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Pioneering Alzheimer's Research Labs Hold Initial Open House in Sun City
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 31 -- Banner Health issued the following news release:
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Pioneering Alzheimer's research labs hold initial open house in Sun City
Ribbon cutting, tour of new labs for biomarker blood tests highlight day
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SUN CITY, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2026) - Some of the worldwide leading research in more accessible - and affordable - testing for Alzheimer's disease is being done in Arizona.
New research laboratories dedicated to revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related brain disorders were on display Friday at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 31 -- Banner Health issued the following news release:
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Pioneering Alzheimer's research labs hold initial open house in Sun City
Ribbon cutting, tour of new labs for biomarker blood tests highlight day
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SUN CITY, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2026) - Some of the worldwide leading research in more accessible - and affordable - testing for Alzheimer's disease is being done in Arizona.
New research laboratories dedicated to revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related brain disorders were on display Friday at the Banner Sun Health Research Institutein Sun City.
"These labs will serve as a destination center for researchers worldwide, accelerating the development of blood tests that can transform how we diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders," said Nicholas Ashton, PhD, senior director of the Fluid Biomarker Program at the Institute and an internationally recognized leader in his field. "Our goal is to make these tests as simple as a finger prick, bringing life-changing diagnostics from specialized research centers into communities everywhere."
Alzheimer's disease is usually confirmed through brain scans or spinal fluid tests, which are both invasive and expensive. Blood tests that measure biomarkers are poised to revolutionize the fight against conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related diseases, providing more accurate and accessible tools for detection. The two state-of-the-art research labs, established by Banner for the discovery and widespread study of these diseases, already are having profound impact on the role of blood tests in research and clinical care.
"We are thrilled to have Dr. Ashton and his research colleagues here in Arizona, such that they and their colleagues and collaborators have the chance to make a transformational difference in the scientific and clinical fight against Alzheimer's and other age-related memory and movement disorders together," said Eric Reiman, MD, chief executive officer of Banner Alzheimer's Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute.
The Michael T. Zuendel Family Biofluid Lab and the Kuhle Family Biomarker Discovery Lab represent one of the few facilities worldwide where biomarker blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assays are both developed and engineered for large-scale deployment. Led by Dr. Ashton, who made major contributions to biofluid research at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, the Fluid Biomarker Program is developing and validating biological markers in bodily fluids to support early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and autoimmune disorders. The program spans the full spectrum from biomarker discovery to clinical implementation, serving academic and industry partners worldwide.
The labs offer compelling visual elements showcasing cutting-edge scientific equipment and researchers at work developing the next generation of diagnostic tools for brain diseases and other conditions.
Two families each contributed $1 million to the Banner Alzheimer's Foundation in 2025, accelerating scientific breakthroughs that will transform how we diagnose and treat Alzheimer's and related brain diseases. The Michael T. Zuendel Family Biofluid Lab will provide rapid, rigorous and scalable blood and CSF biomarker assays, helping researchers characterize and compare the accuracy of emerging tests. The Kuhle Family Biomarker Discovery Lab will discover and validate new biomarkers and lead the development of highly scalable pinprick "plasma spot" assays.
The labs are developing groundbreaking plasma spot assays from simple finger-prick blood samples for a range of conditions. Among the program's most ambitious goals is creating the first blood tests for Lewy body disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease affecting athletes, military personnel and others who experience repeated head impacts.
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About Banner Sun Health Research Institute
Since 1986, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, part of nonprofit Banner Health, has been a leader nationally and internationally in the effort to find answers to disorders of aging including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The institute's Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research takes laboratory discoveries to clinical trials that foster hope for new treatments. Banner Health is Arizona's leading health care provider and largest private employer. For more information, visit bannershri.com or visit us on Facebook.
