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Brenda J. Beckett, CRNP is a nurse in Washington, DC specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. Brenda J. Beckett, CRNP is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Health and MEDSTAR HEART INSTITUTE LLC.
110 Irving Street Nw
Washington, DC 20010
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest Building 5
Washington, DC 20007
Lung Issues
Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body's tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.
Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC)
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a device implantation procedure that reduces the risk of stroke for patients who have atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart beats out of rhythm. Atrial fibrillation causes blood to collect in the left atrial appendage, a small sac located in the top left chamber of the heart. The blood that collects in this appendage can form clots and cause stroke when pumped out of the heart.
To implant the device, a long, flexible tube, called a catheter, is inserted into a large vein in the groin and advanced to the heart. Once the tube reaches the left side of the heart, X-ray is used to guide a thinner catheter into the left atrial appendage. The tiny device is then passed through the tube and into the appendage. When the doctor has made sure it is in the right place, she takes the catheter out, and the procedure is completed.
This minimally invasive procedure usually requires a hospital stay of at least one day. Normal activities may be resumed within a few days. About 45 days following implantation, a test will be done to determine whether the device has closed the left atrial appendage. Check-ups have to be performed every year to make sure the device is in place.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, using a tiny opening to get inside the body instead of making a large cut. It uses small tools attached to a thin robotic arm, which is controlled by the surgeon. Robotic surgery may be referred to by the specific kind of robot that is used. The most advanced robot currently in use is called the da Vinci, and surgery using it is sometimes called da Vinci surgery.
There are many benefits to robotic surgery, both for the patient and the surgeon. Robotic surgery allows for more precise movements and increased control during very delicate surgical procedures. This makes performing surgery accurately much easier for surgeons and reduces fatigue. The smaller 'hand' of the robot can enter the body via a much smaller opening, which reduces the risk of infection and scarring and leads to a faster recovery. The robotic hands also contain tiny moveable cameras among their tools, giving surgeons a much closer view of the procedure than would be possible with traditional surgery.
She has a state license in District of Columbia.
Licensed In: District of Columbia
Brenda J. Beckett, CRNP is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Brenda J. Beckett, CRNP appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Indemnity, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MAMSI, AARP, Coventry National Network PPO, Aetna, United Healthcare Choice Plus, Blue Choice, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna Managed Choice POS, First Health, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, Medicare Fee for Service, Choice Fund PPO, CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO, CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity, M.D. IPA (HMO), Open HMO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), POS OA & OA Plus, MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan), Network OA, Innovation Health: PPO, CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Opoen HMO Option, CFBCBS EPO, Innovation Health: Indemnity, CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: POS, Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, Choice POS & Choice POS II, United Student Resources, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, HealthyBlue PPO, CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Open EPO Plus, Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, Open POS II, PPO and PPO Plus and Innovation Health: POS Plus.
According to our sources, Brenda J. Beckett, CRNP accepts the following insurance providers:
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Ms. Brenda Beckett's specialty is cardiothoracic surgery. Her clinical interests include double aortic arch, bloodless medicine/transfusion-free surgery, and heart bypass surgery (CABG). Blue California, Coventry, and Coventry Health Care Plans are among the insurance carriers that Ms. Beckett honors. She is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.