Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

For More About What Los Robles Hospital Can Do For You, Check Out These Resources!

Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center is a nationally-recognized healthcare provider based in Thousand Oaks, CA, and we have maintained our reputation for superior patient care through advanced medical treatments and surgical techniques.  Few things are more important than your and your family’s health, so browse through these informative links to learn more about our recent posts:

• Are you planning for pregnancy?  If so, take a look at this list from Lamaze.org for tips on staying healthy during pregnancy.
• Creating a birth plan will allow you to state your delivery preferences and resolve any lingering issues before the due date.  This page from the American Pregnancy Association website provides some tips to help you get started.
• This father’s guide to pregnancy from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists can help answer common questions about pregnancy.
• An estimated 17 million Americans suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition which causes chronic heartburn.  This page from the NIDDK provides information about the causes and symptoms of GERD.
• There are many potential long-term side effects of treating severe cases of GERD with medication.  Read through this statement from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons to determine if surgery for GERD may be right for you, and be sure to visit the Los Robles website to learn more about the new non-invasive TIF procedure.
• Arthritis is a painful condition that can restrict mobility, especially if it occurs in the knees.  Learn more about identifying and treating arthritis of the knee with this guide from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
• Review this page from the CDC to learn more about the prevalence of arthritis and other interesting facts and figures.
• A coronary artery bypass grafting procedure is a common type of cardiac surgery used to resolve blockages.  The NHLBI has provided this overview of what to expect before, during, and after cardiac surgery.
• The da Vinci® Surgical System is one of the latest advances in minimally-invasive surgery.  Learn more about the cutting-edge robot-assisted cardiac surgical procedures available at Los Robles Hospital from the da Vinci® website
• This article from the Colombia University Department of Surgery provides more in-depth information about minimally-invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.

The Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center is an Accredited Chest Pain Center, and we have focused on providing effective acute medical treatments through targeted investments in the latest medical technology.  Call our 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse Healthcare Referral line at (877) 888-5746 to schedule an appointment.

Take Control of Your Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis affecting over 51 million adults nationwide, and severe cases can inhibit mobility and interrupt normal sleeping patterns.  Learn how to recognize the symptoms of arthritis with this informative video.

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, resulting in chronic pain, swelling, and/or stiffness.  The risk of developing arthritis increases if your family has a history of the condition, or if you have had any past joint injuries.

Consider visiting our orthopedic specialists here at the Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center of Thousand Oaks, CA, if you have been diagnosed with arthritis.  Our Total Joint Program is designed to meet the individual needs of arthritis victims through advanced joint replacement procedures and rehabilitative treatment.  To learn about arthritis symptoms or about our Total Joint Program, contact our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746 today.

Free Family Healthy Heart Seminar on September 22

What to Expect from a Robot-Assisted Cardiac Procedure

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and our team of healthcare professionals here at Los Robles Hospital of Thousand Oaks, CA is working diligently to provide our patients with access to cutting-edge medical technology and minimally-invasive surgical techniques.  Learn more about what our team of experienced surgeons can do for you and your loved ones with our robot-assisted cardiac procedures:

Risks of Cardiac Surgery

The human heart is only about the size of a fist, but it pumps an average of 1,800 gallons of blood every day.  Any abnormalities in its chambers or major valves and arteries can have a devastating effect on a person’s overall health, and performing even routine surgical procedures such as valve replacements and artery grafts is extremely risky.

Why Robot-Assisted Surgery?

Through the use of the da Vinci® surgical system, robot-assisted procedures at Los Robles Hospital filter the surgeon’s movements, allowing him or her to perform complex cardiac procedures through several keyhole-sized incisions.  The da Vinci® system allows the surgeon to use five robotic arms: one for an endoscopic camera, and the other four for necessary surgical instruments.  Robot-assisted cardiac surgery provides improved visibility and dexterity with minimal tissue damage.

Preparing for Robot-Assisted Surgery

Pre-surgery preparation will involve a comprehensive physical examination with your doctor, and may include any of the scans listed below to construct a virtual image of the heart and its abnormalities:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
• Coronary angiogram
• Chest x-ray
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Your doctor will inquire about any medications you are taking, and may prescribe a special diet or antibiotics.  Depending on the type of surgery, a robot-assisted procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours.

Visit our nationally-recognized Cardiac and Cardiovascular Center here at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center if you are seeking superior heart care.  As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, we maintain a strict standard of excellence in all of our cardiovascular services.  To schedule an appointment with an experienced cardiologist, call (877) 888-5746 today.

What the New TIF Procedure Can Do for You

Acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition that occurs when stomach acid backflows into the esophagus, and can become severe enough to interfere with daily activities and sleep.  Fortunately, the revolutionary TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) procedure available at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, CA, may be able to treat chronic heartburn.

Traditionally, drugs are used to combat the symptoms of severe acid reflux, but they tend to have a diminished effect with prolonged used.  The TIF procedure treats the root cause of acid reflux by endoscopically reconstructing the antireflux barrier between the stomach and esophagus through the mouth.

If you or your loved ones are seeking a permanent solution for severe heartburn, then consider registering for our educational seminar about the TIF procedure on August 21, 2012 here at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center.  Call (877) 888-5746 to register.