Surgeons Bring Advanced Vascular Procedure To Highland Hospital
Patients Experience Faster Recovery Period
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
A 68 year-old man with an aneurysm underwent advanced endovascular repair yesterday without open heart surgery, which was the first time this procedure was completed at UR Medicine’s Highland Hospital.
The surgical team, led by Dr. Roan Glocker, Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery, used X-ray guidance to position a stent just below the renal arteries to successfully treat the patient’s aneurysm. The operation went well, with the patient leaving the operating room with just two small band aids over each femoral artery.
“We are pleased to have recruited Dr. Glocker to UR Medicine, and we can now provide patients at Highland Hospital with advanced vascular surgical procedures,” Said Cindy Becker, Chief Operating Officer, Highland Hospital. “The care of this patient typifies the strong and successful relationship between academic specialists and the community which Highland Hospital serves.”
Dr. Glocker arrived in Rochester from the University of Alabama where he completed his fellowship in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. He sees inpatients at both Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital, and sees outpatients at his office located in Highland Hospital (585)279-5100.
An aortic aneurysm is a weakening of a major blood vessel in the body, which can lead to rupture, causing significant health problems. Traditionally, aneurysms are repaired through open surgery, where the surgeon replaces the patient’s aorta with a cloth tube. Minimal-access (endovascular) techniques are also available. Through this method, surgeons thread catheters and specially-designed, covered stents over wires inserted into the femoral arteries. While not all patients are candidates, for many, the endovascular approach is the preferred approach because of the less-invasive nature of the procedure. Hospital stays for the endovascular approach are typically one to two days, compared to seven to ten days for open surgery.
Founded in 1889, Highland Hospital has a history of innovative and personalized care. The hospital is a regional leader in specialties such as bariatric surgery, joint replacement, geriatric care, gynecologic oncology, prostate cancer treatment, women’s health services, and maternity. An affiliate of the University of Rochester Medical Center, the 261-bed organization and its 2,400 employees are committed to providing patient- and family-centered care. Go to www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland.aspx or visit our Facebook page under Highland Hospital to learn more.