Allegheny General Hospital InnerView

InnerView Allegheny General Hospital

The

Autumn 2008

An inside look at our services

AGH Shock Trauma Center Helping to Save Lives, Reduce Permanent Disability

As much as we try to avoid it, accidents happen. And when an accident results in a serious injury, it's critical to get immediate care at a sophisticated trauma center.

An accredited Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center and recognized as one of the top facilities in the country, Allegheny General Hospital's (AGH) Shock Trauma Center gives patients a decided edge in achieving the best possible outcomes following an accident.

may be admitted to the trauma surgical intensive care unit or a regular/monitored nursing unit for ongoing evaluation and care.

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"For many patients, prompt and superior trauma care can mean the difference between temporary and permanent disability -- or even life and death," said Aurelio Rodriguez, M.D., director, Allegheny General Hospital Shock Trauma Center, Division of Trauma Surgery. "Our experienced, multidisciplinary team of trauma surgeons, specialists, nurses and support staff seamlessly coordinate the entire spectrum of care for each trauma patient."

Trauma care starts at the scene of an accident. And the Shock Trauma Center stays in close contact with first responders such as paramedics and helicopter personnel -- helping them to stabilize vital signs and provide lifesaving treatment until the patient can be safely transported to AGH. Some patients may be transported by LifeFlight, Allegheny General's fleet of emergency transportation helicopters.

Once the trauma patient arrives at AGH, that individual is quickly evaluated in the Shock Resuscitation Unit. If necessary, sophisticated equipment is available to further stabilize the critically injured patient.

As soon as the trauma team arrives at a preliminary diagnosis, it quickly chooses the most appropriate treatment option. Some patients may require immediate surgery, while others

The AGH Shock Trauma Center has a trauma surgeon on duty at all times to respond to patient needs.

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"One of the advantages of receiving trauma care at a hospital such as AGH is that patients get specialized care around the clock," said Dr. Rodriguez. "This prevents delays in getting treatment when minutes, even seconds count."

To further help patients regain function, motion and independence, AGH offers a range of rehabilitation services.

In addition to treating patients who are transported directly to AGH from the scene of an accident, Allegheny General's Shock Trauma Center sees patients who are transferred from another hospital or who have been referred for further evaluation of their injuries.

"Life can present many unexpected crises and at the Shock Trauma Center, we are always ready to meet those challenges," said Dr. Rodriguez.

ThinkFirst Program

Helping to Prevent Injuries

Every year, more than 500,000 individuals suffer a significant head injury and over 10,000 suffer from a disabling spinal cord injury. The good news is that many of these devastating injuries can be prevented.

Through its ThinkFirst program, Allegheny General Hospital is helping many young people learn how to reduce their risk of injury.

"We are educating young people about their personal vulnerability and the importance of making safe choices," said Diane Cantella, RN, a clinical research nurse for Allegheny General's Department of Neurosurgery and state chapter director of AGH's ThinkFirst for Teens Program. "Our message is that you can have a fun-filled and exciting life and decrease your chance of having a devastating injury if you Think First."

The ThinkFirst program encourages young people to wear safety belts, drive safely and sober, avoid violent situations, wear helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles, and check the water before diving. Allegheny General makes presentations free of charge at local schools about injury prevention and donates bicycle helmets to young people.

Schools wishing to learn more about the ThinkFirst program can call 412-359-3353.

Sophisticated Endoscopy Center Opens at AGH-McCandless

Allegheny General Hospital has long been renowned as one of the region's most advanced gastrointestinal centers. Now, AGH's leading gastrointestinal specialists are bringing their highly regarded expertise directly to patients in the northern suburbs.

Part of AGH-McCandless, the McCandless Endoscopy Center offers easy access for diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and colon cancer screening. Using the latest technology, its experienced gastroenterologists provide personalized, compassionate care in a comfortable setting close to home. If necessary, arrangements can be made at Allegheny General Hospital for more complex procedures.

AGH-McCandless also provides a variety of imaging capabilities, including open bore MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, X-ray, digital mammography, bone densitometry and nuclear medicine.

