Vascular Care

Vascular Surgery

Vascular disease is the build-up of plaque and cholesterol in any of the blood vessels throughout the body.

Vascular surgery is the specialty that deals with the diagnosis and management of disorders of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system. A vascular surgeon performs surgical and endovascular procedures and has the expertise to medically manage vascular disorders which may not require an invasive procedure.

Experienced Staff

Conemaugh Health System offers over a century of combined experience of patient care. Conemaugh physicians have trained and practiced medicine across the United States, and offer comprehensive services to patients experiencing minor to the most complex vascular conditions.

Advanced Technology

Vascular surgeries are performed in a state-of-the-art vascular operating room, specifically designed to handle complex vascular surgery. This dedicated vascular surgical suite is equipped with the latest technology, including image intensification and physiologic monitoring. Its technical capabilities allow Conemaugh surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, endovascular procedures, and traditional surgeries.

If necessary, the suite can be converted to a traditional operating room during extensive, complicated endovascular surgeries. The ability to immediately convert to a regular surgical procedure is of paramount importance to patient safety. Conemaugh's state-of-the-art surgical suites offer this assurance to every patient, without the risks associated with delays when transport is required to access a conventional surgical suite.

Conemaugh's vascular laboratory offers the most comprehensive selection of vascular diagnostic testing procedures in the region. The lab is staffed by registered vascular technologists and services are available 24/7. The vascular lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

Procedures

Diagnostic angiography
Balloon angioplasty
Vascular stenting (renal, mesenteric, peripheral, carotid)
Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
Open aortic aneurysm repair
Carotid endarterectomy
Peripheral artery by-pass
Dialysis fistula creation
Dialysis grafts
Hemodialysis reliable outflow Graft (HeRO)
Radiofrequency venous ablation
Venous phlebectomy
Inferior vena cava (IVC) Filter insertion
Varicose veins removal

Most Common Vascular Diseases

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
AAA is a "bulge" that develops in a weakened area within the largest artery in the abdomen. With each heartbeat, pressure is exerted, causing the aneurysm to enlarge. Eventually, the AAA can become so large that the wall often ruptures, which can be fatal.

Carotid Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD (stroke) occurs when the main blood vessels to the brain develop a build-up of plaque, depriving the brain of blood and oxygen, which can cause a stroke. Strokes are the third leading cause of death and leading cause of adult disability in the United States.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
PAD is a build-up of plaque in the blood vessels that reduces or blocks the flow of blood and nutrients to the limbs. Initially, PAD may make walking or climbing steps difficult, but as PAD progresses, it can result in foot ulcers, infections, and even gangrene, which could require amputation. Patients with PAD are also three times more likely to die of heart attacks or strokes. (PAD is also referred to as PVD, Peripheral Vascular Disease)

Treatment

Conemaugh's vascular lab offers advanced technology to provide additional treatment for various conditions, including:

Stroke
Carotid artery disease
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Lymphedema
Kidney disease dialysis
Peripheral artery disease
Vein disorders (varicose veins and blood clots)

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Services

Abdominal doppler studies
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
Aortic aneurysm exams
Arterial exams of the arms and legs to diagnose and evaluate conditions such as blockage, blood clots, hardening of arteries and aneurysms
Carotid artery exams
Erectile dysfunction (ED) exams
Hemodialysis graft evaluations and arterial graft surveillance after the graft is complete
Raynaud's Syndrome studies
Thoracic outlet studies
Transcranial doppler studies of the brain
Transcutaneous PO2 studies (TCPO2)
Venous exams of the arms and legs to diagnose and evaluate conditions such as varicose veins, blood clots, and venous reflux (incompetence)