Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2018 - 8

from the groin to just above the

he was healthy enough to return

knee. Because his left leg had a more

home and walk painlessly again.

severe blockage that was causing him

"Dr. Arosemena was really great

"It is so important not to smoke
and to eat a heart-healthy diet to
prevent plaque buildup in the arter-

pain, he needed an open surgical pro-

about explaining everything to me and

ies," says Dr. Arosemena. "Patients

cedure to bypass the long blockage

made sure I understood every step of

with diabetes should particularly take

artery on that leg."

the process," says Gresens. "I was back

good care of their feet and watch

on my feet almost immediately and

out for loss of sensation or wound

SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

went back to work after two weeks.

developments, which could signal

Within several weeks, Gresens

I feel great and don't have any more

vascular problems. In addition, every-

returned to UM BWMC for a bypass

pain when walking."

one should have their blood pressure

graft surgery with Dr. Arosemena.

Gresens will have yearly follow-

checked regularly and have routine

ups with the Vascular Center to make

checkups with their physician to stay

incisions at the groin and above the

sure his arteries remain healthy and

on top of any health changes that

knee to access the diseased artery. Using

to monitor the narrowed artery in his

could signal vascular disease."

prosthetic graft, we redirected the blood

other leg, which will eventually require

flow from the artery just before the

surgical intervention to prevent pain

blockage at the groin to a healthier one.

and further damage.

"The procedure involved making small

This ensures he is receiving adequate
his pain, burning and cramping when

PREVENTING
VASCULAR DISEASE

walking," says Dr. Arosemena.

To prevent peripheral artery disease

circulation throughout his legs, relieving

The bypass surgery was complete

and other forms of vascular disease,

in two hours. Gresens spent several

Dr. Arosemena recommends making

days in the hospital to make sure

several healthy lifestyle changes.

FREE SEMINAR
Discover how the vascular system impacts your overall health,
and how to prevent cardiovascular disease, at our BWELL
lecture on Wednesday, May 30.
See page 15 for details.

SUPPORTING EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR VASCULAR HEALTH
The Vascular Center at UM Baltimore
Washington Medical Center provides the
full spectrum of vascular care-prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and recovery-all
under one roof. Our staff is comprised of
nationally and internationally recognized
experts with experience in all forms
of vascular problems, treated surgically
and nonsurgically.
Located on the first floor of the medical
center, the Vascular Center features consultation exam rooms and the noninvasive
vascular laboratory so initial diagnostic testing (when required) can be completed on
the same day as the patient's appointment.
These tests could include CT scan, MRI/
MRA, ultrasound studies and blood testing.
In most cases, test results are immediately

8 MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

available and can be reviewed during the
appointment, allowing for an efficient visit
with no need for outside testing.
When more detailed or invasive diagnostic testing is required, or if minimally invasive endovascular treatments are planned,
these procedures are performed in the

UM BWMC's
vascular
surgery team.

state-of-the-art endovascular suite. This facility,
adjacent to the Vascular Center, was designed
to encompass the latest in imaging and endovascular treatment technologies.
When minimally invasive treatment is
not possible or appropriate, open surgery
may be necessary to treat certain pathologies. Our highly experienced, board-certified
vascular surgeons work with patients and
their families to choose the safest and most
effective treatment plan.
Many patients have mild or moderate
vascular disease that may be successfully
managed with medical treatments alone.
Regular checkups in the vascular lab allow
our team to be certain that the problem
is not worsening, and our specialists can help
promote patients' lifelong vascular health.

Visit umbwmc.org/healthy to meet our vascular team through online videos.

http://www.umbwmc.org/healthy

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2018