Silent Killers: Aneurysms have new treatment option in Lexington
Aortic aneurysm can be hereditary with patients who have collagen vascular disorders, which cause a weakening of vascular tissue, they are most commonly caused by risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
KentuckyOne Health is now treating patients in Lexington with the new GORE® EXCLUDER® Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE), the first off-the-shelf aortic branch device approved in the United States and the only device indicated for the endovascular treatment of common iliac artery aneurysms or aortoiliac aneurysms.
Nick Abedi, MD, is the first doctor in Kentucky to perform this procedure, which took place at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington.
“This device shows proven outcomes for the treatment of iliac artery aneurysms,” said Dr. Abedi. “This is a new resource that we are now able to use to help a wider range of patients, and I’m thrilled to be the first doctor in Kentucky to treat patients with this minimally invasive device.”
The device can better allow branch arteries to stay open, instead of being blocked, to keep blood flow moving to the pelvic area. Previous stents would simply block off all branch arteries, potentially causing the patient future circulation problems. In addition, being able to provide this as a minimally invasive procedure may allow quicker healing times.
Bruce Tassin, president, Saint Joseph Hospital, says, “We are dedicated to providing patients with the best care, and Dr. Abedi and his team are delivering.”
Medicare now allows for an aneurysm screening for many patients, which includes a physical exam and ultrasound of the abdomen, as well as a screening of family history. Aneurysms are often called a silent killer because, in most cases of ruptured aneurysm, there are no warning symptoms and most people don’t know they have one until it’s too late.
Those of Medicare age, or with a known family history of vascular disorders, may want to ask their doctor if an aneurysm screening is appropriate.
For more information on this procedure, you can click here.
This article also appears on page 16 of the June 2016 printed edition of the Hamburg Journal.
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