Innovative technology enables surgeons to save lives

Surgeons at Michael E. DeBakey VA recently became among the first in the country to perform an innovative new procedure using a groundbreaking device for treating complex aortic aneurysms.  

Last month, Houston VA vascular surgeons Drs. Erin Greenleaf and Natasha Hansraj used 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 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.”

“I’m in tip-top shape after this surgery.”

Navy Veteran Pat Towns was one of the two Veterans who received the new procedure in October, and says he is thrilled with the outcome. “I’m in tip-top shape inside and out after having this surgery. I knew I was in great hands at 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. The aneurysm 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 VA. 

“Some of our Veterans have very complex medical conditions. 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,” Hansraj 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.”

Making sure those who served our country receive the best possible care

Under the leadership of Dr. Samir Awad, operative care line executive and chief of surgery, 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. It is our duty to make sure those who served our country receive the best possible care and this technology allows us to do just that,” Awad said.

A grateful Towns came into Houston VA for a surgical follow-up 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. I can’t say enough positive about the care I received at Houston VA. It was truly remarkable,” Towns shared.

Pictured above is Towns with Hansraj and Greenleaf.