Contributing Author, Cardiothoracic Surgeon The word carotid is derived from the Greek term karotide or karos meaning to stupefy or plunge into deep sleep. The term was applied to the arteries of the neck because compression of these vessels during combat produced stupor or sleep. The 31st metope from the south side of the Parthenon Read more

Francis C. Evans, M.D. FACS Acute appendicitis is a very common emergency, presenting with equal likelihood at any stage in one’s life. The appendix is a vestigial organ, and has no function in humans. Arising from the very beginning of the large intestine (colon), it can become blocked by fecal matter, preventing drainage, leading to Read more

SAMUEL E. GREENBERG, M.D. Summary: Compartment Syndrome is a condition characterized by an elevation of the interstitial pressure within the closed confines of the skeletal muscle/fascia compartment. This pressure elevation is caused by trauma or excessive muscle activity resulting in excessive fluid or blood accumulation within this closed space and when the pressure exceeds the Read more

Contributing Author, Cardiothoracic Surgeon Most patients learn of their need for coronary artery surgery after they present to the ER complaining of chest pain, shortness of breath or pain radiating to their jaw or down the left arm. Other patients notice a pressure-like sensation often described as an elephant standing on their chest. An EKG Read more

Samuel E. Greenberg, M.D. METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS VANCOMYCIN RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS SUMMARY: Staphylococci and Streptococci are normal flora of the skin, intestinal and female genital tract. Ordinarily, they do not cause infections. They may be carried for months in the nose and on the skin. However, under certain circumstances, where the skin is broken or Read more

SAMUEL E. GREENBERG, M.D. When an Embolus from a deep vein thrombosis reaches the lung, after traversing the right side of the heart, it is trapped in the small arterioles in the lung and is referred to as a Pulmonary Embolus (PE). This is fortuitous, because, although it causes havoc in the lung, it is Read more

SAMUEL E. GREENBERG, M.D. SUMMARY: Deep Vein Thrombi (clots) occur when blood slows down, encounters obstructions, or is in hypercoagulable state. This generally occurs in the deep veins of the legs or the solar plexus blood vessels and occasionally in the deep vessels of the upper extremities. Within 5-10 days the clot adheres to the Read more

Samuel E. Greenberg, M.D Most people know that Shock refers to a fall in blood pressure. Beyond that, they are ignorant of its causes. They do know that if it lasts long enough, that death will ensue. But does the blood pressure have to fall to zero for a person to be in shock? What Read more

SAMUEL E. GREENBERG, M.D. Stroke is a term used to denote cessation of a portion of brain function due to acute or sub-acute injury. A more common name steeped in Medical jargon is CVA or Cerebral Vascular Accident. Injury to brain tissues, denoting a CVA, occurs when the blood supply to any part of the Read more

Contributing Author, Cardiothoracic Surgeon Many patients complain to their physicians that they have “poor circulation.” In the old days, little could be done to help this group of patients. Often, the patient is in their 60ties or 70ties and has multiple other problems that may cloud the picture. They often have lumbar back pain and Read more