Surgery a first in Valley
Surgery a first in Valley
WARREN -- A team of cardio-thoracic surgeons at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital this week performed the Mahoning Valley's first endovascular thoracic aortic stent operation using a new, minimally invasive surgical procedure. The team consists of Drs. Andrei Gursky and Gregory Smaroff.
The new procedure is used to repair a thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is an aneurysm in the chest that causes the aorta to grow to several times its normal size. Left untreated, it can rupture, potentially resulting in internal bleeding and possible death, hospital officials said.
The new procedure can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes and replaces the traditional open chest surgical repair that can take six to eight hours.
The procedure is much safer for the patient because there is less risk for complications and a lower rate of post-operative illness, said Dr. Thomas James, TMH chief medical officer.
Taxing situation
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A man angry over his tax statement is charged with institutional vandalism and disorderly conduct.
Mark R. Williams, 38, of Boyles Avenue, was arrested Tuesday after causing a disturbance in the city treasurer's office and shattering the glass in the door of the city municipal building.
Workers told police that Williams became upset over incorrect paperwork.
Juveniles rob home
NILES -- Police are looking for two juveniles who made off with Christmas gifts from a house after being confronted by the homeowner.
The Sheridan Avenue woman told police she returned home about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday and discovered the two juveniles inside.
She told police the two had collected the gifts in a garbage bag. She confronted them and was scratched on the arm and chest with a small pocket knife.
The thieves ran out of the house with the gifts, and the homeowner ran after them. She couldn't catch them.
She declined medical treatment.
Adult store robbed
YOUNGSTOWN -- A clerk at the Adult Toy and Gift store on Market Street told police that a man ran out with an adult movie and two sex devices around 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The clerk had placed the items, worth 135, on the counter, expecting them to be purchased. The suspect said he was going to put the movie back on the shelf but then grabbed the items and fled, reports show.
Christmas Eve dinner
YOUNGSTOWN -- Anyone hungry Christmas Eve is invited to a dinner at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Associated Neighborhood Centers' McGuffey Center on Jacobs Road.
The free dinner is sponsored by KFC-Morgan Foods Inc. and WFMJ/WBCB television.
Volunteers needed
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Volunteers are needed to pack baskets for the annual Springfield/New Middletown Christmas Basket Project. Baskets will be packed at 6 p.m. Friday in the cafeteria of Springfield Local High School.
Volunteers are also needed to deliver the baskets beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the high school.
Volunteers should arrive about a half-hour before the packing or the delivery.
Holiday skating times
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Skating Club of Greater Youngstown will be offering holiday skating times open to the public at the Chevrolet Centre, 229 E. Front St. Times are: 3-5 p.m. Saturday; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 27; and 3-5 p.m. Dec. 29.
There will be a 25-foot Christmas tree at center ice with holiday music and a visit from Santa and other guests.
Skate rental is 2 and admission is 5. For more information, call (330)707-2187 or (330) 502-7528.
Bridge work to start
MERCER, Pa. -- Work is expected to begin Jan. 29 on replacement of the Chestnut Street Bridge in Grove City, which has been closed for a year.
Mercer County Engineer Mark Miller said Wednesday at the county commissioners agenda meeting that the bridge should be finished by Oct. 12.
Commissioners plan to award the 2.7 million construction contract for the bridge today to BECDIR Construction of Berlin Center, Ohio. The company was the lowest of seven bidders, Miller said.
Actual cost of the bridge is 3.8 million when design, right-of-way costs and inspections are included, Miller said.