Northwest Medical Center Among First In Country With New Technology For Vascular Surgery
12/3/2018
Northwest Medical Center is the third hospital in the country and first hospital west of the Mississippi River to use new imaging technology during vascular surgery for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The technology uses 3D overlays during surgery to help guide surgeons more accurately through the blood vessel. Before this technology, doctors used x-rays and injected contrast dye to guide their stent placement during these procedures. The new system eliminates the need for contrast dye because it provides real-time 3D images on top of the x-ray, similar to GPS navigation.
Dr. Luis R. Leon Jr., a vascular surgeon and independent member of the medical staff at Northwest Medical Center, said, “I’m excited to be among the first in the country to have access to this new technology because it means a more efficient and effective surgery for my patients, with fewer associated risks. The great support and collaboration with Northwest Medical Center was crucial for our group to bring this technology, making it available for patients in Tucson.” Leon added, “Endovascular aneurysm repair procedures are usually complex and often lengthy, requiring large amounts of iodinated contrast which can have serious adverse effects on the patient’s kidneys. By having more detailed images, these procedures go more smoothly, allowing us to perform them in a shorter time and with less contrast, thus minimizing the risks of nephrotoxicity.”
Kevin Stockton, Regional President and Market CEO for Northwest Healthcare said, “We’re thrilled to be one of the first hospitals in the country utilizing this technology. This is another example of how Northwest Healthcare is leading the Tucson community with advanced care that really makes a difference for patients.”
Back