First AAA Stent Graft Procedure Performed
at Brazosport Regional Health System
Back row: Mike Williams, Director of Cardiovascular Services; Alpesh Shah, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Brazosport Cardiology;
Al Guevara, VP of Operations; Joan Gaffney. Front row: Jennifer Hardwick; Mary Hancock; Mindy Carroll; Dawn Nelson
Lake Jackson, TX – September 26, 2007 – Dr. Alpesh Shah and the cardiac catheterization medical professionals at Brazosport Regional Health System (BRHS) performed their first abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent graft procedure on September 18, 2007. BRHS is currently expanding their cardiovascular care services, which in turn will open doors for many more invasive procedures similar to the one performed.
AAA develops when the aorta weakens and expands forming a bulge in the wall of the blood vessel. This disease can be found in anyone, but most often develops in men with increasing age. Other risk factors of AAA include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, not enough exercise, and family history of AAA. Some aneurysms can often go unidentified but run the risk of rupture if enlarged, and often without any warning signs. Diagnosis of the aneurysm in the abdomen is best made with a simple ultrasound test which can be arranged through a family physician. Surgery like the one performed at BRHS is performed when the aneurysm expands larger than 5 cm in diameter.
BRHS performed a more modern treatment option for the AAA procedure which has a lower mortality rate than an open surgery approach. “Our state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment enables us to perform such complex procedures at BRHS,” Dr. Shah stated. “Additionally, our well-trained, enthusiastic personnel ensure that each patient receives the best quality care possible.”
The modern treatment option allowed Dr. Shah to use a percutaneous technique where the stent graft is placed inside the diseased vessel without surgical opening of the tissue. A catheter is placed in both legs during the procedure. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and normally has a fast recovery time.
“This procedure is a significant step forward for our health system” Al Guevara, VP of Operations at BRHS stated. “Expanding our cardiac care center and performing more invasive procedures at BRHS will allow the people in our community to receive quality cardiovascular care without going else where.”
BRHS currently performs diagnostic cardiac catheterizations and peripheral vascular interventions in the new cardiac catheterization lab. This AAA stent graft procedure provides forward momentum to our invasive cardiovascular care provided at the hospital. As the county’s population continues to grow, the need for critical healthcare services also increases. For that reason, Brazosport Regional Health System has the right care, right here for our community.
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Brazosport Regional Health System • 100 Medical Drive • Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 • (979) 297-4411
Copyright 2007
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