MarinHealth Vascular Surgeons Performs First FEVAR Treatment
New abdominal aneurysm treatment reduces hospital stay, leaves less scarring, and enables patients to resume normal activities.
MarinHealth today announced that vascular surgeons Dr. Allan Conway and Dr. Stephanie Lin have successfully performed Marin County’s first Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (FEVAR).
The minimally invasive surgery, which was performed using Cook Medical’s Zenith Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Graft, was performed on June 5th at MarinHealth Medical Center in Greenbrae, CA.
FEVAR is a less invasive technique used by surgeons to fix aortic aneurysms. It involves making small cuts in the groin or arms, enabling the repair process, while ensuring that the blood flow to vital arteries connected to the kidneys and other organs remains intact. The process involves relining the inside of the aorta with stents, which are inserted through tiny incisions in the groin. Unlike invasive open surgery, which would require a four-to-five-day hospital stay, FEVAR patients are typically out of the hospital in one to two days, enabling them to quickly resume everyday activities.
Drs. Conway and Lin say they’re now using this procedure on patients that have an abdominal aneurysm. This condition, which affects those older than 60 (and those who smoke), does not present warning symptoms. Left untreated, an abdominal aneurysm can inflate like a balloon and ultimately rupture. The good news is that this condition can be detected early using a standard ultrasound device.
"We are excited that MarinHealth now has the expertise and equipment to address complex aortic aneurysms with precision, minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes for our patients,” said Dr. Conway. “An aortic aneurysm, often referred to as a silent killer because there are no warning signs before a rupture occurs, is easily discovered through a routine screening. We recommend that all residents 60 and older, with a history of smoking, begin screenings for this condition.”
“This surgery is a remarkable achievement for MarinHealth. It’s a pivotal moment for our medical community and, more importantly, for the patients who will benefit from this groundbreaking advancement,” said David Klein, MD, CEO of MarinHealth. “Today, we celebrate the fusion of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and the unwavering spirit of innovation that fuels our profession. I offer sincere congratulations to doctors Conway and Lin and the entire MarinHealth vascular surgery team.”
About MarinHealth
MarinHealth is a collaboration of respected healthcare resources that have served our community well for decades. The MarinHealth entities (Medical Center, Foundation, and Medical Network) work closely to deliver coordinated, patient-centric care to the people of Marin and the greater North Bay. Residents count on MarinHealth for access to expert physicians and providers, advanced treatments and technology, and a common commitment to provide outstanding care for our patients, body, mind, and spirit.
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