Description of Procedures

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (vascular procedure)

The patient has an aneurysm in their abdominal aorta. It is repaired with an open procedure and the aneurysm is bypassed utilizing a knitted graft.

Above-Knee/Below-Knee Amputation (follows failed vascular surgery)

The patient has impaired circulation to their lower leg and it has failed to respond to revascularization procedures. The need for the limb to be removed is the reason for this procedure to be performed.

Aorta Bifemoral Bypass Graft (vascular procedure)

The patient has an aneurysm in their abdominal aorta or has narrowing of the aorta where it splits to go down the legs. It is repaired with an open procedure and the aneurysm or narrowed section is bypassed utilizing a knitted graft, both groin areas will be opened for the limbs of the graft to be sewn to the femoral arteries.

Aortic Valve Replacement (valve procedure)

The patient's aortic valve is diseased, calcified, or stenotic and needs to be replaced. The valve is removed and replaced with either a tissue or mechanical valve.

Aortic Ascending Thoracic Aneurysm Repair (vascular procedure)

The patient has an aneurysm in their ascending thoracic aorta. It is repaired with an open procedure and the aneurysm is bypassed utilizing a woven graft.

Aortic Descending Thoracic Aneurysm Repair (vascular procedure)

The patient has an aneurysm in their descending thoracic aorta. It is repaired with an open procedure and the aneurysm is bypassed utilizing a woven graft.

Aorto-Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery  (Revascularization of Heart Procedure)

The patient has coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries that have blockages are bypassed utilizing either the patient's greater Saphenous veins from their legs, internal mammary artery, and/or radial artery.

Atrial/Venous Fistula Repair  (Vascular Procedure or Heart Procedure)

The patient has a fistula between an arterial and venous site that needs to be repaired. This can involve the heart or other arteries and veins. During the procedure the opening is surgically corrected. If it involves the heart, the patient will have to be placed on the heart lung machine. If it involves arteries and veins elsewhere in the body, then surgery at the site of the connection will be performed.

Atrial/Ventricular Septal Defect Repair  (Heart Procedure)

The patient has an opening between either the two atriums of the heart or the two ventricles of the heart. The opening is closed utilizing a patch, either a patch made from the patient's own pericardium or a synthetic fabric patch.

Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Insertion (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has had documented episodes of "Sudden Death" and/or ventricular tachycardia. With this procedure special leads are inserted into the heart, one in the atrium and one in the ventricle, and then connected to a generator that can act as a pacemaker as well as an internal cardiac defibrillator.

Axilo Femoral Artery Bypass Graft (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has compromised circulation to the lower part of their body. Arterial blood is moved from the patient's upper body to their lower body utilizing synthetic grafts.

Biventricular Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Insertion (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has had documented episodes of "Sudden Death" and/or ventricular tachycardia. Special leads are inserted into the heart, one in the atrium, one in each of the ventricles and the coronary sinus, and then connected to a generator that can act as a pacemaker as well as an internal cardiac defibrillator.

Biventricular Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator Insertion (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has had documented episodes of "Sudden Death" and/or ventricular tachycardia. Special leads are inserted into the heart, one in the atrium, one in each of the ventricles and the coronary sinus, and then connected to a generator that can act as a pacemaker as well as an internal cardiac defibrillator.

Biventricular Pacemaker Insertion (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has irregular heart rhythm and the need for a pacemaker to correct the problem. Special leads are inserted into the heart, one in the atrium, one in each of the ventricles and the coronary sinus, and then connected to a generator that will help the patient to have a regular heart rhythm.

Brachial Artery Repair/Embolectomy (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a problem with the blood flow to their arm. This could be caused from a blood clot of some sort of trauma to the artery. The artery is repaired and/or the blood clot is extracted. The artery is usually repaired utilizing a piece of the patient's own Saphenous vein if needed.

Bring Back (Heart Procedure)

The patient has just had some type of open-heart surgery and is either bleeding or having some sort of other problem post-op that cannot be treated medically. The patient is brought back to the operating room and reexplored, while whatever problem is occurring is fixed.

Cardiac Lead Extraction - Laser (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has had previous pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator procedures. A different system needs to be inserted, or some of the old leads need to be removed. The surgeon can utilize a laser lead removal system to assist with the removal of the old leads.

Cardiac Lead Extraction - Mechanical (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has had previous pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator procedures. A different system needs to be inserted, or some of the old leads need to be removed. The surgeon can utilize a mechanical lead removal system to assist with the removal of the old leads.

