Vascular Center

Program Overview

The Most Advanced Treatment for Vascular Disease in the Region

When the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease is made and treatment is needed, the Vascular Center at Boston Medical Center offers comprehensive care, including minimally invasive techniques, through one of the most advanced multidisciplinary teams of specialists in the region.

One Referral Delivers Four Integrated Disciplines: Cardiology, Interventional Neurology, Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery

The Vascular Center at Boston Medical Center is a multidisciplinary practice specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care with maximum convenience. For referring physicians, this means a one-call referral with coordinated follow-up. We see the primary care physician as an important part of the patient's care team, with whom we promptly share test results, treatment plans and follow-up evaluations.

Combining the expertise of cardiologists, interventional neurologists, radiologists and vascular surgeons, we provide comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions that can afflict the circulatory system. When necessary, particularly in cases where coexisting diseases may complicate treatment, we also call upon colleagues from other disciplines such as neurosurgery, nephrology and cardiac surgery.

As leaders in the field, our emphasis is on minimally invasive treatment wherever possible, but we also offer surgical care, medical management and access to clinical trials to ensure that patients get optimal personalized care.

Our modern vascular suites and treatment rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that one would expect to find at the nation's top hospitals, and our dedicated support staff is committed to personalized, empathetic patient care.

Our Patient-Centered Approach to Exceptional Care

The incidence of vascular disease has been steadily rising over the past 20 years and will continue to increase as the baby-boom generation ages. Our goal is to save limbs, save lives and improve the quality of life for all our patients.

The revolution in medical technology means that we can, in most cases, achieve our goal with minimally invasive procedures and treatments that lower risks and dramatically reduce the length and discomfort of recovery. In short, we seek to do as much for the patient, while doing as little to the patient, as possible.

Contact

Please direct referrals and questions to The Vascular Center at Boston Medical Center at (617) 414-3211 or toll-free at (877) BMC-3211, or fax referrals to (617) 414-1698.

Our Team

Cardiology and Vascular Medicine
Robert T. Eberhardt, MD
Naomi Hamburg, MD
David Litvak, MD
Zoran S. Nedeljkovic, MD

Neurology
Carlos Kase, MD
Thanh Nguyen, MD, FRCPC

Radiology
Nii-Kabu Kabutey, MD
Ducksoo Kim, MD
Alexander Norbash, MD
Rajendran Vilvendhan, MD

Vascular Surgery
Alik Farber, MD
Jonathan Woodson, MD

Services

Advancing the Care and Treatment of Patients with Vascular Disease

The symptoms and complications of vascular disease can range from relatively benign, such as mild discomfort or cosmetic needs in the case of varicose veins, to more severe conditions, such as blockages of critical arteries that can lead to ischemia, gangrene or stroke.

Fortunately, minimally invasive procedures are available to treat most vascular disease and help prevent their most serious complications. Our comprehensive approach to patient care begins with optimal medical therapy prior to these endovascular therapies.

Generally speaking, treatments at The Vascular Center at Boston Medical Center fall into six major categories:

Stroke prevention: Occlusive disease of the carotid, subclavian or innominate arteries can lead to stroke and even death. Angioplasty and stents are effective techniques for restoring blood flow to these arteries, thus preventing stroke.

Circulation in the lower extremities: Poor circulation to the legs caused by vascular disease in the iliac, femoral, popliteal or tibial arteries leads to pain when walking, called claudication, and also causes foot pain at rest. Poor circulation can also prevent wound healing and lead to gangrene. Angioplasty, stents, covered stents and atherectomy can restore circulation, alleviate pain and improve wound healing.

Renal artery disease: Occlusive disease of renal arteries can lead to a host of complications ranging from hypertension to kidney failure. Renal angioplasty and stenting can relieve symptoms and prevent complications caused by renal artery disease.

Aneurysms: These localized, arterial dilations can be fatal because aneurysms can rupture. Although aneurysms most often occur in the aorta, they can occur elsewhere as well. Depending on the location, treatment may include stent grafts or embolization therapy.

Varicose veins, venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis: Venous disease is very common. Venous insufficiency (VI) occurs when leg veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart, causing legs to swell or feel heavy, tired, restless or achy. In some cases, VI may cause varicose veins. Deep venous thrombosis is the formation of a clot in the deep veins of the leg. A variety of minimally invasive procedures is available to treat venous disease of the legs, including angioplasty, stents, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy and thrombolysis.

Endovascular maintenance of hemodialysis access: Patients on dialysis often have problems associated with maintaining the vascular health and patency of their fistulas. To facilitate hemodialysis treatment, we assist with catheter placement, and provide arterial venous fistula and graft declotting and revision procedures when necessary.