October 17, 2022 – HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, a 289-bed facility, and part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in the state, recently completed its first minimally invasive, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat an aneurysm.
Patient 63-year-old man was experiencing leg pain and was found to have a thoracic aneurysm that was increasing in size.
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital vascular and endovascular surgeon, Dr. Kelechi Akuma along with cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Neil Galindez and Anesthesiologist, Dr. Khuram Khan performed the procedure.
Dr. Galindez Dr. Akuma and Dr. Khan
“TEVAR is an alternative to open surgery because it is minimally invasive, which reduces the risk of complications for patients,” said Dr. Kelechi Akuma. “The operation is done through small needle punctures on the groins to pass guide wires and catheters to deploy the aortic graft.”
HCA Florida Northwest Hospital’s dedicated surgical unit includes nine state-of-the-art surgical suites for performing both traditional and minimally invasive procedures. The facility’s highly trained surgeons are able to utilize the latest robotic technologies and techniques to perform complex operations with smaller incisions ensuring patient safety and comfort. This procedure requires the coordination of highly skilled experts from both the endovascular and surgical service lines.
“Only a few programs in South Florida have the capacity and technology to perform this type of procedure, the staff and physicians at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital are well-trained and proficient at all new procedures and techniques,” said Dr. Neil Galindez. “TEVAR results are excellent with low rate of complications when compared to open surgical thoracic aortic repair. We are excited to perform our first TEVAR procedure, which will be the first of many performed at Northwest.”
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 more than 30 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.