Carotid Artery Endarterectomy (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a Stenosis in their carotid artery caused by a buildup of plaque. An incision is made into the carotid artery and the plaque is removed. The incision in the artery is closed utilizing suture and a patch made from bovine pericardium.

Carotic Subclavian Artery Bypass Graft (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a Stenosis between where the carotid artery branches off or the main artery coming off of the heart and where it goes up the patient's neck. A bypass is created between the patient’s Subclavian artery to the carotid artery utilizing a synthetic graft to provide additional blood flow.

Chamberlain Procedure (Thoracic Procedure)

This is an approach to biopsy suspected lymph nodes for cancer. A small incision is made to the side of the patient's sternum and the suspected lymph nodes are removed and sent to pathology for diagnosis.

DORR Procedure (Heart Procedure)

This procedure is done to remold the patient's native left ventricle that has been stretched out of shape usually from left heart failure.

Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent Placement (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has an aneurysm in their abdominal aorta. It is repaired with a closed procedure and the aneurysm is stented from the inside utilizing a stent especially for the abdominal aorta. The stent is inserted into the patient through a small incision in their femoral artery.

Femoral Artery Exploration/Embolectomy (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a problem with the blood flow to their leg. This could be caused from a blood clot of some sort of trauma to the artery. The artery is repaired and/or the blood clot is extracted. The artery is usually repaired utilizing a piece of the patient's own Saphenous vein if needed.

Femoral Artery Pseudo Aneurysm Repair (Vascular Procedure)

The patient usually has had some type of cardiac cath procedure where the invasive cardiologist has gone in through the patient's femoral artery. Sometimes after the removal of the introducer, which is placed in the femoral artery for the procedure, a pseudo aneurysm will form. This aneurysm will be repaired by a vascular surgeon in an open procedure. This repair is usually performed with utilizing just sutures.

Femoral to Femoral Artery Bypass Graft (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a problem with the blood flow to one of their legs. This is a bypass procedure where blood from one of the patient's femoral arteries is moved to the patient's other femoral artery utilizing a synthetic graft.

Femoral to Popliteal Artery Bypass Graft (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a problem with the blood flow to the lower part of one of their legs. This is a bypass procedure where blood from the patient's femoral artery is moved to the patient's Popliteal artery that is located further down their leg. The bypass can be performed utilizing the patient's own Saphenous vein or a synthetic graft.

Ivor Lewis Procedure (EsophagoGastrectomy) (Thoracic/Abdominal Procedure)

The patient has a cancer at the junction of their esophagus and stomach. An abdominal procedure is performed first, where the patient's stomach and a portion of their small intestines are freed up. This incision is closed. The patient is repositioned and a thoracic procedure is performed where the lower part of the esophagus is freed up. The portion of the stomach and esophagus containing the cancer are removed. The esophagus is then reconnected to the remainder of the stomach.

Left Ventricular Aneurysm Repair (Heart Procedure)

The patient has developed an aneurysm in the left ventricle of their heart, usually as a result of having had a heart attack in that area. The aneurismal tissue of the heart is removed and the heart is sewn shut.

Mediastinoscopy (Diagnostic Procedure)

The patient is usually having this diagnostic test to determine if their lung cancer has spread to the patient's mediastinal lymph nodes. A small incision is made just above the patient's sternum. A scope is inserted and a biopsy is performed on the lymph nodes located there.

Maze Procedure (Heart/Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has chronic atrial fibrillation. This procedure interrupts the electrical pathways as an attempt to force the patient's heart back into a normal rhythm. The open procedure is usually performed in conjunction with some other heart procedure.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement (Heart Procedure)

The patient has chronic atrial fibrillation. This procedure interrupts the electrical pathways as an attempt to force the patient's heart back into a normal rhythm. The minimally invasive procedure is performed utilizing endothoracic scopes. The procedure is performed on both sides of the patient's heart.

Minimally Invasive Maze Procedure (Thoracic/Rhythm Procedure)

The patient's aortic valve is diseased, calcified, or stenotic and needs to be replaced. This procedure is performed through a smaller incision than a normal maze procedure and the valve is removed and replaced with either a tissue or mechanical valve.

Mitral Valve Repair/Annuloplasty (Heart Procedure)

The patient's Mitral valve is diseased or is stretched out and floppy and may respond to being repaired rather than replaced. The valve is reshaped with the insertion of an Annuloplasty ring.

Mitral Valve Replacement (Heart Procedure)

The patient's Mitral valve is diseased, calcified, or stenotic and needs to be replaced. The valve is removed and replaced with either a tissue or mechanical valve.

