Department of Surgery, UMDNJ-RWJMS

We treat other complex cerebrovascular problems such as carotid aneurysms, carotid body tumors, and vertebrobasilar disease. These processes require a team of expert surgeons, interventionalists, and neurologists all of whom work well together at RWJUH.

Carotid endarterectomy

The most common cause of a stroke is caused by a sudden blockage of blood flow to the brain. A partial blockage of the carotid artery (one of the major blood vessels to the brain) can be removed to prevent strokes and restore normal blood flow. We perform 150-180 carotid operations a year. Most of our carotid surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and cerebral monitoring (monitoring brain waves). Our stroke rate is is lower than the national average and the average for the state of New Jersey.

Carotid subclavian bypass

Thoracic and abdominal aorta

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

A dilatation or bulge of the thoracic aorta (the major blood vessel supplying chest and abdomen) more than twice its normal size is potentially dangerous. We perform open repairs with expert anesthesiologists. Complex repairs occasionally require the combination of two surgical teams (including cardiothoracic surgeons). Post-operative care includes a team of critical care specialists whom are available 24 hrs a day.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (AAA)

A dilatation or bulge of the abdominal aorta (the major blood vessel supplying the legs) more than twice its normal size is potentially dangerous. Smaller aneurysms grow slowly, and larger aneurysms grow more rapidly. Surgical repair is performed for larger aneurysms to prevent leakage or rupture. We perform approximately 55 open AAA repairs per year. We perform the open AAA repair under general anesthesia. The aorta is replaced with an artificial polyester tube, which is sewn in place. Hospital recovery time is between 4 to 7 days. For more information, click here.

Renal-vascular

Renal artery bypass

Renal endarterectomy

Renal aneurysm repair

Fistula creation for hemodialysis

AV shunting for hemodialysis

Mesenteric or visceral

Mesenteric artery bypass

Mesenteric endarterectomy

Visceral aneurysm repair

Peripheral vascular disease

Blockages in the arteries that supply the legs can cause cramping in the calves and ulcers in the feet. Along with the surgeons, our vascular center has a combination of skilled nurses, physical therapists, and diabetic specialists to help manage wounds and help in the rapid recovery of our patients. We offer a variety of open procedures to improve circulation to the legs. Our vascular surgeons can expertly bypass the blockages with the patients’ own vein, or artificial material (ePTFE or polyester). We also can combine open and endovascular techniques to provide the best possible outcome with the least amount of risk to the patient.

Aortofemoral bypass

Femoral endarterectomy

Femoral bypass

Peripheral aneurysm repair

Venous disease

Varicose veins are not only unsightly, but can also cause painful, swollen legs. New, minimally invasive techniques have been developed that minimize discomfort and allow return to normal activity immediately. Many procedures can be performed in the office and some as outpatient procedures.

Vein stripping

Sclerotherapy

Microphlebectomy

Saphenous ligation