Aggressive Diagnosis & Medical Management Best for Asymptomatic PAD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) puts people at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, amputation and other vascular-related conditions, but is significantly underdiagnosed. "These are very vulnerable patients," says Michael S. Conte, MD, chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and one of the country's leading PAD experts. "Most are over 70. Many are diabetics or smokers or both, and have other vascular conditions - and many are asymptomatic. Moreover, the course of the disease in individual patients is unpredictable. That's why physicians must be especially diligent in looking for PAD in at-risk populations."

UCSF Offers New Technology to Improve Safety of Carotid Artery Stenting

UCSF Vascular Surgeons, led by Dr. Darren Schneider, have introduced a new  "flow reversal" system designed to improve the safety of carotid artery stenting procedures.   The FDA approved the first flow reversal system for clinical use earlier this month based upon the results of a recently completed clinical trial.  Flow reversal systems temporarily redirect blood flow away from the brain during carotid artery stent placement to reduce the risk of embolic stroke.  Flow reversal is achieved by selectively occluding the carotid artery proximal to the carotid artery narrowing and establishing an arteriovenous shunt. ... For more information about this exciting new technology and carotid artery stents, contact Dr. Schneider at UCSF Vascular Surgery.

Michael Conte, M.D. Assumes Leadership as Chief of Newly Renamed Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

Michael Conte, M.D. recently assumed the leadership of the newly renamed Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery as its Chief. Dr. Conte was previously on the faculty at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Dr. Conte's clinical and research expertise encompass carotid artery disease, diabetic vascular disease, diseases of the aorta/visceral vessels, and peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Conte will also play a key role in the scientific work  at  the Laboratory for Accelerated Vascular Research  and at the Heart and Vascular Center at the UCSF Medical Center.

Gene is Likely Cause of Stroke-Inducing Vascular Malformations

"UCSF scientists have discovered that a gene controlling whether blood vessels differentiate into arteries or veins during embryonic development is linked to a vascular disorder in the brain that causes stroke.

The UCSF studies were done in mice, and the new findings are the first to provide information on both the progression and regression of this particular brain disorder, known as BAVM, and to provide molecular clues into the disease, which is not well-understood and chiefly affects young people."

Wang Lab Researcher Develops Microscope

Vascular research in Dr. Rong Wang's lab in the Laboratory for Acclerated Vascular Research at UCSF has taken a powerful new turn with the building of a state-of-the-art two-photon laser microscope.

"We've all heard the saying 'if you want something done right, do it yourself.' Well, there's a research lab a UCSF that's done just that. And the piece of equipment they've built could give them several years head start in a critical field of research."

Timothy A.M. Chuter, MD, Presented SVS Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery

"Dr. Timothy A.M. Chuter was presented the Society for Vascular Surgery Medal for Innovation in Vascular Surgery at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery on June 6, 2008. Dr. Chuter has been a leading developer of the technology utilized in endovascular treatment of vascular disease for over 20 years. The medal recognizes individuals whose contribution has had a transforming impact on the practice or science of vascular surgery."

Endoprosthesis to Treat Aneurisms

UCSF Vascular Surgeon Darren Schneider was recently featured on the show "Healthy Mind - Healthy Body" on ITV (Information Television Networks).  The program explored the relationship between thoracic aneurysms in the chest area, and aortic aneurysms near the abdomen.

UCSF vascular surgeons develop new technique to repair aortic arch aneurysm

A novel treatment developed by UCSF vascular surgeons has been used in a first-of-its-kind operation to repair a life-threatening aneurysm in the patient's aortic arch, which carries blood from the heart.