OR-Live.com Presents: Brigham and Women's Hospital Features Webcast of Minimally Invasive Abdominal Artery Repair Surgery

Newer Endovascular Techniques Reduce Recovery Time and Hospital Stay for Patients Suffering From Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

On Thursday, January 20, 2005, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) will host a live Webcast for viewers to watch and learn more about new endovascular repair techniques for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the abnormal dilatation of the major abdominal artery that causes rupture and severe bleeding. Medical professionals, and the general public, are invited to log-on to the Webcast on January 20 at 4:30 p.m. EDT by visiting www.OR-Live.com.

Michael Belkin, MD, Chief of BWH's Division of Vascular Surgery will be performing the surgery with Anthony Whittemore, MD, former Chief of Vascular Surgery and currently BWH's Chief Medical Officer narrating the surgical techniques for the viewers.

"Many patients with a ruptured AAA die before they ever reach a hospital," said Whittemore. "We hope that through this Webcast we can raise awareness about AAA to help prevent arterial rupture. In addition, we would like to provide our medical colleagues and patients with an inside look at the advanced techniques our surgeons are able to perform at BWH to treat this condition."

An aneurysm causes localized widening or enlargement of an artery that may subsequently rupture causing life-threatening bleeding. Aneurysms occur most commonly in the abdominal aorta, the largest blood vessel in the abdomen, which carries blood to the abdominal organs and legs. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the 10th leading cause of death for men over the age of 55.

At present, there is no proven non-surgical treatment for AAAs. According to Belkin, "Until recently, a large incision, part of an open surgical approach, was required to treat patients with AAA. Now, due to advances in vascular surgery techniques, including the use of angioplasty in patients who are in good health, this treatment option can be evaluated against a less invasive option. Endovascular surgery allows surgeons to minimize recovery time, reduce hospital stay as well as provide emotional relief for patients concerned about open surgery."

Visit http://www.or-live.com/brighamandwomens/1284 now to learn more and view a program preview. A VNR is available at http://www.or-live.com/rams/brw-1284-mkw-q.ram.

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