Minimally Invasive Vascular Surgery -- 718.780.3288

The introduction of less invasive treatment methods for some vascular diseases and disorders has revolutionized the field of vascular surgery.  Below are descriptions of these new technologies available at New York Methodist.

• Endovascular Grafting for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
  Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a serious health problem and common cause of death to elderly patients.  The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body.  It may enlarge with time as a result of the weakening of its wall.  This dilation is an aneurysm.  If the "bulge" ruptures, it causes internal bleeding, an often lethal complication.
  
  Before, surgeons used open surgical procedures to replace the enlarged segment of the aorta with an artificial blood vessel.  Today, trained surgeons use state-of-the-art imaging equipment and grafts to fix the aneurysm from within the blood vessel.  New York Methodist Hospital surgeons insert a stent through two small groin incisions.  This procedure is “stent grafting” or “endovascular grafting.”  Now, because of this less invasive surgical method, hospital stays and recovery times are shorter.
  
• VNUS Closure Procedure
  The VNUS closure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment alternative for patients with superficial venous reflux.  Superficial venous reflux often results in varicose veins and other painful symptoms.  The procedure provides relief of symptoms with minimal scarring.
  
  The VNUS closure procedure is an outpatient treatment, which does not require overnight hospitalization.  Local anesthesia numbs the treatment area and a surgeon uses a thin needle to insert a tiny catheter 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.

For more information, please call 718.780.3288.