The goals of the "minimally invasive surgical techniques" are to reduce surgical trauma, reduce postoperative pain, and decrease hospital stays and the recovery period.

Endovascular Surgical Procedures use instruments like introducers, guidewires, and catheters that are inserted into the blood vessel. These procedures may include balloon dilation of an artery or placement of a stent in the artery. Common places for a stent to be placed are the femoral arteries in the legs and the renal arteries leading to the kidney. The aortic stent graft is placed in the aorta to bypass an aneurysm.

Endovascular Aortic Stent Graft

The newest procedure offered at the Center is the Endovascular aortic stent graft. Performed by Dr. Martinez and the MIVS team since February 2000, the procedure is geared toward high risk, elderly patients with aortic aneurysms. Specific criteria for this procedure must be met.

The goal of the Endovascular Aortic Stent graft is to give the patient the best care, leading to a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.

Each patient is requested to have either a CTA or MRA for evaluation of his or her vascular anatomy. The information from the CTA & or MRA is carefully manipulated by state of the art equipment by an Imaging Specialist. Critical measurements of the Abdominal Aorta and Iliacs are taken in addition to provide 3D images of the vascular anatomy. The team carefully reviews these images and measurements for patient and stent selection.

An incision is made in each groin and a stent graft is inserted in the femoral artery and guided through the aorta to the aneurysm site.

Once the stent graft is placed, it is expanded to fit within the diameter of the aorta providing a new path of blood flow.

Follow up after this procedure is necessary to check the placement of the aortic stent graft. Your physician will order a CTA for specific intervals after the surgery (usually 3 mo., 6 mo. and 12 months.). Additional testing may be indicated.

Endoscopic Surgical Procedures use instruments inserted through very small incisions under the guidance of a small video camera. Types of procedures include Subfacial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery (SEPS) for venous ulcers and Endoscopic First Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Sub-facial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery

Sub-facial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Small incisions are made in the thigh and an endoscope is inserted to visualize and ligate perforator veins in the lower calf. This eliminates venous back flow and promotes wound healing.

Endoscopic Transaxillary First Rib Resection

Surgery is only utilized when physical therapy fails to relieve the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. An endoscopic approach is used to remove the first rib and possibly part of the scalene muscle. Constricting bands of connective tissue are released to remove the constricting elements around the nerve, artery and vein.