by Paul Fleser, M.D., Williamson Medical Center.
The vascular surgery program at Williamson Medical Center ranges from complex thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair to the cosmetic removal of spider and varicose veins.
And although routine vascular procedures, such as stents and bypasses for blocked arteries, are the mainstay of vascular care in the community, it’s important to note that we are performing surgical procedures that are on par with the top university medical centers. This includes the use of computer-generated fenestrated endografts for complex aneurysms only available at a select few centers in Tennessee.
Sweet new suite
Beginning in April, the vascular program at WMC is going to have a new home. We will have a state of the art vascular suite complete with additional square footage that will house some of the most advanced technology available today.
Our new vascular suite, which is part of Williamson’s surgical expansion, will be nearly three times the size of the room we have now, complete with a control room that houses computers and imaging monitors linking to the main room.
This technology will provide us the ability to use three-dimensional images during a reconstruction procedure. We will continue to be able to evolve and remain on the cutting edge of vascular care with better clarity, less radiation to the patient, and shorter times on the operating table as a result.
The new machinery operates similar to a cardiac cath lab in that the machines we will be using move and spin to produce the 3-D imagery as well as CT images. Unlike a cardiac cath lab, however we also have the ability to use this technology during open surgical procedures, giving us a unique “hybrid” ability to perform interventions with smaller incisions and less operative time.
We will also have overhead cameras linked into the lighting system, giving us the ability to record and link our surgeries “live” for education purposes. Our Vanderbilt residents will be given the best opportunity to learn vascular surgery and be prepared with the latest technology prior to entering a fellowship. This is just the the next step allowing us to move toward a fully functional academic-type department.
New surgeon
In addition to the new suite and the technology that goes with it, we will be adding another vascular surgeon to our program this summer, which will continue to increase our capacity.
With two vascular surgeons, two physician assistants, and residents currently, we hope to expand to at least four surgeons and more consistent resident involvement within the next few years.
I would say each of us does an average of 60 to 80 cases a month now, including minor and major hospital cases as well as office procedures, making us as busy or busier per surgeon as many of the larger programs across the country. And it might surprise you the level of intricate, high level vascular procedures we are doing right here at Williamson Medical Center.
Vascular care
If you aren’t familiar with what a vascular surgeon does, we care for all of the peripheral blood vessels, which is any artery or vein outside of your heart. Blockages in your arteries can cause pain or even stroke. Enlargements called aneurysms can rupture and the outcome of that is rarely a positive one unless surgery can be performed immediately.
We primarily care for arteries either by managing blockages by placing a stent or by using “Roto-Rooter®” type procedures, where we actually clean out the arteries “from the inside”, to improve blood flow. Surgical bypass is another option for delivering blood around a blockage by using the patient’s own vein as a conduit to create a new artery.
The other end of the spectrum for us is dealing with veins. Many people are familiar with varicose or spider veins. Varicose veins can often cause leg pain and swelling, or unsightly bulges that many people don’t like. Although they don’t pose any significant danger, many people like to have them removed for symptom relief or cosmetic reasons.
Free lunch-and-learn on March 18
Dr. Fleser will be hosting an informational seminar on the advances in vascular surgery technology on March 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Williamson Medical Center in meeting rooms A, B and C, just off the main lobby. Space is limited, to register, visit WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org/calendar or call (615) 435-6780.