Located at 9335 McKnight Road, AGH-McCandless offers extended hours and plenty of free parking. To schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist at the McCandless Endoscopy Center, call 412-DOCTORS (362-8677).

In addition, AGH-McCandless features the leading specialists in cardiology, rheumatology, general surgery, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery and women's heart care, as well as primary care doctors.

Quest to Heal People Drives AGH Trauma Physician

Chat with Dr. Aurelio Rodriguez for a few minutes and he will soon have you smiling. His lively sense of humor is infectious and often serves as the perfect remedy for coping with a stressful situation.

"Keeping a sense of humor not only helps me deal with tension, but it also helps put co-workers and patients at ease," said Dr. Rodriguez, director of Allegheny General Hospital's Shock Trauma Center, Division of Trauma Surgery. "There is a lot of truth to the old adage, `laughter is the best medicine.'"

Dr. Rodriguez's quest to heal people physically and emotionally has traversed several decades and thousands of miles. Born in Chincha, Peru, Dr. Rodriguez received his medical degree from San Marcos University in Lima, Peru. He became

interested in trauma medicine when he lost his sister in a car accident.

"As a result of that tragedy, I decided to become a doctor who treats the severely injured," said Dr. Rodriguez. "I wanted to honor my sister's memory by saving lives."

After completing an internship, residencies and a fellowship at several leading American hospitals, Dr. Rodriguez became associate director of trauma at the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma Program in Baltimore -- one of the country's top trauma programs.

He joined Allegheny General Hospital in 2000, where he has replicated many of the University of Maryland Medical Center's most innovative trauma protocols. As director of trauma services at AGH, Dr. Rodriguez coordinates all

AGH's Surgical Services

Diverse and Innovative

When surgery is the best option to treat your medical condition, Allegheny General Hospital and its sister hospital -- Allegheny General Hospital ? Suburban Campus --- offer a range of subspecialties that rank among the best in the country. AGH's nationally renowned surgeons perform cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, colon and rectal surgery, and much more.

kidney, liver, lung and pancreas transplantation. It also offers state-of-the-art bariatric/weight loss surgery, a nationally renowned Bloodless Medicine Center and the da Vinci Surgical System -- a cutting-edge form of robotic surgery used in the treatment of prostate cancer and for gynecological procedures such as hysterectomies.

In addition, AGH features one of the most active and respected facilities in the nation for heart,

For a full listing of all AGH's surgical specialties, visit .

Dr. Rodriguez (top left) leads a Level I Trauma Center at AGH.

clinical specialties involved in trauma patient care, as well as trauma research and trauma-related outreach initiatives.

"There is always a sense of discovery and mystery in trauma care," said Dr. Rodriguez, who is also a prolific speaker, author, researcher and educator. "Each day and each case can present a new challenge."

Recently, Dr. Rodriguez launched the Geriatric Trauma Institute at Allegheny General Hospital -- a center that will help clinicians and first responders better understand, treat and prevent injuries sustained by the elderly population through the use of guidelines and protocols. He also created the Pan American Trauma Society, the largest trauma society in the world.

During his spare time, Dr. Rodriguez enjoys traveling, visiting museums and playing the guitar, as well as watching his son Jose play lacrosse at Greensboro College and his other son Luis swim at North Allegheny High School.

"The people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding region have made my family and me feel at home," said Dr. Rodriguez, a resident of Wexford. "It's a pleasure serving the residents of this area and helping to improve their quality of life."

Autumn Safety Tips

Autumn features the year's most spectacular foliage. It also demands plenty of yard work to clean up those fallen leaves. By following a few guidelines, you can avoid injuring your back and knees while working outside.

? Do a few simple stretches to limber up your muscles and joints before starting yard work.

? Avoid leaning over to lift objects. Instead, bend your knees and use your legs to lift your body.

? Take an occasional break to rest your body.

