This article originally appeared in Connections, a magazine
published for physicians and the community by UMass Memorial Medical
Center.
"Over the last 15 years, there's been a tremendous evolution in the technology
for minimally invasive treatment of peripheral vascular disease," said Andres
Schanzer, MD, vascular surgeon, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at
UMass Memorial Medical Center.
"As a result, today we can use endovascular techniques to re-establish
arterial perfusion for a wide array of vascular conditions, without open
surgery," he said. These conditions include claudication, ischemic limb disease,
abdominal aortic aneurysms, and renal and carotid artery blockages. In fact, Dr.
Schanzer noted, "At UMass Memorial, we are able to perform every type of
endovascular treatment currently available."
The clear advantages of using an endovascular approach are found in
decreased perioperative morbidity and mortality for high-risk patients, and
faster recovery. The patient can usually go home the same day or the next day,
compared to the often-prolonged ICU stay and hospitalization of open vascular
surgery, Dr. Schanzer explained.
UMass Memorial has invested in a state-of-the-art Catheterization Lab that is
available 24/7 for endovascular procedures, as well as catheterization equipment
in its operating rooms, enabling surgeons to perform hybrid procedures that
incorporate open and endovascular techniques.
Equally important, the Medical Center has a cohesive team of vascular
surgeons, endovascular specialists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other
specialists who collaborate to determine the most appropriate treatment approach
for each patient.
"We tailor treatment to the individual patient to ensure optimal outcomes,"
Dr. Schanzer said. "We are not limited based on infrastructure, or endovascular
or surgical skill set." As testament to the endovascular expertise at UMass
Memorial, the Medical Center was selected to participate in several large,
national trials to develop and test new endovascular technologies, allowing it
to remain among the leaders in endovascular innovation.
"With one phone call to our office, you can talk to an attending endovascular
or open specialist at any time," Dr. Schanzer added. "We're happy to consult by
phone or in person."
Consultations and appointments: 508-856-5599