Innovative Technology Empowers Houston VA Surgeons to Save Lives
Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center recently became among the first in the country to perform a new procedure using a groundbreaking device for treating complex aortic aneurysms that can be deadly for Veterans.
Last month Houston VA vascular surgeons Dr. Erin Greenleaf and Dr. Natasha Hansraj utilized newly-FDA approved Gore EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE), an innovative new device used to treat potentially fatal aortic aneurysms, to change the lives of two Texas Veterans. The procedure offers new hope for Veteran patients dealing with life-threatening aneurysms in the thoracoabdominal aorta, which spans the chest and abdomen and supplies blood to key organs.
“We are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge lifesaving technology to the Houston VA and our Veterans,” Greenleaf said. “Until now, patients with these aneurysms often faced major surgery with a high risk of complications. With this new minimally invasive technology, our Veterans can be out of the hospital in a few days and get right on the road to recovery.”
Navy Veteran Pat Towns was one of the two Veterans who received the new procedure in mid-October and says he is thrilled with the outcome. “I’m in tip-top shape inside and out after having this surgery,” Towns said. “I knew I was in great hands at the VA and they did not disappoint.”
Towns, 75, is a Vietnam Veteran from Katy, Texas who exudes energy. He is a self-described “car nut” who retired from a career in the automotive industry. Thirteen years ago, he began a second career as a mason and is now an expert in bricklaying. Towns said he experienced no symptoms from the aneurysm, which was discovered by VA doctors when he was getting a scan for another medical issue.
According to Hansraj, it is not uncommon for Veterans to show no outward symptoms of an aortic aneurysm, which can weaken the artery wall, increasing the risk of rupture and sudden death. She says the new TAMBE device is a game-changer for Veterans and the VA.
“Some of our Veterans have very complex medical conditions and previously an open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, with a large incision from the shoulder blade down to the lower abdomen, was the only option for treating these dangerous aneurysms,” she said. “The TAMBE procedure allows us to treat complex aneurysms through tiny punctures instead of a massive incision, dramatically reducing recovery time and improving overall safety for our Veterans.”
Under the leadership of Dr. Samir Awad, Operative Care Line Executive and Chief of Surgery at the Houston VA, the medical center’s vascular surgery section proudly provides comprehensive endovascular care to Veterans.
“Advancements in surgical technology are revolutionizing the way we care for our Veterans,” Awad said. “It is our duty to make sure that those who served our country receive the best possible care and this technology allows us to do just that.”
A grateful Towns came into the Houston VA for a surgical follow-up this week and was delighted to see Hansraj and Greenleaf, both of whom are also assistant professors at Baylor College of Medicine.
“These doctors are my guardian angels,” he said. “I can’t say enough positive about the care I received at the Houston VA….it was truly remarkable,” he said.