Staff & Reader Submitted

North Texas Woman Avoids Open-Heart Surgery After First Documented Catheter-Based Valve Treatment

Elizabeth Couch — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Tracia Davis, 40, of Euless thought she was having an asthma attack when she began struggling to breathe. Physicians soon discovered a blood clot obstructing her mechanical mitral valve, a rare and life-threatening condition that often requires emergency open-heart surgery.

Doctors told my family the usual options were very risky, Davis says. Im grateful they found another way.

To treat Davis, Medical City Fort Worth successfully performed the first documented stand-alone primary percutaneous transseptal mechanical thrombectomy for obstructive mechanical mitral valve thrombosis using cerebral embolic protection. This minimally invasive approach uses a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg and carefully guided to the atrial septum in the heart to remove the clot and restore blood flow, avoiding open-heart surgery. Protective filters were placed in arteries supplying the brain to reduce the risk of stroke during the procedure.

For Davis, traditional treatment was not considered safe. She had previously undergone two open-heart surgeries and had experienced a recent stroke with intracranial bleeding. Both repeat surgery and clot-dissolving medication carried significant risk.

This case required coordination across structural heart, cardiology and neurointerventional teams, says Farhan Ali, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Medical City Fort Worth. In a situation where conventional treatment posed elevated risk, a catheter-based approach allowed us to address the obstruction without repeat open-heart surgery.

The procedure highlights the strength of Medical City Fort Worths Structural Heart Program and its ability to manage complex valve emergencies within a comprehensive cardiovascular system of care. By aligning structural heart expertise with stroke intervention capabilities, the hospital advanced a coordinated treatment pathway for high-risk mechanical valve patients.

The case reflects Medical City Fort Worths focus on innovation to advance and improve care delivery across generations for patients with complex heart conditions. For more information about cardiology services at Medical City Fort Worth, visit this link.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

Medical City Fort Worth is a 378-bed, acute care hospital located in Fort Worth, Texas. With a medical team of more than 700 physicians, Medical City Fort Worth offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services in a wide range of specialties, including cardiovascular care, neurosciences, oncology, surgical services, orthopedics, kidney transplants and emergency care. Part of the Texas Stroke Institute stroke care network, Medical City Fort Worth is a designated comprehensive stroke center and a Joint Commission-certified chest pain center. Named one of Americas 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, Medical City Fort Worth is A-rated for safety by the Leapfrog Group and Magnet® recognized for nursing excellence.

Medical City Fort Worth is part of Medical City Healthcare.

Medical City Fort Worth Performs First Tricuspid Valve Repair in Tarrant County

Elizabeth Couch — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:27:28 Z

FORT WORTH A 69-year-old woman from Fort Worth is back to living a full and active life after becoming the first in Tarrant County tobenefit froma percutaneous tricuspid valve repair performed at Medical City Fort Worth. This minimally invasive procedure is an important advance because it can eliminate the need for open heart surgery.

Tricuspid valve disease occurs when the heart's tricuspid valve fails to close completely, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction. This can potentially lead to life-threatening heart failure. Symptoms include:

Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet and abdomen
Fatigue, weakness
Shortness of breath

A multidisciplinary team, including interventional cardiologists and cardiac imagers, used leading-edge 4D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) technology, which uses sound waves to produce images, for enhanced precision.

This important milestone demonstrates our commitment to offering the most advanced cardiac care to our patients, says Farhan Ali, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Medical City Fort Worth. Our ability to treat all major heart valves using minimally invasive techniques truly sets us apart, providing patients with systems of care that provide better outcomes and faster recoveries.

Medical City Fort Worths structural heart program is the only comprehensive program in Fort Worth and Tarrant County capable of treating all major heart valves through minimally invasive procedures. The program is a pioneer in regionally, performing Fort Worths first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and left atrial appendage closure nearly a decade ago.

Medical City Fort Worth is proud to lead the way in advanced structural heart care, says John Hoover, Medical City Fort Worths CEO. This achievement is another reason our community turns to us as the destination of choice for heart care excellence in Fort Worth and beyond.

For more information about the Structural Heart Program at Medical City Fort Worth, click here.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

Medical City Fort Worth is part of Medical City Healthcare.

Medical City Fort Worth Recognized for Nursing Excellence

Elizabeth Couch — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:45:25 Z

FORT WORTH For the fourth time, Medical City Fort Worth has achieved Magnet® designation, the gold standard for nursing excellence, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This designation honors the hospitals exceptional nursing practices, leadership and dedication to outstanding patient care.

