Our vascular surgery team specializes in the treatment of diseases of the arteries, including carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, vein problems and other vascular-related issues.
Advanced Vascular Diagnostics
As part of an academic medical center, our vascular physicians are at the leading-edge of diagnosing venous and other vascular diseases. This includes a noninvasive vascular lab where certified technologists conduct tests to assess blood flow and locate blockages in blood vessels without the use of needles, catheters, dye or radiation.
Comprehensive Treatments for Vascular Disease
Our vascular surgeons are nationally recognized for delivering innovative vascular care with exceptional outcomes. We offer some of the most advanced treatment options available, including:
- Medical Management — Risk-factor modification and medications may be the best treatment approach for some patients depending on the stage of their disease.
- Endovascular Therapy — Minimally invasive, catheter-based endovascular procedures are also an option for patients. These procedures deliver a smaller incision, shorter hospital stays and, generally, less pain. Endovascular therapy can include angioplasty with stents or balloons and venous ablation.
- Thrombolytic Therapy — These catheter-based procedures involve using tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) “clot busting” medication to dissolve clots that have blocked arteries.
- Surgical Therapy — When needed, our physicians are skilled in treating patients with the latest surgical options to treat vascular disease. These can include arterial bypass, carotid endarterectomy, abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm repair and wound debridement.
Following a diagnosis of vascular disease, it’s important to determine if and when treatment is appropriate. Our physicians work within a multidisciplinary team to decide when immediate treatment is needed or if the patient may need treatment in the future for a slowly progressing disease.
Vascular Emergency Response Program
The Froedtert & MCW Vascular Emergency Response Program provides a 24/7 resource for patients who experience a vascular emergency, including aortic emergencies, acute limb ischemia and acute mesenteric ischemia. A delay in the recognition of the acute diagnosis and rapid treatment of these conditions can lead to limb loss or death. Our program focuses on partnering with physicians across the region for rapid recognition, transportation and treatment of these acute life-and-limb-threatening emergencies.
Our Vascular Emergency Response Program includes members from vascular surgery, vascular and interventional radiology, cardiac surgery, critical care and anesthesia, with other specialists as needed. Together, they take a coordinated approach to rapidly evaluating patients and work in collaboration with referring providers to get patients the care they need.
The vascular emergency response team has access to, and a high level of experience with, all the available treatment options patients may need, including endovascular or open repair for limb-threatening blockages, minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair, including endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR).
Our team is available 24/7 for vascular emergency referrals from health systems across the region. We work closely with referring hospitals to expedite the transfer of patients experiencing a vascular emergency. To activate the vascular emergency response protocol, providers should call the Froedtert & MCW Access Center at 414-805-4700. Upon receiving the page, our team collaborates to discuss the patient’s needs, and in most cases, the team will arrange to transport the patient to Froedtert & MCW Froedtert Hospital for care.
Team Collaboration and Exceptional Staff
Our team of vascular surgeons works closely with a highly trained team of vascular and interventional radiologists who are skilled in minimally invasive and image-guided procedures. In addition our team partners with board-certified vascular medicine specialists. Together, this multidisciplinary team makes up the largest dedicated vascular care team in eastern Wisconsin. Learn more about our vascular team and exceptional staff.
FORME Aesthetic and Vein Center
Using advanced technology and techniques, a team including vascular surgeons and vascular and interventional radiologists at FORME diagnose and treat vein conditions safely and efficiently without surgery.
Vascular Second Opinion Program
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with vascular disease, we offer a robust Vascular Second Opinion Program that allows you to learn more about your disease, confirm your diagnosis and explore treatment options. To request a second opinion, call 414-777-7700.
Providing Academic Research and Clinical Trials
As the only academic medical center in eastern Wisconsin, our physicians are involved in cutting-edge research and participate in local and national clinical trials that can provide patients treatment options that may not be available elsewhere.