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Original text here: https://www.bannerhealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/sun-health-labs-opening
[Category: Health Care]
Newmark Arranges Sale and Financing of 424-Unit Class A Multifamily Asset in Frisco, Texas
NEW YORK, Jan. 31 -- Newmark Group posted the following news release:
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Newmark Arranges Sale and Financing of 424-Unit Class A Multifamily Asset in Frisco, Texas
Newmark announces the Company has arranged the sale and financing of a 424-unit, Class A multifamily community located in Frisco, Texas. Newmark Multifamily Capital Markets Vice Chairmen Brian Murphy and Brian O'Boyle, Jr. and Executive Managing Director Richard Furr represented the seller, Bascom Group, in the sale transaction. Vice Chairman David Schwarz secured acquisition financing on behalf of the buyer. The transaction marks
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 31 -- Newmark Group posted the following news release:
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Newmark Arranges Sale and Financing of 424-Unit Class A Multifamily Asset in Frisco, Texas
Newmark announces the Company has arranged the sale and financing of a 424-unit, Class A multifamily community located in Frisco, Texas. Newmark Multifamily Capital Markets Vice Chairmen Brian Murphy and Brian O'Boyle, Jr. and Executive Managing Director Richard Furr represented the seller, Bascom Group, in the sale transaction. Vice Chairman David Schwarz secured acquisition financing on behalf of the buyer. The transaction marksthe second time Newmark has sold the asset.
"This property generated significant investor interest," said Murphy. "Frisco is one of the strongest submarkets in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and investors continue to be drawn to its exceptional market fundamentals, top-rated schools and proximity to major employers."
Schwarz added, "We're very pleased with the financing outcome. Lenders were enthusiastic about the location and the quality of the asset, and the buyer had multiple debt options to choose from."
Constructed in 2017, the asset was 91% occupied at the time of sale and features modern architecture, controlled access, structured parking and a best-in-class amenity package. Residents enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, clubroom and business center, indoor and outdoor sky lounges, a resort-style pool, grilling areas and pet-friendly facilities.
Located in the heart of Frisco, one of North Texas' most dynamic and rapidly growing submarkets, the property sits just steps from the $5 Billion Mile and is adjacent to The Star, headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, Legacy West and the PGA of America headquarters. The location provides immediate access to major employment centers as well as premier retail and dining throughout Frisco and Plano. Within a one-mile radius, average household income exceeds $130,000, highlighting the strength of the surrounding demographics.
According to Newmark Research, the Dallas-Fort Worth multifamily market continues to outperform national averages in both rental demand and sales volume, reinforcing the region's standing as one of the country's most resilient and attractive multifamily investment markets.
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About Newmark
Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries ("Newmark"), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark's comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform's global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, Newmark generated revenues of over $3.1 billion. As of September 30, 2025, Newmark and its business partners together operated from approximately 170 offices with over 8,500 professionals across four continents. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.
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Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark
Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company's business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.
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Original text here: https://www.nmrk.com/insights/press-releases/newmark-arranges-sale-and-financing-of-424-unit-class-a-multifamily-asset-in-frisco-texas
[Category: BizReal Estate]
Newmark Arranges $690 Million Refinancing for Sun Belt Multifamily Portfolio on Behalf of West Shore
NEW YORK, Jan. 31 -- Newmark Group posted the following news release:
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Newmark Arranges $690 Million Refinancing for Sun Belt Multifamily Portfolio on Behalf of West Shore
The transaction represents the largest multifamily closing in the U.S. year-to-date[1]
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Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK) ("Newmark"), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to global corporations, institutional investors, and owners and occupiers, announces the Company has arranged a $690 million loan on behalf of West Shore for the refinancing of 13 multifamily properties spanning Florida,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 31 -- Newmark Group posted the following news release:
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Newmark Arranges $690 Million Refinancing for Sun Belt Multifamily Portfolio on Behalf of West Shore
The transaction represents the largest multifamily closing in the U.S. year-to-date[1]
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Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK) ("Newmark"), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to global corporations, institutional investors, and owners and occupiers, announces the Company has arranged a $690 million loan on behalf of West Shore for the refinancing of 13 multifamily properties spanning Florida,Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The transaction represents the largest multifamily closing in the U.S. year-to-date.
Newmark Capital Markets Executive Vice Chairman Purvesh Gosalia represented the borrower, West Shore, in securing the cash-out, single-asset single-borrower (SASB) refinancing, which was originated by Citi.
The closing marks Newmark's third SASB transaction with West Shore, totaling $1.8 billion of loan proceeds in the past 15 months, following the firm's $600 million financing of eight multifamily properties in October, and further underscores West Shore's continued momentum and presence among the most active multifamily owners in the Sun Belt region.
"This transaction highlights the strong investor appetite for well-located, institutional-quality multifamily assets across the Southeast and Sun Belt," said Gosalia. "West Shore's portfolio attracted highly competitive financing, reflecting the continued appeal of these markets to institutional capital."
