Latest News & Media

Dr. Peyman Benharash, cardiac surgeon at UCLA Health, weighs in on new national findings revealing that surgical items are still unintentionally left in patients despite being preventable. He led a UCLA study estimating that such incidents occur in 1 out of every 5,000 inpatient surgeries, with actual numbers likely higher. Dr. Benharash says growing use of minimally invasive techniques and improved tracking technologies are helping reduce these events—but more widespread adoption is critical to achieving zero harm.

Dr. Hugh Gelabert, vascular surgeon at UCLA Health, offers expert insight into NBA star Damian Lillard’s recovery from a calf blood clot. He explains that standard treatment often involves a three-month course of blood thinners, which carry a heightened risk of bleeding—especially in contact sports. Depending on the clot’s severity and location, full recovery could take as long as six months. “Basketball is a physical sport. If he gets hit or takes a fall, he could bleed internally,” Dr. Gelabert notes. 

A new analysis led by surgeons at UCLA Health finds that psychological prehabilitation can significantly improve recovery after surgery. Spearheaded by medical student Anne E. Hall in Dr. Justine Lee's Craniofacial Regeneration Lab, the study reviewed data from 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2004 and 2024, encompassing 2,376 patients. The findings are published in Annals of Surgery.

Additional coverage: Medical Life Sciences, Medical Xpress, MSN & Trinity Mirror

UCLA Health is revolutionizing organ transplantation with advanced perfusion technology that extends the viability of donated hearts and lungs. Dr. Abbas Ardehali, vice chair of transplantation, has led pioneering trials that keep organs functioning longer, expanding access to lifesaving transplants.

Additional coverage: UCLA Health Newsroom

A UCLA-led study published in Molecular Cancer Research suggests that chronic stress and an unhealthy diet may accelerate the development of pancreatic cancer by activating cancer-promoting pathways. Co-led by Dr. Guido Eibl, professor-in-residence of surgery, and Dr. Joe Hines, professor and chair of surgery at UCLA, the research also highlights beta-blockers as a potential preventive therapy.

For patients with liver failure, the wait for a transplant can be long, and every moment counts. Dr. Douglas Farmer, chief of the Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation at UCLA Health, is transforming transplant care with ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion. This groundbreaking technology keeps livers warm and functional, expanding the donor pool and giving more patients a second chance at life.

Dr. Hugh A. Gelabert, professor of surgery in UCLA’s Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, explained that Victor Wembanyama’s deep vein thrombosis (DVT) differs from Chris Bosh’s past condition. While Bosh’s DVT led to a pulmonary embolism, Wembanyama’s shoulder clot is typically lower risk.

Additional coverage: Sun Herald

UCLA researchers will present over 70 abstracts at the 20th annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC), highlighting cutting-edge advancements in breast lesion detection, robotic cancer resection, liver transplantation, and pancreatic cancer diagnostics.

A study led by UCLA medical student Sara Sakowitz, MS, MPH, found that patients who traveled to high-volume centers for esophagectomy had significantly better 1-year and 5-year survival, especially those with stage III esophageal adenocarcinoma. The findings support centralizing complex oncologic care despite challenges like travel burden and continuity of care

Dr. Justine Lee, Bernard G. Sarnat Professor of Craniofacial Biology and associate chief of plastic surgery at UCLA Health, received the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor for early-career researchers. The award recognizes innovation and leadership in science and technology.

Dr. Peyman Benharash, cardiothoracic surgeon at UCLA Health, co-authored a UCLA-led study revealing that Medicaid-insured heart transplant patients face a higher risk of developing cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a condition that affects long-term survival. Published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the study highlights how treatment at high-volume transplant centers can mitigate these risks, offering patients more consistent follow-up care and access to essential medications. 

Additional coverage: UCLA Newsroom, Cardiovascular Business & EurekAlert

Dr. Richard J. Shemin, chief of cardiac surgery at UCLA Health, founded the University of California Cardiac Surgery Consortium (UCCSC) to enhance patient care across UC’s five health centers. By sharing data and best practices, the consortium has saved 132 bed days and improved financial margins by $15 million.

Dr. Vincent Rowe, chief of vascular and endovascular surgery at UCLA Health, leads a comprehensive team of specialists to treat complex PAD cases and prevent amputations. By integrating vascular and plastic surgery, wound care, podiatry, and hyperbaric medicine, UCLA Health has successfully preserved limbs and improved patient outcomes.