The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 48 COVID patients today, down from 50 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 26 with the active virus today, 26 yesterday
- 5 in ICU, 2 yesterday
- 2 on ventilators, 1 yesterday
- 22 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 24 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Kaley Patterson, heart patient
- Had open heart surgery when she was only 19 days old
- More recently, became one of first patients to receive a transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement
- Procedure involves threading a needle through a vein in the thigh into the heart to replace a leaking pulmonary valve
- Feeling much better after procedure and now is meticulous about what she eats and how much she exercises
Carole Barnett, heart transplant recipient
- Underwent heart transplant during COVID restrictions
- Was separated from husband because of no guest policy and had to rely on iPad visits during emotionally trying time
- Transplant changed her life and his now able to resume traveling with husband
- Encourages everyone to become an organ donor. She received heart from a woman in her 20’s.
Brian Beggs, heart transplant recipient
- Born with a heart murmur. Never caused a problem until recently when he began retaining fluids leading to an enlarged heart. Was told a transplant was needed to save his life
- Now able to lead a normal active life
- Proposed to girlfriend seven days after the transplant and married by hospital chaplain one year to the day after transplant
Dr. Mark Wiley, interventional cardiologist, The University of Kansas Health System
- Interventional cardiologists focus on procedures and devices to improve heart conditions
- Many people with heart conditions don’t realize how sick they are because they have learned to compensate over time for their problem
- Most common heart condition in the U.S. is coronary artery disease, blockage of the heart
- Heart valve replacement used to be for high-risk patients only. Has evolved to 90% of patients he sees
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Number of COVID patients in the health system continues to fall slowly
- Not surprised by German study showing 73% of COVID patients had some heart inflammation
- Vaccination continues to be the best and safest way to avoid COVID and the heart problems that can come with it
Friday, September 30 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Latinos are severely under-represented when it comes to blood and bone marrow donors, But they still suffer blood cancers. One well known survivor hopes her story will encourage more Latinos to sign up to save lives in a big donor drive planned for the community.
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