Magnet recognition affirms our commitment to being the destination of choice for healthcare excellence, says John Hoover, Medical City Fort Worth CEO. It reflects the unparalleled dedication of our nurses and team members who consistently show up to deliver exceptional care.

The American Nurses Credentialing Centers Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes healthcare organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. Only 67 hospitals in Texas and 614 healthcare organizations nationally have achieved Magnet recognition.

Magnet recognition is a voluntary credentialing program determined by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers Magnet Recognition Program which ensures rigorous standards for nursing excellence are met. It is the highest honor a healthcare organization can receive for professional nursing practice.

This honor highlights the compassion and expertise our nurses bring in every action, every patient, every time, says Medical City Fort Worth Chief Nursing Officer Brandy Stegall. We are proud of their commitment to excellence always.

The process begins with the submission of written documentation demonstrating qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding the culture of nursing to promote professional development, patient outcomes, knowledge generation and dissemination of evidence-based practices.

Hospitals seeking to reapply for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence of how Magnet concepts, performance, and quality were sustained and further solidified in the four years since the hospital received its initial recognition. Medical City Fort Worth received its first designation in 2010.

City Center to Host 3rd Annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb on Saturday, September 14

Carolyn Alvey — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:29:42 Z

City Center Fort Worth will host the 3rd annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb on Saturday, September 14 in downtown Fort Worth. The event will commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as hundreds of first responders ascend the Bank of America Tower at 301 Commerce Street.

First responders from across North Texas can register in advance at citycenterfw.com/memorial-tower-climb. The $50 registration fee will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Brotherhood of the Fallen.

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments will climb the tower's 36 stories three times, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber will wear a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

This year, the event has expanded to include a larger 'community' component. The Fort Worth Police Department will bring the dogs from their Critical Incident team. The dogs will be available for participants and supporters to interact with and enjoy, offering a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department will have their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with smoke. In addition, the Fort Worth Fire Department will have an ambulance onsite for families to explore inside and ask questions of the EMTs.

Also new this year, City Center will display a 20x20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11. The quilt will be on display in the Bank of America Tower lobby for public viewing from September 9 to September 28.

Check-in begins at 7 am on September 14, and the event will commence at 8:25 am followed by a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The climb will begin at 8:47 am.

Key moments will include:

8:46 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11

9:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175

9:37 am Moment of Silence All Pause

Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77

9:59 am Moment of Silence All Pause

South Tower Collapses

10:03 am Moment of Silence All Pause

United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA

10:28 am Moment of Silence All Pause

North Tower Collapses

Noon First responders finish and the event concludes.

More information, including a link to registration, is available at citycenterfw.com/9-11-memorial-tower-climb/. A memorial video from the 2022 City Center Memorial Tower Climb is here.

Of the 2,977 victims killed in the 2001 attacks, 415 were first responders, including 343 firefighters; 37 Port Authority and New Jersey police officers; 23 New York City police officers; eight private EMTs and paramedics; three New York State Court Officers; one New York Fire Patrol officer and one FBI Special Agent.

Over the course of three hours in 2001, 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. All off-duty firefighters were recalledthe first time the FDNY issued a total recall in more than 30 years.

City Center is the premier business address with Class A office space in downtown Fort Worth. Comprised of the Bank of America Tower and the Wells Fargo Tower, the two iconic towers offer stunning views of Fort Worth, connected parking and an on-site private club with fitness center. More info at citycenterfw.com/

Brandy Stegall Named CNO at Medical City Fort Worth

Elizabeth Couch — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Medical City Fort Worth has named Brandy Stegall, MSC, RN, NEA-BC, as chief nursing officer (CNO).

Stegall brings more than 27 years of nursing experience, including two decades of leadership within Medical City Healthcare. Before joining Medical City Fort Worth, she served as CNO at Medical City Denton and was instrumental in enhancing patient care and nursing satisfaction. During her tenure, Medical City Denton received the HCA Healthcare Unit of Distinction award for emergency services, heart and vascular care and intensive care for three consecutive years.

"Brandys experience and proven track record for enhancing nursing operations will advance our commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate patient care, says John Hoover, Medical City Fort Worth CEO. We are pleased to welcome her to lead our nursing team to the next level of healthcare excellence.

Stegall earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Georgia College. In 2023, she graduated from the HCA Healthcare Chief Leadership Program for CNOs and was honored as a DFW Great 100 Nurse in 2014.

Additionally, she is board-certified as a Nurse Executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is actively involved with the Texas Organization of Nurse Executives and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

Medical City Fort Worth is part of Medical City Healthcare.

