Latest news with #ViaChristi
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Via Christi: Brain imaging technology could extend stroke treatment window
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — May is Stroke Awareness Month, an opportunity to highlight the risk factors and preventive measures. Many are familiar with F.A.S.T., which shows that the warning signs of face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty mean it's time to call 911. But what happens after recognizing the signs can also be key to recovery. Researchers at Via Christi are working to break through a 'four and a half' hour window for treatment. Traditionally, clot busters are administered within that window, and after that, doctors focus on supportive measures for patient care. Stroke Awareness Month: Recognizing stroke symptoms can help save lives Via Christi is collaborating with Wichita State University to potentially treat patients beyond the current window of opportunity using brain imaging technology. 'Patients who have had a stroke, well actually if they decide to participate in the study, we can look at whether or not some of the brain flow that we see during therapy can help us move that patient faster in the rehabilitation,' Tony Sadler, a certified physician assistant at Via Christi Research, said. She also says it's essential to be fast in response to a stroke, as thousands of brain cells are dying during a stroke. You can learn more about the signs of stroke and how to take steps to prevent one at an event this weekend. Via Christi is hosting a free seminar at the Evergreen Community Center and Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a heart-healthy lunch included. There will be resources available in both English and Spanish. Call 316-303-8042 to reserve your seat. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Via Christi first to perform new heart procedure
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Via Christi St. Francis is the first hospital to perform a new procedure to treat people with Coronary Artery Disease. The most common cause of heart attacks and strokes is Coronary Artery Disease. It is caused by plaque buildup along the walls of the arteries in the heart. Over time, this causes the arteries to narrow, blocking blood circulation to the heart. Once the disease has progressed far enough, it often requires surgical intervention. One of the treatments for the disease in its advanced stage is angioplasty, which involves the insertion of stents in the artery to restore blood flow. A wire is threaded through the circulatory system, up to the artery, and a small balloon is inflated, which expands a small wire mesh called a stent, that helps hold the artery open and restore blood flow. Surgeons often use techniques that involve scoring or cutting the artery wall to break up calcified deposits, or they use catheters with rotating blades or lasers. Via Christi is participating in the testing of a new device that uses sound waves to break up the deposits. It's called TECTONIC Coronary Artery Disease Intravascular Lithotripsy. The device is produced by Abbott Laboratories, a company that manufactures diagnostic and medical devices, as well as generic pharmaceuticals and other products. Via Christi St. Francis was the first hospital in the nationwide investigational study of Abbott's IVL to successfully treat a patient. Interventional Cardiologist Bassem Chehab, MD, performed the procedure. Ava Jones announces cancer is 99% clear 'Participating in the TECTONIC CAD IVL trial explores a promising new technology that could significantly improve outcomes for patients with severe coronary artery calcification,' says Dr. Chehab, in a news release from Via Christi. 'By participating in the potential of intravascular lithotripsy, we're helping take a vital step towards enhancing patient care and offering more effective treatment options for this challenging condition.' Chehab adds, 'Being able to treat the first patient ever in a novel and groundbreaking technology solidifies the global and national trust in the expertise of Via Christi as a leader in advanced cardiac care regionally and nationally.' The TECTONIC CAD IVL is undergoing clinical trials and is not currently commercially available. It can take 3 to 7 years for a new medical device to successfully complete a clinical trial and receive FDA approval for widespread use. For more information about Ascension Via Christi Cardiology, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
First responders to conduct training exercise downtown Tuesday
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Local law enforcement will conduct a full-scale training exercise on Tuesday. The exercise will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Century II, 225. W. Douglas Ave. 'The exercise aims to enhance preparedness and response capabilities for potential critical incidents. It will offer realistic training for law enforcement, public safety officials, and community stakeholders on effectively managing and responding to such incidents,' said the Wichita Police Department in a news release. 'Additionally, the exercise will focus on improving staff coordination and validating emergency response operations and post-incident management planning.' This training is not open to the public. Participating agencies include the Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Wichita Fire Department, Sedgwick County Emergency Management, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, Sedgwick County EMS, Maize Police Department, Derby Police Department, FBI, ATF, and Wichita State University. Via Christi will also take part in the training. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘This screening saved my life': New initiative aims to address firefighters' health concerns
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A new initiative aims to help firefighters take control of their health and well-being. Some are calling it a game-changer for firefighters' health. Firefighters have a much higher risk of developing cancer and other health issues related to the conditions they work in. The stress and challenges of the job can also affect their mental health. A new initiative with Via Christi and the Wichita Fire Department provides firefighters with preventative screenings and other resources and support. Both organizations say this is a long time in the making. Ark City plans memorial for Trevor Rusk and other firefighters, seeks names to include 'We'll have to schedule every firefighter every year, all 400 and some odd of them, schedule them all throughout the year to make sure they get at least one full checkup scan every single year. That's the goal,' said Ted Bush, president of Wichita Firefighters Local 135. 'This is the step of actually finding those cancers early. And hopefully, we will have an added quality and quantity to their lives,' said Keisha Humphries, Director of Oncology & Pulmonary, Via Christi. 'They can reach out to 719-FIRE. When they call that number, we're going to start an initiation of and a screening appointment for them.' Behind the sirens and bravery is a health struggle Chris Conover didn't think he'd have to face. 'This screening saved my life, and that's why I'm here,' said Captain Chris Conover with the Wichita Fire Department. 'If they wouldn't have caught it with the program, I could have had it for years and it could have been too late, you know?' Conover has been with the Wichita Fire Department for over 30 years. Just this past December, he was a part of a pilot program for the Firefighter Wellness Initiative. That's when the screenings revealed he had lung cancer. 'They found a mass in my right lung, ended up talking to a surgeon and pulled it out,' said Conover. Conover didn't need chemotherapy. He says he is now cancer free. As much as he is grateful to continue to be there for his wife and son, he says more needs to be done to ensure firefighters get the screening and treatment they need. He said, 'We're getting more into that. I think we can do more.' Doing more is the focus of the new initiative, and it focuses on early interventions, detections, preventative care/screenings and mental health support. This will include yearly screenings for many conditions, including cancer and heart disease. Conover says he hopes this changes the culture around a firefighter's health and brings more awareness. 'There's a lot of guys that are retired that have had cancer that could have got cut early, but we didn't have this,' said Conover. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
