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Dr. Kenneth L. Franco, MD
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Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is a top Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Atlanta, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Atlanta, GA, Dr. Kenneth L Franco MD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
Dr. Kenneth L. Franco, MD
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Is stent placement a surgery?
Stents in the coronary arteries of the heart are performed by cardiologists. Open heart surgery is performed by cardiac surgeons.
Is it possible to live with one lung?
The short answer is that you can live with one lung. The long answer is it can be complicated depending upon the patient's underlying lung function and heart function. I am sure READ MORE
The short answer is that you can live with one lung. The long answer is it can be complicated depending upon the patient's underlying lung function and heart function. I am sure your aunt's physicians did the appropriate tests to prove she can do well with one lung.
What are some risks of lung surgery?
The reason to remove the blood is to prevent infection. The risks depend a little bit on how the operation will be performed (VATS vs. open thoracotomy). Potential risks include READ MORE
The reason to remove the blood is to prevent infection. The risks depend a little bit on how the operation will be performed (VATS vs. open thoracotomy). Potential risks include wound infection, pneumonia if you do not cough and clear your secretions, pain, blood clot, arrhythmias, and possible air leaks.
How many follow ups are required after bypass surgery?
If you have an uncomplicated surgery and post-op course, you will probably need one follow-up visit unless there are wound problems or you develop arrhythmias. Usually, you will READ MORE
If you have an uncomplicated surgery and post-op course, you will probably need one follow-up visit unless there are wound problems or you develop arrhythmias. Usually, you will see your cardiologist several weeks after your follow-up surgery visit and not go back to the surgeon unless wound problems occur.
Is heart valve replacement surgery dangerous?
I do not know much about your father's history, what valve surgery he is having, etc., but overall heart valve surgery is safe. There are risks which were explained to your father. READ MORE
I do not know much about your father's history, what valve surgery he is having, etc., but overall heart valve surgery is safe. There are risks which were explained to your father. Patients with poor heart function and emergency surgeries do increase the risks.
Is heart valve replacement surgery safe?
Not knowing much about your history, generally, heart valve surgery is safe. Issues include which valve is being addressed; valve replacement or valve repair; if valve replacement, READ MORE
Not knowing much about your history, generally, heart valve surgery is safe. Issues include which valve is being addressed; valve replacement or valve repair; if valve replacement, what type of valve will be used; and standard sternotomy of less invasive incisions.
Do people recovering from heart surgery cough often?
Angioplasty is not heart surgery. It is a less invasive way to treat coronary diseaseby a cardiologist. Cough could be due to a number of reasons. Best to see an internist if he READ MORE
Angioplasty is not heart surgery. It is a less invasive way to treat coronary diseaseby a cardiologist. Cough could be due to a number of reasons. Best to see an internist if he has symptoms that persist.
Why is my mom's blood pressure on the higher side after bypass?
There could be several reasons for her blood pressure being higher after surgery, as I do not know her condition before surgery. Perhaps she was not put back on all her meds after READ MORE
There could be several reasons for her blood pressure being higher after surgery, as I do not know her condition before surgery. Perhaps she was not put back on all her meds after surgery becomes her blood pressure was lower after surgery, she is more active now and may have some pain or maybe her heart is functioning better. I would discuss with her cardiologist.
How long will my dad have to be in the ICU after open heart surgery?
Not easy to answer this question without knowing the details of your dad's surgery or where the surgery will be performed. Typically, most patients may spend a day or two in the READ MORE
Not easy to answer this question without knowing the details of your dad's surgery or where the surgery will be performed. Typically, most patients may spend a day or two in the ICU. The goal is to have the patient home when he or she has recovered from the surgery and has not had any complications.
How can I prepare my body better for an open heart surgery?
Follow your physician's instructions. Exercise if you can, watch your diet, take your medications, and make sure you have all your questions answered.
Is it safe to have sex after open heart surgery?
