September 10, 2024 – HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is pleased to announce a medical milestone with the successful completion of its first thoracic branch endograft procedure using the newly FDA-approved device. The surgery was performed by two of the center’s leading specialists, Dr. Kelechi Akuma, M.D., a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon, and Dr. Neil Galindez, M.D., a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon.
The patient, a 78-year-old woman, presented with severe back and chest pain. Scans revealed an aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition involving a tear in the aorta, which also affected the subclavian artery, responsible for supplying blood to her left arm and the back part of her brain. Using the stent device, Dr. Akuma and Dr. Galindez were able to repair the tear in the aorta while preserving blood flow to the subclavian artery, thanks to the device’s advanced branching design. In the past, this type of complex dissection would have required open bypass surgery. However, the innovative device allowed for a completely minimally invasive procedure, avoiding incisions and reducing recovery time. “This procedure marks a significant advancement in patient care,” said Dr. Galindez. “In cases like this, patients would traditionally face the risks and prolonged recovery associated with open surgery. With this new device, we’re able to offer a safer, less invasive option,” said Dr. Akuma. The procedure was the first of its kind at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge medical technology to improve patient outcomes.
About HCA Florida Healthcare:
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and more than 79,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care to more than 8.6 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $848.8 million in uncompensated care and contributes $2.1 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About HCA Florida Northwest Hospital
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, an award-winning 289-bed acute care hospital, has served communities across northern Broward County and South Florida for 40 years. HCA Florida Northwest Hospital provides award-winning care using the latest state-of-the-art advancements in medical technology with a focus on excellence in patient safety and care experience. A Joint Commission-accredited hospital and primary stroke center, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is known for its heart and vascular care; women’s services – including maternity care – and the only Level III NICU in northern Broward County; 24/7 emergency medicine; minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery; orthopedic, spine and neurological care, and more.
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the state of Florida. With an employee base of 77,000, HCA Florida Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 49 hospital campuses and more than 450 other care sites.
