Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which involves a widening, stretching or ballooning of the aorta in the heart. The exact cause is unknown, but risks include hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure.

Atrial Septal Defect Repair

The wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart is known as the septum. When a hole, or septal defect, forms in the wall of the upper chambers of the heart, it is known as an atrial septal defect. This defect causes a disruption in the normal flow of blood through the heart and can cause major complications later in life. Most people with this condition have few, if any, symptoms.

Using advanced surgical technology, physicians can perform this repair procedure using less invasive techniques versus using traditional methods. Most heart operations are performed with an incision made through the sternum or breastbone. However, surgeons are able to treat some patients by using small incisions on the side of the chest to reach the heart between the patient's ribs.

Cardiac and Vascular Clinical Research Trials

We participate in numerous cardiac and vascular research trials. The list is constantly rotating because national trials open and close due to a number of reasons such as having enrolled enough participants.

Cardiovascular Research

Clinical research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.

Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion is the implantation of an electronic device (just below the collarbone) used to help regulate electrical problems with the heart. An ICD monitors the heart's electrical activity and responds with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. An ICD can also record and store information about your heart rhythm and therapies delivered by the ICD for your physician to review.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment of carotid artery disease, which occurs when the major arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries, called the carotid arteries, supply your brain with blood. Your carotid arteries extend from your aorta in your chest to the brain inside your skull.

Carotid Stent Placement

Carotid artery stenting is a procedure in which a vascular surgeon inserts a slender, metal-mesh tube, called a stent, which expands inside your carotid artery to increase blood flow in areas blocked by plaque.

Endoscopic Vein Harvesting

Endoscopic vein harvesting is an advanced endoscopic technique, which involves just one or two small incisions and allows for easier recovery, less scarring and a smaller risk of infection.

Endovascular Stenting

Endovascular stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced technology and instrumentation to treat such disorders of the circulatory system as blockage or damage to blood vessels caused by the build up of plaque (fatty deposits, calcium deposits, and scar tissue) in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The doctor may recommend the placement of an endovascular stent, a small wire-mesh tube that surgeons call a scaffold, in an affected artery. The procedure may be done in conjunction with cleaning or repairing the artery.

Heart and Vascular Surgery

A variety of surgery options to treat conditions impacting the cardiovascular system (heart and/or blood vessels). Can range from heart bypass surgery to valve replacement and repair, stenting to aneurysm repair.

Heart Bypass Surgery

Heart bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting, is a routine procedure that uses veins or arteries from other parts of the body to provide new paths for blood to reach the heart. The most common vessels used in bypass surgery come from the inside of the leg (saphenous vein) or the internal mammary artery from the underside of the breastbone. This vein is used to bypass the blockage in the coronary artery, thus restoring the blood flow to the heart.

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Most heart operations are performed by making an incision through the sternum or breastbone. However, surgeons are able to treat some patients by using small incisions on the side of the chest to reach the heart between the patient's ribs.

A special device called a Heartport is used during the operation. It is mainly used for patients with atrial septal defects (ASD), but it may also be used for some patients who require a valve surgery revision. Minimally invasive heart surgeries are also applied to bypass surgery without the use of the heart-lung machine and without stopping the heart. This may prove to be less traumatic for some patients.

Mitral Valve Prolapse Repair

The mitral valve is the "inflow valve" for the left side of the heart. Occasionally, the mitral valve is abnormal from birth. More often, the mitral valve becomes abnormal with age. It may also occur as a result of coronary artery disease.

Using advanced surgical technology, physicians can perform this procedure less invasively than traditional methods. Surgeons are able to treat some patients by using small incisions on the side of the chest to reach the heart in between the patient's ribs.

Off-Pump Heart Surgery

Off-pump heart surgery is done without the use of the heart-lung machine and without stopping the heart. This may reduce neurological complications and improve recovery.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease. In most cases, lifestyle changes, exercise and claudication medications are enough to slow the progression or even reverse the symptoms of PAD.

Peripheral Stent Placement

Peripheral stenting is one common treatment option for treating Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). A small incision is made in the patient's groin or arm, and a catheter is inserted. A stent is then inserted through the catheter. The doctor navigates the stent to the site of vessel narrowing. The stent is then expanded, and blood flows more easily through the blood vessel.

Peripheral Studies

Rotational Atherectomy

Stenting

Stenting places a tiny, expandable coil (stent) inside a blood vessel at the site of a blockage. The stent is expanded to open up the blockage.

Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) Laser

The Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) laser is a new surgical tool that is used alone or in addition to bypass surgery in order to alleviate chest pain. The technique uses a laser to create tiny channels in the heart muscle that revascularize, or increase blood flow, to the damaged area of the heart.

Typically, when blood supply is restricted in an area of the heart, a heart attack or other serious consequences may result. The channels created by TMR laser provide a new route for blood to reach the affected area of the heart muscle.

Treatment of Aortic Dissection

Valve Replacement and Repair

Valve replacement is appropriate for valves that have become too tight with calcium deposits or no longer close properly. These problems may be the result of an infection or a valve that was abnormal at birth and has degenerated over time. There are two general types of replacement valves available: Mechanical valves (allow blood to travel in one direction and prevent it from going backwards) and bioprosthetic valves (made from animal tissue). Sometimes valves can be repaired instead of replaced, but only a surgeon can make that determination.