Vascular Disease Management

Montefiore's Vascular Disease Management Center is dedicated to developing and perfecting treatments for all disorders of the vascular system, including abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, lower extremity ischemia, varicose veins, kidney ischemia and renal artery stenosis.

Internationally renowned staff

Our internationally renowned staff includes five vascular surgeons, seven vascular technologists and two nurses, all specially trained — as individuals and as a team — in the latest technologies. We take a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with other specialties like cardiology, nephrology and urology.

We are at the forefront of virtually every aspect of vascular disease treatment, focusing on advanced ways to use minimally invasive methods whenever possible. Approximately 60 percent of our patients are treated with endovascular or catheter-based procedures, which bypass the incisions and complications associated with traditional surgery.

Nationï¾’s leader in treating abdominal aortic aneurysm

Montefiore leads the nation in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Our doctors pioneered this area more than a decade ago and today we treat one of the largest volumes of patients in the country. Our minimally invasive approaches use endovascular grafts to treat the ailment without open surgery — drastically reducing pain, recovery time and complications.

Dual options for carotid artery stenosis

Strokes affect more than 500,000 people in the U.S. each year. Carotid artery stenosis — narrowing of the main arteries in the neck — is a major risk factor for stroke. For otherwise healthy patients, the best option is carotid endarterectomy. Our surgeons excel at this procedure, which involves the removal of plaque from the carotid arteries.

For patients whose health prohibits open surgery, we offer carotid artery stenting with brain protection. Montefiore was among the first in the nation to perform this procedure, which patients undergo without the need for general anesthesia or open incisions. A metallic stent is inserted into the narrowed carotid artery, while a filter temporarily blocks blood flow to the brain, preventing damage.

We are currently involved in a national NIH-funded clinical trial for carotid artery stenosis and receive international referrals for this therapy.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Center

Our Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Center offers patients surgical treatments and the less invasive thoracic stenting method. This advanced approach does not require opening the chest, enabling patients to return home the day after surgery. We are participating in two clinical trials to evaluate this treatment.

Breakthroughs in lower extremity ischemia

Montefiore is a leader in using minimally invasive options for treating lower extremity ischemia, the decreased flow of blood to the legs due to constriction of the arteries. We offer breakthrough procedures that use stents, balloons and cryotherapy (cooling techniques), as well as traditional surgical treatments.

Minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins

We treat varicose veins using radio frequency ablation. This new catheter-based approach uses energy to destroy vein tissue. It is much faster, less invasive and causes less pain than traditional surgical stripping of distended veins  — with results that are equally successful and more attractive.

© 2008 Montefiore Medical Center