Matthew Sartorius named Medical City Fort Worth COO

Elizabeth Couch — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Matthew Sartorius has been named chief operating officer (COO) at Medical City Fort Worth.

In this role, Sartorius will oversee hospital operations and work closely with medical staff leadership, senior leadership and management to ensure high-quality, compassionate care and unparalleled patient service.

Before joining Medical City Fort Worth, Sartorius served as COO for Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital, Abrazo Surprise Hospital and an off-campus emergency department. He has also held other leadership positions including vice president of operations at HCA Healthcares StoneSprings Hospital Center, and associate administrator at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville.

Matthew brings an impressive record of operational excellence and strategic leadership to Medical City Fort Worth, says John Hoover, CEO of Medical City Fort Worth. We look forward to his leadership's positive impact on our hospital and the community we serve.

Matthew earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Health Administration from the University of North Florida, Jacksonville. He is an active American College of Healthcare Executives member and has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to the healthcare industry.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY FORT WORTH

Medical City Fort Worth is part of Medical City Healthcare.

Experts Offer Mosquito Season Safety Tips

Elizabeth Couch — Tue, 28 May 2024 19:00:00 Z

FORT WORTH Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, which also ushers in mosquito season. The first mosquito positive for West Nile virus was confirmed in North Texas recently, prompting experts at Medical City Fort Worth to provide tips to help the community stay informed and safe from the potentially deadly Virus.

West Nile Virus is a severe mosquito-borne illness that peaks in the United States from mid-August to early September. The severity of the virus can vary, depending on a person's immune system and existing medical conditions.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus might not show any symptoms. According to the National Library of Medicines National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 25% may develop a mild illness known as West Nile fever. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological symptoms such as meningitis, weakness, paralysis and seizures.

Symptoms may include:

Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Back pain or muscle aches
Rash
Nausea or vomiting

Most mild symptoms can be managed at home with rest and hydration, says Anupama Chennupati, MD, an expert in infectious diseases at Medical City Fort Worth. However, if you experience severe symptoms, including neurological issues, you should seek medical attention immediately at your nearest emergency room.

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, as West Nile Virus has no specific antiviral treatment.

Dr. Chennupati suggests residents take the following precautions and practice the Four Ds to protect against West Nile:

Dusk/Dawn: Limit time outside during dusk to dawn, when mosquitos are most active
DEET: Use FDA-approved insect repellents that contain DEET
Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure outside
Drain: Eliminate standing water around the home to reduce mosquito breeding sites

By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection and enjoy a safer summer, says Dr. Chennupati.

Local authorities may also spray areas with mosquito-killing agents during outbreaks to control the mosquito population. Currently, no human vaccine is available for West Nile Virus.

To learn more about Medical City Fort Worths emergency care services, visit: https://www.medicalcityhealthcare.com/locations/medical-city-fort-worth-hospital/specialties/emergency-care

Memorial Day marks the start of outdoor summer cooking and the time to heed food safety measures

Taylor Mayad — Wed, 22 May 2024 13:33:57 Z

By Dr. Carolyn Scott, Family Medicine, WellMed at Rosedale

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have served our country. Its also the traditional start of the summer vacation and travel season a time for family getaways and flavorful barbecues and picnics.

During this time, its important to take precautions when it comes to safe food handling, preparation and cooking, to avoid foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli, which can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year 48 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases.

Typical food-poisoning symptoms include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever, all of which may range from mild to serious and can last from a few hours to several days. Health care professionals caution that certain people have an increased risk of becoming very sick from foodborne illness including pregnant women, older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

To help you keep your families healthy and protect them from food poisoning, here are some general food and kitchen hygiene tips to help you safely prepare and serve your Memorial Day meal. Foodborne illnesses tend to increase during the summer months because bacteria multiply faster when its warm, so following food safety guidelines is especially critical for raw meats, summer salads, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, which are among the most perishable foods at cookouts.

Clean everything: It is important for those preparing and handling food to frequently wash their hands before, during and after they start cooking, and to use fresh, clean plates and utensils for serving cooked food.

Do not cross contaminate: Raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat food unless you keep them separate.

Cook to the right temperature: The only way to tell if food is safely cooked is to use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Refrigerate perishable food within two hours. When food is left unrefrigerated for more than two hours, bacteria grow rapidly. For temperatures over 90 F, food should be refrigerated within an hour.

Have fun this Memorial Day but be mindful of food safety to help keep your family healthy.

Dr. Carolyn Scott is board certified in Family Medicine and practices with WellMed at Rosedale. She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Scott is proud to work with such a resolute team of medical professionals to help her patients achieve their healthcare goals.