The portfolio comprises 4,077 units across a mix of garden-style and townhome communities, offering one- to three-bedroom floorplans and coveted amenities such as pools, fitness centers, pet parks, clubhouses and outdoor spaces. Assets are located across five Florida cities - Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Melbourne, Ocala and Tallahassee - as well as Columbia and Lexington, South Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Bryan, Texas.
According to Newmark Research, multifamily debt originations increased 37% year-over-year in 2025. Investor capital continues to concentrate in the Sun Belt markets, which together accounted nearly 45% of investment sales activity in 2025.
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[1] According to Newmark Research, Real Capital Analytics
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About Newmark
Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries ("Newmark"), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark's comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform's global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, Newmark generated revenues of over $3.1 billion. As of September 30, 2025, Newmark and its business partners together operated from approximately 170 offices with over 8,500 professionals across four continents. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.
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Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark
Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company's business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.
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Original text here: https://www.nmrk.com/insights/press-releases/newmark-arranges-690-million-refinancing-for-sun-belt-multifamily-portfolio-on-behalf-of-west-shore
[Category: BizReal Estate]
NASA Selects Axiom Space for Fifth Private Astronaut Mission to International Space Station
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 31 -- Axiom Space Inc., a provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, issued the following news release:
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NASA Selects Axiom Space for Fifth Private Astronaut Mission to International Space Station
NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the fifth private astronaut mission (PAM) to the International Space Station - its fifth consecutive PAM award granted by the agency. Axiom Mission 5 (Ax-5) is targeted to launch no earlier than January 2027 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to spend
... Show Full Article
HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 31 -- Axiom Space Inc., a provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, issued the following news release:
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NASA Selects Axiom Space for Fifth Private Astronaut Mission to International Space Station
NASA and Axiom Space have signed a mission order for the fifth private astronaut mission (PAM) to the International Space Station - its fifth consecutive PAM award granted by the agency. Axiom Mission 5 (Ax-5) is targeted to launch no earlier than January 2027 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to spendup to 14 days docked to the space station. The crew complement is pending final agreements and agency and international approvals and will be announced at a future date.
"We are honored NASA awarded Axiom Space its fifth human spaceflight mission," said Dr. Jonathan Cirtain, Axiom Space President and CEO. "All four previous missions have expanded the global community of space explorers, diversifying scientific investigations in microgravity, and providing significant insight that is benefitting the development of our next-generation space station, Axiom Station. The award underscores Axiom Space's commitment to redefining access to space, fostering international collaboration, and enabling research opportunities in low-Earth orbit (LEO) for the benefit of all."
As part of the NASA award, Axiom Space brings on Voyager Technologies, Inc., as a teammate participating in payload integration.
"Voyager's role on Ax-5 reflects a proven mission-management heritage built through years of supporting commercial payloads on the space station," said Dylan Taylor, chairman & CEO, Voyager Technologies. "We are proud to partner with Axiom Space in support of the Ax-5 mission. As commercial LEO destinations mature into sustained operational domains, missions like Ax-5 will further demonstrate the power of end-to-end execution across human spaceflight, research payloads, and the commercial infrastructure shaping the future space economy."
As the United States transitions from government-led to commercial-enabled space operations, Axiom Space is one of the only companies with proven human spaceflight experience poised to lead in this new era. In four years, the company successfully executed four missions onboard the space station, flying 14 private and government astronauts, who conducted more than 160 science and research activities, and more than 100 outreach and media engagements while on orbit.
Previous Axiom Space missions were commanded by retired NASA astronauts Michael Lopez-Alegria, Axiom Space Chief Astronaut, and Peggy Whitson, Axiom Space Vice President of Human Spaceflight. These missions achieved many firsts, including the first female Saudi astronaut and first Turkish astronaut to launch to space, and the first time that astronauts from the nations of Saudi Arabia, India, Poland, and Hungary lived and worked onboard the International Space Station.
The discoveries resulting from these missions have been groundbreaking - diabetes research, demonstrating real-time glucose monitoring and insulin delivery in microgravity; and cancer research, testing a therapeutic drug which entered clinical trials last year. These types of activities sparked the establishment of the Axiom Space University Alliance last year, which not only identifies key areas of scientific opportunity but also facilitates the development of global research priorities that reflect collective input and strategic value, enabling real-world breakthroughs benefitting everyone on Earth. Axiom Space will continue to work with leading science institutions and researchers on private astronaut missions, expanding the opportunities for the advancement of science.
