Minimally Invasive Endovascular Surgery at New York Methodist -- 718.780.7700

Carotid Endarectomy, Angioplasty and Stenting

A significant portion of the blood that is supplied to the brain comes from the carotid arteries, which are located on either side of the neck.  Blockages in one of these arteries, which are usually composed of calcified plaque, can lead to strokes.  A carotid endarectomy is performed to remove the blockage.  Patients with severe heart or lung disease, those who have had neck surgery or radiation or have had previous carotid endarectomies, may not be able to undergo additional surgery.  For these patients, carotid angioplasty and stenting, in which a catheter is inserted in the groin artery and threaded up through to the carotid artery, may be used to treat carotid artery disease.   A tiny balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to open the narrowed area and a metal stent is then inserted to keep the artery open.

Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abdominal aortic aneurysms represent a serious health problem and are a common cause of death in elderly patients.  The aorta, the main blood vessel in the body, may dilate with time as a result of weakening of its wall.  Such dilation is referred to as an aneurysm.  This “bulge” may rupture, leading to internal bleeding, an often lethal complication.  Traditionally, such aneurysms required extensive open surgical procedures in which the dilated segment of the aorta was replaced with an artificial blood vessel.  Today, many of these aneurysms can be fixed from within the blood vessel, using state-of-the-art imaging equipment and grafts.  This procedure is referred to as “stent grafting” or “endovascular grafting,” and can be accomplished through two small groin incisions.  Because of its less invasive nature, the hospital stay and recovery time are significantly reduced from those necessary for open surgery.

Endovascular Lower Extremity Arterial Reconstruction

A blockage in a peripheral artery (of the legs, pelvis or abdomen) may result in foot or leg sores and in leg pain while walking or at rest.  Because of the lack of blood flow, healing of wounds may be prevented and, eventually, this may lead to the loss of a limb.  Blood flow may be restored with a procedure that uses either a synthetic tube or the patient’s own veins to “bypass” the blockage, so that blood may reach the extremities.

VNUS Closure Procedures for Venous Insufficiency

The VNUS closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with a condition known as superficial venous reflux, which often results in varicose veins and other painful symptoms.  The procedure results in relief of symptoms with minimal scarring.

The closure procedure is an outpatient treatment, which does not require overnight hospitalization.  Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area.  Using a thin needle, a tiny catheter is inserted into the vein.  The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and shut down.  Following the procedure, the catheter is removed, a bandage is placed over the insertion site and the leg is usually wrapped for one day to aid healing.  Many patients are able to resume normal activity within a day or two.