Resources:

Get Your Groove On at Levitt Pavilion Arlington's DreamFest 2024!

Saffie Farris — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:11:52 Z

This weekend, Levitt Pavilion Arlington kicks off its season with DreamFest 2024, a two-day extravaganza of free music and fun!

Friday Night Soul Food

Unwind on Friday, April 26th, with a double dose of soulful sounds. The evening begins at 7:30 pm with Chef Dee, a multi-talented artist who brings his passion for both music and cooking to the stage. Chef Dee's soulful voice is sure to get your feet tapping, and his story of dedication to his craft is inspiring.

Following Chef Dee, Memphis Soul takes the stage at 8:30 pm. This high-energy 8-piece band brings the rich musical legacy of the 50s, 60s, and 70s to life with their powerful vocals, tight horn section, and infectious grooves. Get ready to dance the night away to classics by Earth, Wind & Fire, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and more!

Texas Twang and Latin Flair on Saturday

DreamFest continues on Saturday, April 27th, with a lineup celebrating the diverse musical landscape of Texas.

The afternoon kicks off at 4:00 pm with Chloe Jobin, a rising star in the Dallas music scene. Her blend of alternative, indie-pop, and slow-core sounds creates a captivating atmosphere.

Next up at 5:00 pm is Pugh Funk, a family band bringing their joyful energy to the stage.

Get ready to move at 6:00 pm with Marissa Chibli, a Dallas-based Latina singer-songwriter who blends Reggaeton, Pop, and EDM into a unique and danceable sound.

Rounding out the night are the Tejas Brothers, the original Tex-Mex Honky Tonk band from Fort Worth. Since 2006, they've been captivating audiences with their energetic live shows and original Americana/Country/Folk music infused with Country, Rock, Blues, and Tex-Mex influences.

Bring Your Blanket and Your Appetite!

DreamFest is a free event, with open seating on the Levitt Pavilion lawn. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, and feel free to pack a picnic basket and cooler (including alcoholic beverages, but no glass containers). Parking is also free.

So come celebrate the start of summer, Arlington-style, at DreamFest 2024! Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover new favorite artists and experience the Levitt Pavilion's vibrant atmosphere. For more information visit https://levittpavilionarlington.org/

New Attractions & Amenities Coming In 2024 To Hawaiian Falls Waterparks

Mary Jane Coker — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:54:46 Z

Parks Open May 4th & 5th for Season Passholders

Hawaiian Falls announced new attractions and enhanced amenities at its waterparks in Mansfield and Roanoke for the 2024 Season, which kicks off in early May with a sneak peek for Season Passholders.

We are thrilled to bring new attractions, ride enhancements and guest amenities to our Texas parks this summer, said Ron McKenzie, Chief Marketing Officer, Hawaiian Falls. Our waterparks are extremely popular within the communities they serve. We are continuing to invest in the parks, so families have a safe and fun environment to create memories now and in the future.

NEW ATTRACTIONS

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke will introduce the Wahoo Wave, a fun and exciting family water ride designed to deliver just the right amount of excitement for thrill seekers while making sure the ride finishes with a refreshing splash to complete the experience.

Hawaiian Falls Mansfield will introduce the Lava Launch, a new take on the exhilarating drop capsule experience. Venture if you dare to the top of Mount Doom, a dormant Hawaiian volcano. Enter your launch capsule where youll anxiously await a sudden free-fall, plummeting to escape a massive volcanic eruption just as Mount Doom erupts into a fiery finish!

In both Mansfield and Roanoke, the parks will debut Ohana Hall. (Ohana is Hawaiian for family.) Mansfield will offer a 2,500 square-foot outdoor shaded food and beverage facility and Roanoke a 4,500 square-foot facility. Ohana Hall will be a place for families and friends to gather for food, refreshing drinks or adult beverages.

Season Passes

2024 season passes are on sale now and include unlimited visits to all three Texas Hawaiian Falls waterparks and other amazing perks. Season passholders will enjoy an exclusive sneak peek weekend on May 4th & 5th.

Summer Jobs

Hawaiian Falls is now hiring applicants 15 years of age and older to work in a safe, fun environment. There are opportunities for first-time job seekers, students, teachers, single parents, extra wage earners and senior citizens to become Hawaiian Falls Ambassadors.

Ambassadors enjoy flexible hours and schedules to fit their availability and receive a complimentary Season Pass plus four daily admission tickets each month they work to bring friends and family to enjoy the waterpark.For more info and job descriptions, visit hfalls.com/employment.

For information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets, and season passes, visit hfalls.com.