Methodist Hospital offers new minimally invasive (MI), or endo-, vascular procedures as well as standard open procedures for the treatment of aortic aneurysms, carotid stenosis, peripheral vascular disease and varicose veins.

Endovascular procedures can be safer and faster for many patients and often provide a shorter recovery period than traditional vascular surgeries.

One of the latest endovascular procedures is used to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms. As the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the United States, aortic aneurysms yield a high mortality rate if they rupture. However, this type of aneurysm can be safely and effectively repaired, especially when detected early.

During the procedure, a vascular surgeon makes a tiny incision in the patient’s groin area and inserts a catheter into the femoral artery, guiding it all the way up to the aorta. A graft is then deployed through the catheter and placed inside the aorta to repair the aneurysm. The endovascular procedure can be accomplished without general anesthesia, and takes less than two hours. Patients are typically discharged within 24 hours. Traditional surgery to remove aortic aneurysms involves opening the abdomen and clamping the aorta under general anesthesia, followed by a five- to seven-day hospital stay and a three- to four-month recovery.

At Methodist, our vascular surgeons use similar minimally invasive procedures to treat peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and carotid disease. Patients with PVD have diseased arteries, causing leg cramps and pain during physical activity or burning pain sensations on the top of their feet while lying in bed. Patients with carotid disease are at risk for stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA).

Expert Wound Care
Methodist’s vascular specialists also provide exceptional care for patients with lower extremity wounds. Wounds on the lower extremities may not heal for a variety of reasons, but with expert evaluation, care and treatment, our team can help patients improve both their wounds and quality of life.

Radiofrequency to Treat Varicose Veins
The use of radiofrequency waves has revolutionized how varicose veins are treated. While traditional surgery for veins was invasive and painful, treatment with radiofrequency waves painlessly destroys the veins in less than 30 minutes, and patients are discharged the same day.

Methodist Hospital has been caring for South Philadelphia since 1892. For a physician or referral, please call 1-800-JEFF-NOW, or use the online appointment request form. To schedule tests or procedures, call 215-952-1234.