The Leading Edge
The Vascular Institute is a unique program in Northern California. Vascular surgeons, radiologists and cardiologists work together at the Institute to offer a multi-disciplinary approach to the care of your patient with vascular disease.
Endovascular technologies are in a state of constant change, demanding practitioner knowledge and experience with these evolving technologies. In the lower extremity alone a dizzying array of techniques is available – angioplasty, stenting, stent grafting, cryoplasty, laser, atherectomy and remote endarterectomy – all employed regularly by the physicians at the Vascular Institute. However, experience with these endovascular approaches is still not enough – it is critical to comfortably be able to perform the “old fashioned” bypass operation.
An unbiased approach demands evaluation at a center where the full spectrum of options is available. This is true for aortic aneurysmal disease – where we boast a combined endovascular experience in excess of 300 procedures and 40 years of combined experience in open aortic aneurysm repair. Our experience and approach is similar for carotid disease as well.
Patient evaluation begins with a thorough exam and history followed by appropriate testing modalities. The Vascular Institute boasts a fully-accredited non-invasive vascular laboratory where an average of 5000 exams are done yearly. We can precisely identify the problem without an incision or even a needle. We also have the most current 64-slice CT scanner which generates CT angiograms with remarkable detail. These technologies enable identification of lesions prior to intervention and direct our treatment – accurately – to the pathology in question.
At the Vascular Institute our approach is comprehensive. This means that, as a group, we ensure that the medical management of atherosclerotic disease is maximized. Following intervention it is critical that these patients are maintained on antiplatelet therapy, statins and are enrolled in smoking cessation programs where appropriate. Attention is also directed to cardiac risk with initiation of appropriate medical therapies as indicated.
In a few years we will transition to a site at CPMC’s new Cathedral Hill Campus, where plans are underway for construction of three fully OR-compatible endovascular suites. At the new hospital we will continue to offer the newest technologies and equipment and the same effective, multi-disciplinary approach.
