Health News Magazine

Lawrence DuBois (in car) visited the hospital to thank Dr. Jamal (L) and the staff following his experience using the BRAVO device. “I was nervous about the procedure, but the nurses were really supportive and reassuring, and I had confidence in Dr. Jamal,” says Lawrence.

Recently acquired equipment at Corona Regional Medical Center can make a big difference in identifying and treating conditions related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lung cancer and other conditions, as well as blood clots in the lower extremities.

BRAVO™ device

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffers from acid reflux, you are probably familiar with the heartburn, sore or burning throat from regurgitation of stomach acid and chest pain. But Gastroenterologist M. Mazen Jamal, MD, says there is a minimally invasive device, known as BRAVO, that can help determine the presence and severity of acid reflux. “During an outpatient procedure, using an endoscope, a small capsule-shaped device is attached to the esophagus wall for 48 hours. It measures the pH in the esophageal environment and sends the information wirelessly to a small recorder worn on the patient’s belt or waist,” says Dr. Jamal.

Lawrence DuBois was suffering from classic GERD symptoms and treated it with over-the-counter antacids without success. “Dr. Jamal recommended using the BRAVO,”says Lawrence. “I wore a monitor, and whenever I was experiencing reflux or lying down, I pushed a button that tracked the level of acid. I also logged what I ate so doctors could determine what foods caused specific symptoms.” When Lawrence’s results came back, they indicated excessive reflux, so Dr. Jamal adjusted his medication, advised that he avoid spicy foods and referred him for further testing.

“I had a great experience at Corona Regional and I am glad they have these services close to my home. The nurses were great and put me at ease before the procedure. They were there for me the whole time,” Lawrence says.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Aside from being the first doctor at Corona Regional to use the BRAVO, Dr. Jamal was also first to use the new endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) equipment. He explains it is used for staging and confirming through biopsy, cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas and bile duct. It can also be used to determine the cause of gastric or esophageal nodules or pancreatitis, aswell as drain pancreatic cysts and biopsy tissue. “This equipment allows us to quickly determine the treatment options, such as surgery, or have chemotherapy or radiation before surgery,” says Dr. Jamal.

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

An advocate for bringing EBUS technology to Corona Regional, Pulmonologist Aimee French, MD, explains it helps in diagnosing and staging lung cancer or lymph nodes in the chest. Using ultrasound technology, the scope allows her to see lymph nodes and suspicious masses on a monitor. There is also a very fine needle on the end of the EBUS scope so biopsies can be taken if necessary. “It is much less invasive to use the scope and biopsy on the inside versus the traditional approach of going through an external incision. We can do all the testing and diagnosing right here, so people don’t have to travel outside the community for care,” says Dr. French. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients go home the same day.

AngioJet™

A common condition seen by vascular surgeons is something known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a blood clot commonly in the lower extremities. The AngioJet is minimally invasive technology that can remove the clots. Vascular Surgeon Tina Ng, MD, says the procedure is done in the hospital using local anesthetic and conscious sedation. An ultrasound and venogram locate the clot, then a catheter is inserted into the vein to break up the clots and aspirate it. “Patients are observed overnight for possible bleeding complications, and can generally resume walking and light exercise the next day,” says Dr. Ng.

Francisca Perez is grateful for the care she received at Corona Regional Medical Center.

Francisca Perez developed a blood clot in her leg following hip surgery. She had swelling and pain behind her knee and had difficulty walking, so she went to the ER. Dr. Ng evaluated her there and thought she would be a good candidate for the AngioJet. “I had extensive clotting, so Dr. Ng admitted me that night and did the procedure the next day,” says Francisca. “She removed the clots and after a short course of blood thinners, my veins are clear.”Francisca says she had a great experience at Corona Regional, and the nurses and staff were phenomenal. “We are so fortunate to have this hospital in our community,” she says. “I give them a 10!”