UCLA Clinical Updates Learn about the Latest Advances from UCLA Adult Epilepsy Program The recent introduction of two innovative surgical procedures at UCLA’s Adult Epilepsy Program offers adults with debilitating seizures greater access to safe and effective treatments. Improving Heart-Failure Management The CardioMEMS HF System is the first implantable hemodynamic monitoring device for heart failure approved by the Food and Drug Administration. UCLA Aortic Center UCLA Cystic Fibrosis Program The Cystic Fibrosis Program at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA offers comprehensive clinical care, research and educational support for infants, children, adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis. Early Kidney Disease Detection A unique program in UCLA’s Division of Pediatric Nephrology offers specialized care for children with renal and/or urinary-tract abnormalities beginning when an abnormality is detected in utero. Full-Service HIV/AIDS Care, Education and Research The Care-4-Families program at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA provides a single point of contact and a broad spectrum of comprehensive, family-focused services for HIV-infected newborns, children, adolescents, pregnant women and mothers and HIV-exposed infants. The UCLA Aortic Center offers a comprehensive slate of options for patients with all stages of aortic disease, from traditional open surgery to the latest minimally invasive repairs. Targeting COPD UCLA’s Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine offers the latest treatments for COPD, including therapies available through clinical studies not offered at most centers. How obstructive sleep apnea damages the brain UCLA researchers have reported the first evidence that obstructive sleep apnea contributes to a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier that plays an important role in protecting brain tissue. The damage to the brain that can result from obstructive sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, depression, memory loss and anxiety, as well as contribute to stroke, diabetes, loss of testosterone and endocrine-related problems. uclahealth.org/apneabraindamage To download these and other clinical advances at UCLA Health, go to: uclahealth.org/clinicalupdates Department of Neurosurgery ranked No. 2 Catheterization Advances for Congenital Heart Disease Minimally invasive catheter-based interventions are associated with less risk and easier recovery and now are considered the standard of care in treating all patients with congenital heart disease. News from UCLA Health UCLA Aortic Center brings innovation and comprehensive care to complex aortic disease UCLA’s Cystic Fibrosis Program receives accreditation for pediatric and adult care Four decades of pioneering new approaches Access to state-of- the-art treatments “We know there are many different elements to excellent care for children with cystic fibrosis,” says Marlyn S. Woo, MD, professor of pediatrics and Cystic Fibrosis Program pediatric director. “This is why accreditation will benefit our patients. All accredited CF centers get information on the latest developments and treatments first from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We have access to newer treatments, research medications and new findings.” The UCLA Aortic Center continues to advance the understanding and treatment of aortic disease, building on a four-decade history of leadership that embraces minimally invasive solutions. Treatment of aortic disorders has changed dramatically in the past decade, with the introduction of more minimally invasive, endovascular surgical techniques — many originated at UCLA. The UCLA Aortic Center offers a comprehensive slate of options for patients with all stages of aortic disease, from traditional open surgery to the latest minimally invasive repairs. The aorta — the body’s primary and largest artery — carries oxygenated blood from the heart to vessels that feed the rest of the body. It is susceptible to a variety of disorders, including aneurysms, valvular disease, atherosclerotic occlusive disease, traumatic aortic injury and aortic dissections. Complex aneurysms & aortic dissections Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta — from the heart to the abdomen — when a weak part of the aorta expands like a balloon, forming a blood- filled sac. Such bulges can be life-threatening if they grow too large and rupture. For small aortic aneurysms, a “watch-and-wait” approach may be taken. However, medium and large aneurysms often call for immediate treatment. While physicians still don’t know what causes aortic aneurysms, risk factors can include genetic predisposition, along with cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and chronic pulmonary disease. UCLAHEALTH.ORG 1-800-UCLA-MD1 In the 1970s, UCLA surgeons expanded knowledge of the physiological processes behind aortic aneurysms. In the following decade, they developed an aortic prosthesis to prevent blood leakage from the repair site of aneurysms, dissections and blockages — a game-changing device still in use. In the 1990s, UCLA surgeons were the first to combine open surgery and endovascular repair for thoraco- abdominal aortic aneurysms. Throughout the early 2000s, UCLA continued to innovate, including developing custom endografts to repair difficult abdominal aneurysms in 2012. Such commitment is essential in aortic disease. “Today, with advanced surgical and minimally invasive technologies, we can help address the needs of patients with the most complicated aortic conditions,” says William Quinones-Baldrich, MD, director, UCLA Aortic Center, and professor of vascular surgery. “We can offer more definitive alternatives, even if patients are considered high risk for traditional repair.” (1-800-825-2631) The Cystic Fibrosis Program at Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA offers comprehensive clinical care, research and educational support for infants, children, adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis. The program was recently accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This designation recognizes high-quality, specialized care that leads to improved survival and quality of life. Approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States have cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder that affects one in about 3,000 Caucasian births. The discovery of the CF gene in 1989, isolation of the CFTR protein (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) and improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease are being translated into new therapies. Life expectancy for patients with CF has improved dramatically. New therapies to maintain lung function Patient care has changed significantly in recent years largely due to two major avenues of progress: • The publication of standardized care guidelines by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation • The emergence of oral medications that target the underlying cause of the disease and slow the decline of lung function UCLAHEALTH.ORG 1-800-UCLA-MD1 Having a nurse specialist, respiratory therapist, dietitian and social worker on the team is also beneficial for patients. “CF patients have specialized needs, they need a lot of treatments and have a lot of equipment they need to learn to use. We provide that support” Dr. Woo says. Following a visit, notes and records are sent within 24 hours to the patient’s primary care physician. Dr. Woo says. “Primary care physicians are vital partners in caring for these children.” The UCLA Department of Neurosurgery ranks No. 2 in the nation in scholarly research, according to a paper published in the Journal of Neurosurgery that rated the academic publishing output of faculty at 103 American neurosurgical residency programs from 2009 to 2013. uclahealth.org/ neurosurgeryranking (1-800-825-2631) Continuing Medical Education: Save the Date Why children’s recovery times vary after traumatic brain injury What: The UCLA Comprehensive Stroke Center presents the 21st annual UCLA Brain Attack! symposium, covering the practical, clinical aspects of stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The course will include stroke risk factors, diagnostic testing and medical and interventional therapy. New research by UCLA scientists and colleagues suggests that damage to the fatty sheaths around the brain’s nerve fibers — and not the severity of the injury itself — explains why some youngsters bounce back quickly from traumatic brain injuries while others suffer devastating side effects for years. This course is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. ™ uclahealth.org/pediatricbraininjury Cost: $200 – Early Registration $225 – Registration after Friday April 15, 2016 $150 – UC Faculty and Staff UCLA Brain Attack! ’16 Stroke Symposium When: Saturday, May 7, 2016 Where: UCLA Carnesale Commons Register:  Go to cme.ucla.edu/courses and select “UCLA Brain Attack! ’16 Symposium” UCLAHEALTH.ORG 1-844-4UCLADR (1-844-482-5237)