Yes, you can have sex after open heart surgery. I would check with your cardiologist on the exact time to begin again. He or she may want to do a follow-up test before giving you READ MORE
Yes, you can have sex after open heart surgery. I would check with your cardiologist on the exact time to begin again. He or she may want to do a follow-up test before giving you the green light to do so.
I have very high blood pressure . Will it cause any complications if I have heart surgery?
No, your blood pressure will be managed, but the team will take care of you with IV and then po (by mouth) medications.
How do I prevent fatigue and tiredness after a bypass surgery?
Fairly common after surgery. Could be low blood count, not eating or sleeping well, related to meds, etc. Review labs and meds with physician. Eat, rest, and try to slowly exercise. READ MORE
Fairly common after surgery. Could be low blood count, not eating or sleeping well, related to meds, etc. Review labs and meds with physician. Eat, rest, and try to slowly exercise.
Why did my father's angioplasty fail?
Not sure what you meant by failed angioplasty. The cardiologist usually places stents not due to isolated angioplasty. If it failed, then usually emergency surgery is required READ MORE
Not sure what you meant by failed angioplasty. The cardiologist usually places stents not due to isolated angioplasty. If it failed, then usually emergency surgery is required by a cardiac surgeon who does bypass.
Why do some patients need heart surgery after a heart attack?
Probably had significant disease in all of his coronary arteries. If so, would do better with complete revascularization (surgery).
What does a coronary artery bypass surgery involve?
Most CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) operations involve making an incision in the chest to perform the surgery and harvesting the bypass conduits (left internal mammary READ MORE
Most CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) operations involve making an incision in the chest to perform the surgery and harvesting the bypass conduits (left internal mammary artery, possibly the right internal mammary artery), veins from the leg and possibly the radial artery in the forearm depending on how many bypasses will be done. The operation can be done with the heart beating or with the heart arrested on the heart-lung machine. After the surgery is completed, the chest and any other incisions are closed after placing drains. The breathing tube is removed when the patient is stable. Hospital discharge occurs in 4-6 days if no problems arise.
My 4 year old son recently has an irregular heartbeat. Would he need a transplant in the future?
You are jumping way ahead. Your son needs an evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist who will work up his rhythm problem and seek advice if needed by an expert electrophysiologist. READ MORE
You are jumping way ahead. Your son needs an evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist who will work up his rhythm problem and seek advice if needed by an expert electrophysiologist. Only at that point will they know whether any treatment is needed.
What happens in a person to trigger a myocardial infarction?
I am not sure what the final trigger is for an individual to have an MI. I suspect it can be different for many individuals. Ultimately, in patients, the underlying disease is READ MORE
I am not sure what the final trigger is for an individual to have an MI. I suspect it can be different for many individuals. Ultimately, in patients, the underlying disease is atherosclerosis and the risk factors a person has developed over the years like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, lipid disorder, smoking, etc.
What are the risks of an open heart surgery for a hypertension patient?
Not sure what open heart operation he is having, but some of the typical risks include infection, bleeding, stroke, renal insufficiency, wound problems, and arrhythmias. I am sure READ MORE
Not sure what open heart operation he is having, but some of the typical risks include infection, bleeding, stroke, renal insufficiency, wound problems, and arrhythmias. I am sure the surgical team will do what it can so your family member does well.
What does an angioplasty procedure involve?
You have coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries on the surface of the heart). Your cardiologist, based on your symptoms and the angiogram, feel some of the blockages READ MORE
You have coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries on the surface of the heart). Your cardiologist, based on your symptoms and the angiogram, feel some of the blockages may be severe and account for your symptoms. They will do an angioplasty, which involves placing a wire across the blockage and blowing up a tiny balloon to dilate the blockage. Usually, they then place a stent to keep the area of the blockage open. This can be performed in several of your blocked arteries. You will need to take medicine like ASA and plavix after the procedure.