Open Lung Biopsy (Thoracic Diagnostic Procedure)

The patient needs to have their lung problem diagnosed and an open procedure may need to be performed to remove a small piece of lung tissue, which is sent for biopsy. This procedure is usually performed through a small incision.

Pericardectomy (Mediasternotomy Procedure)

The patient's sack surrounding their heart may thicken or may constrict the functioning of the heart. This procedure is the removal of the sack surrounding the patient's heart.

Pericardial Window (Subxyphoid Tube Pericardeostomy) (Intrapericardial Procedure)

The patient may have excessive fluid in the sack surrounding their heart. This excessive fluid can seriously effect the functioning of the heart. A small incision is made below the sternum and the excessive fluid is removed and a chest tube is inserted.

Permanent Pacemaker Insertion (Rhythm Procedure)

The patient has irregular heart rhythm and needs a pacemaker to correct the problem. Special leads are inserted into the heart, one in the ventricle and usually one in the atrium, and then connected to a generator that will help the patient to have a regular heart rhythm.

Renal Artery Bypass Graft (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has a narrowing of their renal artery to their kidney. A bypass procedure is performed from the patient’s abdominal aorta to the renal artery past the narrowed section. This bypass can be performed utilizing a section of the patient's Saphenous vein or a piece of synthetic graft.

Spleenectomy (Abdominal Procedure)

The patient has usually experienced some type of trauma to their spleen and needs to have it removed.

Sternal Debridement (Sternal Procedure)

The patient's sternum does not heal properly following heart surgery either from being unstable or from infection. The sternum is cleaned up and wired back together so that it will heal.

Sternal Rewiring (Sternal Procedure)

The patient's sternum becomes unstable following heart surgery usually as a result of excessive coughing or moving wrong and placing too much pressure on the wired sternum, which causes the wires to either break or loosen up. The patient's sternum then needs to be rewired back together.

Sternal Wire Removal (Superficial Sternal Procedure)

The patient has usually one or two wires that may be uncomfortable and close to the skin. This usually only happens on thin patients. After the sternum has healed, these uncomfortable wires can be removed.

Thoraco Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Vascular Procedure)

The patient has an aneurysm in their aorta extending from their thoracic aorta to their abdominal aorta. It is repaired with an open procedure and the aneurysm is bypassed utilizing a knitted or woven graft.

Thoracotomy (w/ Lobectomy, Wedge Resection, &/or Pnemonectomy)

(Thoracic Procedure)

The patient usually has some type of cancer in their lung. The cancer is removed by either taking a wedge of lung tissue out from around the cancer, removing the lobe of the lung that has the cancer in it, or by removing the entire lung if the cancer is extensive.

Thymectomy (Mediasternotomy Procedure)

These patients usually have Myasthenia Gravis (a chronic disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under voluntary control) and need to have their thymus gland removed. The patient has to have their sternum split in order to get to this gland to remove it.

Thracheostomy (Neck Procedure)

The patient requires a breathing tube to be inserted through their trachea to breath.  They usually have been or will need to be on a ventilator long-term.

Tricuspid Valve Repair/Annuloplasty (Heart Procedure)

The patient's tricuspid valve is diseased or is stretched out and floppy and may respond to being repaired rather than replaced. The valve is reshaped with the insertion of an Annuloplasty ring.

Tricuspid Valve Replacement (Heart Procedure)

The patient's tricuspid valve is diseased, calcified, or stenotic and needs to be replaced. The valve is removed and replaced with either a tissue or mechanical valve.

Vein Ligation/Stripping (Vascular Procedure)

The patient's greater Saphenous veins sometimes become very varicose (veins that have become enlarged or twisted) and need to be removed.

Vein Harvesting - Endoscopic - Saphenous Vein or Radial Artery (Vascular Procedure)

The patient's greater Saphenous vein is harvested in order to be able to do a coronary artery bypass or other bypass procedures where Saphenous vein is the graft of choice. The vein can be harvested utilizing an endovascular technique where the entire vein can be taken out through a less than 2" incision at the patient's knee.

Vein Harvesting - Open - Saphenous Vein or Radial Artery (Vascular Procedure)

The patient's greater Saphenous vein is harvested in order to be able to do their coronary artery bypass or other bypass procedures where Saphenous vein is the graft of choice. The vein can be harvested utilizing an open technique where an incision is made down the entire length of the portion of vein being removed.

Ventral Hernia Repair (Abdominal Procedure)

The patient may develop a hernia of their incision following abdominal surgery. This hernia may need to be closed, which is done by inserting a piece of mesh so that it further supports the patient's abdominal wall.