep the season fun and festive with these pointers.

Did you know that screening for lung cancer with annual low-dose CT scans among those at high risk can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20% by detecting tumors at early stages when they are more likely to be curable. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women, even more than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

In Nevada, only 1.4% of those at high risk were screened, which is significantly lower than that national rate of 4.5% and places Nevada 47th among all states for lung cancer screenings.

MountainView Hospital is working to change those statistics with its low-dose CT lung cancer screening program.

Dr. Arnold Chung, MountainView Hospital’s thoracic surgeon is focused on raising awareness about lung cancer screenings and the lives that can be saved. “I am passionate about improving early detection rates of lung cancer in at-risk individuals so that treatment can be started early if necessary, helping to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for each patient and their family.”

To find out if you should get a lung cancer screening, visit our website: https://bit.ly/487Bvrj

The holidays are all about giving from the heart. But have you heard of holiday heart syndrome? Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, a few overindulgences can put your heart at risk including; binge drinking, over-consumption of fatty meals filled with salt, caffeine and added stress.

Symptoms may include:
-heart palpitations including fluttering, or beating hard or fast
-an irregular or slow heartbeat
-feeling of pauses in between heartbeats
-chest pain, shortness of breath, light-headedness

If you you suspect your experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

This summer, Dr. Matthew Selleck successfully performed Las Vegas' first robotic pancreatic surgery. This isn't the first "first" for Dr. Selleck, a Las Vegas native. He also performed the first hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery, a surgical procedure to treat abdominal cancer as well as a robotic procedure to treat esophageal cancer.

Dr. Selleck returned to his hometown in 2021 to start Las Vegas Complex Surgical Specialists along with his partner Dr. Garrett Friedman. We couldn't be more delighted he's here making a huge impact on our city's health and wellbeing.

Congrats on another tremendous milestone!

Read the full announcement here: https://bit.ly/3t4VQhV

To make testing convenient this season, the U.S. government is once again offering free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests. Each U.S. household can now place an order to receive four tests, which will ship directly to homes. Test results are available within 30 minutes, and no lab drop-off is required.

To place your order, visit https://bit.ly/3N3sjvJ

If you ordered COVID-19 tests previously, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may have extended the expiration date. Before throwing away a test that shows an "expired" date on the box, check here: https://bit.ly/3RgKIrs

Each month we recognize our colleagues who go above and beyond in caring for our patients and community. This month we recognize Jim N., Radiology, for Customer Service!

Here is what a patient's family said about Jim:

"I drive from California to take my disabled sister to her appointments. This appointment took multiple phone calls, holds and reschedules because an outside contractor made wrong appointments at first. Jim caught the mistake, called the original physician’s office and figured it all out before any wrong test could have put my sister’s swallowing issues in danger. Upstanding, concerned, educated about his department! He is an asset to MountainView Hospital."

Thank you Jim for taking the extra time to make things right for patients and their families!

? Many people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is in its later stages, according to the [TAG]American Lung Association. Some symptoms may not seem connected to the lungs or breathing at all, but they can be a sign of lung cancer in its early stages.

During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, test your knowledge of common symptoms – including some that might surprise you.

Learn more from the experts at Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare: https://bit.ly/3MV7NgT

? Many people with lung cancer don’t have symptoms until the disease is in its later stages, according to the [TAG]American Lung Association. Some symptoms may not seem connected to the lungs or breathing at all, but they can be a sign of lung cancer in its early stages.

During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, test your knowledge of common symptoms – including some that might surprise you.

Learn more from the experts at Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare: https://bit.ly/3SSPpsD

CareNow Urgent Care, part of our HCA Healthcare family, is here to take care of your healthcare needs – and your family’s. Why leave the comfort of your own home if you don’t have to? Virtual Care* brings the quality care you need, directly to you. Use Web Check-In® to secure your spot in line and receive a link to your virtual telehealth visit. Visit https://bit.ly/40N2HsE to get started today!

We have 18 convenient locations around Southern Nevada if you'd prefer an in-person visit.

If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

CareNow Urgent Care, part of our HCA Healthcare family, is here to take care of your healthcare needs – and your family’s. Why leave the comfort of your own home if you don’t have to? Virtual Care* brings the quality care you need, directly to you. Use Web Check-In® to secure your spot in line and receive a link to your virtual telehealth visit. Visit https://bit.ly/3usmEsZ to get started today!

We have 18 convenient locations around Southern Nevada if you'd prefer an in-person visit.

If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Still needing your flu shot? ? Our urgent care clinics, CareNow Urgent Care, part of our HCA Healthcare network, are now offering flu shots to help you fend off the flu.

To find one of the 18 CareNow clinics in Southern Nevada near you, visit:
https://www.carenow.com/locations/ #/clinic-locator

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, according to the American Lung Association. But if you’re at risk for lung cancer, there’s good news: Screening can detect lung cancer early, when you have the best chance of being cured.

Not sure if you should get screened? If you smoked, consider taking the American Lung Association’s risk quiz. It can help you find out if you should talk to your doctor about screening.

Get details and start the quiz here: https://bit.ly/3QZzJT2

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, according to the American Lung Association. But if you’re at risk for lung cancer, there’s good news: Screening can detect lung cancer early, when you have the best chance of being cured.

Not sure if you should get screened? If you smoked, consider taking the American Lung Association’s risk quiz. It can help you find out if you should talk to your doctor about screening.

Get details and start the quiz here: https://bit.ly/40B7bT4

Congrats Dr. Chung!!!

During Nurse Practitioner Week, we are proud to celebrate our advanced practice providers. Each day, our expert nurse practitioners (NPs) assess patients, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses and provide treatment — including prescribing medication.

To the more than 355,000 NPs across the nation within our larger HCA Healthcare network, thank you for your positive contributions to increase access to high quality care. We are grateful for your clinical expertise, leadership and all that you do to improve the health of patients in your community.