Vascular diseases affect your circulatory system, including your arteries and veins. These diseases include hardened or narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis) and aortic aneurysms. Left untreated, these conditions increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Vascular specialists at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cardiovascular Institute are renowned for their expertise in performing advanced endovascular treatments that lower your risk of life-threatening problems.
Endovascular treatments take place inside your arteries via a catheter (hollow tube) that your physician threads through the femoral artery in your groin. These less-invasive procedures are a good option if you can’t undergo an open surgical procedure due to health complications.
When you undergo endovascular therapy at AHN, you benefit from:
- Minimally invasive procedures: We use minimally invasive heart surgery techniques when possible. This approach reduces your risk of infection and scarring and can speed the recovery process. Your physician will discuss the best surgical option for you.
- Depth of expertise: Our vascular experts work collaboratively with other physicians at the Cardiovascular Institute to provide you with exemplary medical care. Meet our providers.
- Care that focuses on you: We listen to your concerns and customize a treatment plan with your needs in mind. When appropriate, you may choose to participate in clinical trials for new therapies via the AHN Cardiovascular Research Institute.
Our vascular surgeons have deep expertise performing a variety of endovascular therapies. We treat:
Aortic disease
- Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR): Aneurysms occur when blood pools in a weakened part of the aortic wall, causing a bulge. A ruptured aneurysm can be fatal. Your physician places a stent-graft (small mesh tube) at the site of the abdominal aortic aneurysm via a catheter inserted into the femoral artery in your groin. The stent-graft alleviates pressure on the aneurysm site. We also perform thoracic EVAR (TEVAR) to treat aneurysms in the chest. Learn more about aortic disease.
Artery disease
- Thrombectomy: Your physician uses a small device to break up or remove a blood clot. Our surgeons were the first in the region to offer the Lutonix®^ 035 drug-coated balloon catheter to deliver blood clot-dissolving medication directly into a blocked artery using a single balloon inflation.
- Angioplasty and stenting: Your physician uses a small balloon device inserted through a catheter in your femoral artery to open a blocked artery. A stent, or small mesh tube, is placed to keep the artery open. You may need this procedure for carotid artery disease or peripheral artery disease.
Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN cardiovascular services.
