Clinical Vascular Surgery Programs

The Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery is part of the Department of General Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. We provide the appropriate diagnostic evaluation and comprehensive therapy for all arterial and venous disorders excluding those in the coronary and intracranial circulation. The division includes six full-time faculty members and is directed by Louis M. Messina, MD. The vascular division is responsible for approximately 3,000 inpatients each year and 5,000 outpatients each year. Inpatient and outpatient services are offered at both the UMMHC Memorial and University Campuses. Elias Arous, MD, directs the Memorial vascular service. In conjunction with the attending staff, the university hospital vascular team is comprised of vascular fellows, senior and junior surgical residents and medical students. The vascular service is supported by vascular nurse practitioners, a physician's assistant and vascular technologists that participate in patient care.

In the last year, the division of vascular and endovascular surgery has performed over 2,000 major vascular procedures. During the past few years, the division has been shifting from conventional open operations to catheter-based surgical interventions. The vascular division now performs over 1000 endovascular cases annually. Data of all procedures and outcomes are compiled to maximize patient care and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Modern noninvasive vascular laboratories for diagnosis and follow-up of vascular disease are available at the Memorial and University campuses. Both vascular laboratories have a full complement of noninvasive vascular diagnostic equipment. A wide variety of noninvasive studies are performed involving cerebral, peripheral and visceral artery evaluations. Over 10,000 tests are performed annually between the two campuses.

Clinical vascular investigations include the use of topically applied medications to improve venous ulcer healing, pharmacologic therapy for non-reconstructible limb ischemia, combination pharmacologic therapy for intermittent claudication and the development of new therapies for the prevention of intimal hyperplasia.