Axiom Space looks forward to another exciting year ahead working with the international space community to leverage the unique microgravity environment to further human exploration, discovery, innovation, and the development of a global space economy.
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About Axiom Space
Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.
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Original text here: https://www.axiomspace.com/release/nasa-selects-axiom-space-for-fifth-private-astronaut-mission-to-international-space-station
[Category: BizScience]
Marcus & Millichap Closes $41 Million Net-Lease Portfolio in the Midwest
ENCINO, California, Jan. 31 -- Marcus and Millichap issued the following news release:
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Marcus & Millichap Closes $41 Million Net-Lease Portfolio in the Midwest
NORWALK, Iowa, Jan. 29, 2026 - Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the sale of the Yellow Brick Road Portfolio: 18 triple-net-leased early childhood development centers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The portfolio sold for $41,587,000.
"We were pleased to execute on behalf of our sellers after
... Show Full Article
ENCINO, California, Jan. 31 -- Marcus and Millichap issued the following news release:
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Marcus & Millichap Closes $41 Million Net-Lease Portfolio in the Midwest
NORWALK, Iowa, Jan. 29, 2026 - Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the sale of the Yellow Brick Road Portfolio: 18 triple-net-leased early childhood development centers in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The portfolio sold for $41,587,000.
"We were pleased to execute on behalf of our sellers aftergenerating multiple competitive offers for the portfolio," said Spencer Berkley, director of investments. "Net leased investment activity accelerated meaningfully in 2025, with transaction volume up 26% year over year. Our team is excited to carry that momentum into 2026, and this transaction provides a strong start to the year." Berkley, Mark Ruble, Chris Lind, and Zack House of Marcus & Millichap, in association with Jon Ruzicka, Marcus & Millichap's broker of record in Iowa and Minnesota, and Adam Lewis, the firm's broker of record in Nebraska, represented the sellers, Ben Ditzer and Bob Carlson of Triple Net Capital, and procured the buyer, a Florida-based real estate investment trust.
"The portfolio included a range of lease structures and ownership entities that required a flexible and strategic execution approach to close the transaction," added Berkley. "In total, we brokered the sale of 20 Yellow Brick Road properties as two assets were sold separately to private buyers prior to the sale of the remaining 18 properties. This allowed the seller to execute both individual asset sales and a larger portfolio disposition efficiently."
"This was a smooth and successful transaction, and Spencer and his team played a key role in delivering that result," said Ditzer. "Their understanding of the net lease market and ability to anticipate issues allowed the deal to stay on track and close efficiently." "We were very happy with the outcome," added Carlson.
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About Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE: MMI)
Marcus & Millichap, Inc. is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2024, the company had 1,712 investment sales and financing professionals in over 80 offices who provide investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate. The company also offers market research, consulting and advisory services to clients. Marcus & Millichap closed 7,836 transactions in 2024, with a sales volume of approximately $49.6 billion. For additional information, please visit www.MarcusMillichap.com.
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Original text here: https://www.marcusmillichap.com/news-events/press/2026/01/marcus-millichap-closes-41-million-net-lease-portfolio-in-the-midwest
[Category: BizRealEstate]
Littler Issues Commentary: 9th Circuit Finds DHS Overstepped in Terminating TPS
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 31 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 30, 2026:
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9th Circuit Finds DHS Overstepped in Terminating TPS
By Tasneem Zaman, Shin-I Lowe, and George Michael Thompson
On January 28, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the lower court's decision in National TPS Alliance v. Noem, that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem overstepped her authority by vacating the previously granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for Venezuela and terminating early TPS for Haiti, which is
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 31 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 30, 2026:
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9th Circuit Finds DHS Overstepped in Terminating TPS
By Tasneem Zaman, Shin-I Lowe, and George Michael Thompson
On January 28, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the lower court's decision in National TPS Alliance v. Noem, that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem overstepped her authority by vacating the previously granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for Venezuela and terminating early TPS for Haiti, which isschedule to end on February 3, 2026.
The three-judge panel held that Noem's actions were unlawful as her determination that each country no longer continues to meet the conditions for TPS designation was not reached in accordance with procedures established by Congress under the relevant TPS statue (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1254a). It is crucial to highlight that this ruling is one of several circuit court decisions that have addressed the legal issues central to the ongoing TPS litigation.
