New technology to treat patients with complex aortic aneurysms
Scottsdale, Ariz. (Dec. 8, 2022) – HonorHealth, a leading Valley healthcare system serving 1.6 million people in the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale area, announced today the first cardiovascular endovascular graft procedure at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. The procedure is used for treating patients with complex aortic aneurysms.
This endovascular stent graft is a tube composed of fabric supported by a metal mesh called a stent, which hugs around the largest artery in the heart, the thoracic aorta, where is naturally bends in the human body. This type of device is a framework of a stent graft to patch the thoracic aorta to allow for a more secure and stable liner around the aorta for optimal healing.
Until now, patients in need of this type of procedure traditionally underwent a full bypass surgery. This new procedure involves two small cuts, one in the groin and one in the arm, to insert the grafts and restore the correct flow of blood. It allows for long-term stability of the graft, helps treat more complex cases of aortic pathology and offers a less invasive procedure for the patient. The previous treatment option required a large incision in the patient’s neck and came with several major risks.
“This is one of the most challenging procedures for cardiac and vascular conditions,” said Venkatesh Ramaiah, MD, chief of complex vascular services and network director of vascular services at HonorHealth. “Treating the aortic arch and pathology of thoracic aorta with this advanced technology allows us to care for more complex patients in less invasive ways. This is just another example of how HonorHealth stands apart and is at the forefront in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.”
In addition, HonorHealth streamed the first procedure through an educational system available to other physicians, technical personnel and industry representatives as a tool to showcase and educate vascular teams on the latest FDA-approved technology. Overall, cardiologists say FDA breakthrough designation of advanced technology, like this endovascular graft procedure, have brought paradigm shifts into clinical practice, leading to better outcomes for patients.
About HonorHealth
HonorHealth is one of Arizona’s largest nonprofit healthcare systems serving over 1.6 million people in the greater Phoenix area. The comprehensive network encompasses six acute-care hospitals, a medical group for primary, specialty and urgent care services, outpatient surgery centers, a cancer care network, a behavioral health hospital, clinical research, medical education, a foundation, an accountable care organization, community services and more. Formed by a merger between Scottsdale Healthcare and John C. Lincoln Health Network, HonorHealth’s commitment is to go beyond the expectations of a traditional healthcare system to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Learn more at HonorHealth.com.