First Surgery in Orange County Using Next Generation Fenestrated Endovascular Graft is Performed at Saddleback Memorial

Breakthrough in Vascular Surgery Provides Enhanced Safety and Faster Recovery for Patients with Complex Aneurysms  

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Innovations in patient care at the MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Saddleback Memorial took another leap forward with the completion of the first surgery in Orange County using the Zenith® Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Graft.  This new technology is the newest generation of minimally-invasive treatment options for patients suffering from complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).  The procedure was performed January 31 by Wang Teng M.D., who is one of only 30 vascular surgeons in the nation trained and given access to the new device.

"We congratulate Dr. Teng on the completion of his first fenestrated graft procedure and his accomplishment as one of the first vascular surgeons to be approved to use this amazing new device and approach," said Steve Geidt, CEO at Saddleback Memorial.  "We continue to adopt new and better ways to provide care to our patients and our community, and we are proud to partner with Dr. Teng in our mission."

The fenestrated endograft is designed to treat a complex form of abdominal aortic aneurysm in which the diseased and enlarged vessel (aorta) arises adjacent to the arteries leading to the kidneys. Until now, treatment of this type of aneurysm required major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, and a significant ICU recovery and hospital stay.  

Now, with the use of the fenestrated endograft, treatment is achieved through a small incision in the groin, and usually an overnight hospital stay.  No longer a major surgery, benefits of this new approach include improved patient safety, fewer complications, reduced hospital stays and faster return to usual activity.  

Much different than conventional aortic stent grafts, each fenestrated graft is custom manufactured and made specifically for the patient using 3-D computer reconstructed models based on a spiral CT scan of the individual.  Once produced, the graft is precisely placed by the vascular surgeon to ensure critical blood flow through the aorta, kidneys and nearby organs.

"Because of the location of abdominal aortic aneurysms and the risks associated with conventional surgical interventions for this condition, treatment for many patients has not been an option or has been an option of last resort," said Dr. Teng.  "Now, we can offer a safer solution for many more patients diagnosed with AAAs.  I'm thrilled to be a part of this breakthrough in vascular surgery."

About Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
With campuses in Laguna Hills and San Clemente, Saddleback Memorial provides exceptional medical expertise across a range of treatment areas including cancer, stroke, and cardiac care.  Innovations like robotic surgery, low dose CT, and dedicated breast MRI set us apart. In addition, The Women's Hospital at Saddleback Memorial – Laguna Hills offers special comfort and care to new mothers and their babies.  A proud member of the MemorialCare Health System and named Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for the past two years, Saddleback Memorial continues to provide comprehensive care for patients at every stage of their lives.  For more information, go to memorialcare.org/saddleback.

About MemorialCare Health System
MemorialCare Health System is a not-for profit, integrated delivery system that includes five top hospitals – Long Beach Memorial, Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach, Community Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Memorial, and Saddleback Memorial; three medical groups – MemorialCare Medical Group, Memorial Prompt Care, and Specialty Physicians of Long Beach; an Independent Practice Association (IPA) Greater Newport Physicians; MemorialCare HealthExpress retail clinics; and numerous outpatient health centers throughout the Southland. For more information, go to memorialcare.org.

SOURCE Saddleback Memorial Medical Center