Implications of the Ninth Circuit Decision
Although this ruling pertains to the legality of the termination of TPS for Haiti and Venezuela, it is unlikely to have any immediate effect on TPS beneficiaries and thus should not be relied upon as a basis for employers to restore TPS protections for such individuals. This is primarily due to the Supreme Court's October 2025 Order in Noem v. National TPS Alliance, which stayed the district court's previous orders that provided emergency relief to TPS beneficiaries. The DHS secretary's revocation order remains in effect as the legal process unfolds. It is anticipated that the DHS will immediately appeal the Ninth Circuit's decision for Supreme Court review.
Littler will monitor any subsequent legal actions taken regarding TPS and will provide updates as they become available.
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Tasneem Zaman
Senior Counsel
Washington, D.C.
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Shin-I Lowe
Shareholder
Miami
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George Michael Thompson
Special Counsel
Washington, D.C.
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/9th-circuit-finds-dhs-overstepped-terminating-tps
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Lee Health is the First in Southwest Florida to Offer Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair, Helping Cardiac Patients Recover Quicker
FORT MYERS, Florida, Jan. 31 -- Lee Health issued the following news release:
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Lee Health is the First in Southwest Florida to Offer Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair, Helping Cardiac Patients Recover Quicker
Lee Health is raising the bar for heart care in Southwest Florida, becoming the first health system in the region to offer robotic-assisted mitral valve repair using the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robot. This innovative approach dramatically shortens recovery time, allowing patients to get back to their lives faster. Although the procedure is new to the region, it is delivered
... Show Full Article
FORT MYERS, Florida, Jan. 31 -- Lee Health issued the following news release:
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Lee Health is the First in Southwest Florida to Offer Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair, Helping Cardiac Patients Recover Quicker
Lee Health is raising the bar for heart care in Southwest Florida, becoming the first health system in the region to offer robotic-assisted mitral valve repair using the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robot. This innovative approach dramatically shortens recovery time, allowing patients to get back to their lives faster. Although the procedure is new to the region, it is deliveredby a robotic cardiac surgery team with decades of combined experience spanning multiple generations of robotic technology.
The mitral valve plays a critical role in regulating blood flow through the heart. When the valve leaks or becomes stiff or narrowed, blood can flow backward into the lungs, placing strain on the heart and leading to serious complications. Mitral valve disease is often first detected as a heart murmur and confirmed through imaging, but many patients experience few or no symptoms until the condition becomes advanced.
Traditionally, a mitral valve repair required open-heart surgery through a full sternotomy and a lengthy recovery, whereas robotic-assisted mitral valve repair allows surgeons to perform complex repairs through small incisions with greater precision and less trauma, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and a faster return to normal activity.
Compared with conventional minimally invasive techniques that rely on larger incisions and rigid, shafted instruments, robotic-assisted cardiac surgery provides high-definition, three-dimensional visualization and wristed instruments that enhance dexterity and control, enabling complex valve repairs through smaller access points which minimize chest wall trauma.
"All of it is done without spreading the rib or cutting the bone," said chief physician executive for the Lee Health Heart Institute, Dr. Daniel O'Hair. "It's more like having your appendix removed than undergoing traditional open-heart surgery. This is an incredible breakthrough and a true game-changer for the Southwest Florida community, enabling patients to receive the most advanced heart care close to home while strengthening the Lee Health Heart Institute's reputation as a national destination for leading-edge cardiovascular care."
Early detection and treatment are critical. Left untreated, severe mitral valve disease can progress to heart failure or increase the risk of stroke. When repaired successfully, however, patients can expect a normal life expectancy, avoid long-term complications, and remain active well into their later years.
A heart surgeon will determine whether robotic-assisted mitral valve repair is the right option for each patient's individual needs. While robotic surgery can be used for both mitral valve repair and replacement, repair is the preferred approach whenever feasible and is most often achieved with a high level of success. The specific surgical strategy depends on the severity and progression of the valve disease.
For more information on the robotic-assisted mitral valve repair, please visit www.leehealth.org/heart.
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Original text here: https://www.leehealth.org/about-us/media/press-releases/lee-health-is-the-first-in-southwest-florida-t-1
[Category: BizHealth Care]
