UAB Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy Professor Division Director Adam Beck, M.D., was featured on UAB’s MedCast Podcast to discuss non-fluoroscopic imaging and its potential in endovascular surgery.

In the podcast, Beck discusses various techniques for performing endovascular surgery and highlights how UAB is leading the way in minimally invasive aortic repairs.

Treatment at UAB with Non-Fluoroscopic Imaging

An advocate for innovation in vascular surgery, Beck explains that UAB had become one of few select institutions worldwide to gain access to a new technology that facilitates minimally invasive endovascular procedures while significantly reducing radiation exposure for both physicians and patients.

This new technology supplements and reduces the need for imaging requiring radiation (fluoroscopy) as well as potentially harmful contrast agents by incorporating fiberoptics into the wire -- allowing physicians to visualize the movement of the wire inside of blood vessels. Beck emphasizes that enhanced visibility of the blood vessels in combination with advanced 3-dimensional imaging technology facilitates the precise manipulation of catheters and wires, improves procedural efficiency, and minimizes the risk of accidental damage to the walls of the blood vessels.

"The UAB Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy specializes in treating patients with complex aortic aneurysms, including the use of customized patient-specific endografts. We are constantly improving our resources to enhance the efficiency of customized device placement for aortic aneurysms involving the branched segments of the aorta providing blood flow to the brain, arms, intestines and kidneys. These new technologies substantially decrease the risk of aortic repair in comparison to historical open surgical techniques" says Beck.

To listen to the full episode, visit the UAB MedCast website.