Pioneering pediatric pacemaker procedure
Pediatric electrophysiologist Dan Cortez, M.D., Ph.D., is implanting the world’s smallest pacemaker in patients using a minimally invasive technique, and is the leading expert for his unique procedure on children. While most traditional pacemakers are surgically implanted through the chest to the outside of the heart, and then connected by a lead, the world-first Micra leadless pacemaker was approved by the FDA in 2016. Many physicians in Northern California are trained to implant the device in adults through the leg vein; Cortez was first in Northern California to implant through the internal jugular vein.
Youth heart event screens more than 300 kids and young adults
In September, we collaborated with the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation and Project ADAM Sacramento to provide free heart screenings to more than 300 children and young adults to identify youth with undiagnosed heart conditions. Participants received a cardiac risk assessment, an EKG, a physician review and CPR training. Forty people received follow-up echocardiograms on-site and many were referred to their primary care physician or a specialist for follow-up care.
New pediatric lipid disorders clinic opens
A one-of-a-kind clinic dedicated to treating pediatric lipid disorders opened in Roseville this year. The clinic offers care for children with abnormal cholesterol levels, elevated triglycerides and lipoprotein (a) levels, other complex lipid disorders and secondary causes of lipid abnormalities such as diabetes and kidney disease.
