Ventricular assist devices (VADs) in treatment of advanced heart failure

Rajiv Gulati, M.D., Ph.D., and John M. Stulak, M.D., discuss the advancement of VADs and their role as a destination therapy in treating people with advanced heart failure.

Increasing incidence of melanoma among young adults

Dr. Kurtis Reed, a resident physician in the Department of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, discusses his article appearing in the April 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Samar H. Ibrahim, M.B., Ch.B., pediatric hepatologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses liver transplantation as a definitive treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

Novel methods effectively manage leaks, fistulas

Todd H. Baron, M.D., describes new techniques for managing post-surgical leaks and chronic fistulous tracts.

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy: Report from a high-volume center

Michael L. Kendrick, M.D., of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, discusses Mayo Clinic's extensive experience with laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy.

Study finds novel drug effective for functional constipation

Affecting nearly 30 million Americans, constipation increases health care costs and diminishes quality of life. Banny S. Wong, M.D., of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, discusses a phase II study of A3309.

Good nutritional control may prevent polyneuropathy after bariatric surgery

James B. Dyck, M.D., of the Department of Neurology, discusses a study of patients who received psychiatric evaluation and attended nutritional clinics before having bariatric surgery at Mayo Clinic.

Warfarin and Genetic Variations

Thomas Moyer, Ph.D., from Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, offers background on the blood-thinner warfarin and why genetic variations in patients affect the dose that will be needed.