The first patient in the New York City area received incision-free surgery for obesity as part of the ongoing multicenter TOGA Pivotal Trial at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

To ease the pain of recovery following prostate cancer surgery, physician-scientists have developed an innovative and patient-friendly approach that eliminates the use of a penile urinary catheter. The new patentable technique, used in conjunction with robotic prostatectomy -- the surgical removal of the prostate -- eliminates the pain and discomfort associated with the standard catheter.

Proud parents Kerry and Desmond Lyons, from Irvington, New York, welcomed identical triplet boys Kevin (born at 2:14 p.m.), Declan (born at 2:15 p.m.) and Cormac (born at 2:16 p.m.) into the world today at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The boys join big brother, Liam, and big sister, Ciara.

Heart failure patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center were among the first to be implanted with the HeartMate® II LVAS (Left Ventricular Assist System) — a miniature mechanical pump that helps weak hearts pump blood — that has now received approval by the FDA as of April 21 for broad use as bridge to transplantation. As part of clinical trials leading to approval, 22 patients received the new device at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia — more than any other hospital in the New York area.

Twenty-nine patient families from across the U.S. will travel to Washington, D.C., to speak with federal lawmakers about an issue of vital importance to them — the fate of children's health care and the essential role that children's hospitals play in the community. The meeting is part of national Family Advocacy Day, June 18 and 19, coordinated by the National Association of Children's Hospitals (N.A.C.H.).

Individuals reporting a history of periodontal disease were more likely to have increased levels of inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease, compared to those who reported no history of periodontal disease, according to an American Journal of Cardiology report available online today. Led by investigators from Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the findings suggest persons with increased levels of inflammatory markers associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease might be identified by asking about oral health history. This group might not be detected by traditional cardiovascular risk screening.

Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center will present their latest research findings at the American College of Cardiology's 57^th Annual Scientific Session in Chicago, March 29 to April 1.

Celebrating its 100th year, the Auxiliary of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center has presented a total of $100,000 in "Art of Caring" awards to individuals, departments and programs throughout the medical center that exemplify the Auxiliary's mission of supporting the Hospital's ability to promote the health and welfare of the community.