AGH's Center for Restorative Joint Surgery

Allows Patients to Recover in Comfort

If joint pain and stiffness make it difficult to perform basic activities of daily living,

and standard medical treatment options fail to bring relief, you may benefit from

joint replacement surgery. Allegheny General Hospital's nationally renowned orthopaedic surgeons use the latest technology and the most advanced surgical techniques to eliminate pain and restore motion to a joint and other soft tissue structures that control the joint. Now, patients who undergo joint replacement surgery can optimize their post-op recovery process at AGH's Center for Restorative Joint Surgery -- a 20-bed unit offering leading-edge services with a hotel-like ambiance.

promote healing. AGH's orthopaedic surgeons prepare each patient mentally and physically for their procedure, and continuously monitor and manage the patient's entire pre- and post-surgical performance and progress. Depending on the patient's condition and needs, AGH's surgeons employ either traditional procedures or utilize the latest minimally invasive techniques -- which can result in faster recovery, less bleeding, decreased post-operative pain and reduced scarring.

The Center for Restorative Joint Surgery is furnished to provide patients and family members with the utmost in convenience and comfort. Each patient's room is private and includes a 26 inch flat panel television, wireless Internet access, couches for family members and a state-of-the-art nurse call system.

The Center for Restorative Joint Surgery treats patients who need knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and ankle replacements.

Located on the 10th floor of Snyder Pavilion at AGH, the Center for Restorative Joint Surgery is designed to better

For more information about the Center for Restorative Joint Surgery, call 1-877-660-6777.

Treatment for Unsightly Veins

Highly Effective and Carries Little Risk

If you have unsightly spider or varicose veins on your thighs, calves or ankles, you are not alone. Millions of women -- and even many men -- experience this bothersome problem.

today, therapies can include sclerotherapy for spider veins and minimally invasive procedures for larger varicose veins. Both are very well tolerated and can be performed as outpatient procedures."

Spider veins -- caused by genetics, pregnancy, weight gain, activity requiring prolonged standing or sitting, or for no apparent reason -- are a cluster of superfine, red, blue or purple veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins, which tend to be larger than spider veins, are darker in color and bulge out. They also can cause discomfort and may be related to an underlying condition.

Allegheny General's Cardiovascular Institute offers patients with vein disease a comprehensive treatment plan. Typically, Dr. Taffe or one of the institute's vascular surgeons will examine a patient to determine if spider veins or varicose veins are being caused by an underlying condition, such as deep vein thrombosis. A specialist will then determine which combination of treatment modalities is most appropriate for that patient.

While spider veins and varicose veins are annoying, these conditions are usually harmless and highly treatable, said Elisa Taffe, M.D., a vascular medicine specialist working in Allegheny General Hospital's Gerald McGinnis Cardiovascular Institute.

"In the past, treatment options included compression stockings and possibly even vein stripping," she pointed out. "But

Sclerotherapy may be a good option for patients who do not require surgery or for those who have already received vascular surgery. (Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should postpone sclerotherapy treatment.) Sclerotherapy is a low-risk, outpatient

procedure that takes 15 to 45 minutes to complete.

A sclerosing agent is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually disappear. The procedure only requires local anesthesia and is relatively pain free.

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LifeFlight

Allegheny General Hospital is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of LifeFlight, the first hospital-based air medical service in the northeastern United States. Established in 1978, LifeFlight has completed more than 50,000 missions to date throughout a four-state region.

The unmistakable green and gold helicopters are operated and staffed by 92 full-time employees, including pilots, flight nurses, emergency transport coordinators, mechanics, administrative staff and support staff,

who keep LifeFlight running around the clock.

Those who remain on the ground organize the landings, more than 2,000 of which take place each year on AGH's helipad alone, and coordinate efforts

Celebrates 30th Anniversary

between more than 300 EMS agencies and 150 hospitals within its service area.

Five helicopters operate out of five bases around the region: Butler County Airport, Canonsburg General Hospital, Greensburg-Jeannette Regional Airport (Boquet), Indiana Regional Medical Center and Rostraver Airport. An additional helicopter is kept as a dedicated spare.

For more information on LifeFlight, visit agh.

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