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Vascular Surger
Director: Andy Lee, M.D.

The Division of Vascular Surgery at NYHQ treats large numbers of patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease, aneurysmal disease, and vascular trauma. Our specialists are particularly known for their experience with complex lower extremity revascularization procedures, carotid artery surgery, abdominal aortic surgery, and dialysis access surgery. Non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of venous and lymphatic conditions is also available. Patients benefit from an experience that has translated into mortality rates of only 2% in complex aneurysm surgery and stroke rates of 1.8% in carotid endarterectomy. These results are comparable to those reported from the largest centers in the United States.

In addition to proficiency in treating these common vascular problems, our Division has the experience and ability to treat many of the more unusual and difficult challenges often encountered in a large medical center. Complex vascular trauma, surgery of the great vessels, renal artery and mesenteric artery revascularization procedures are also undertaken with excellent clinical outcomes. Thoracoabdominal aneurysms and dissections are treated using a multi-disciplinary approach in conjunction with the Department of Cardiothoracic surgery.

The Division is aggressively pursuing the expanding role of endovascular, or minimally invasive, vascular surgery procedures. Angioplasty and stenting of renal, mesenteric, and iliac artery occlusive disease can spare many patients the need for a major abdominal procedure. Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair has become routine in the management of many patients with this potentially life-threatening condition. As technology improves, it is anticipated that many patients with carotid disease, thoracic aneurysms, and distal lower extremity disease will also benefit from these techniques. Our experience with both conventional and endovascular approaches to vascular disease allows us to tailor treatment options to each individual patient.

Monthly Vascular Surgery Conferences are held for surgical residents and attendings, and Vascular rounds give an opportunity for the staff to supervise and teach residents about surgical topics and patient care. In addition to our full-time staff, voluntary vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and cardiologists are invited to Vascular Surgery Conferences in order to promote discussion and exchange of ideas amongst our physicians.

In summary, the Division of Vascular Surgery at New York Hospital Queens delivers state of the art care to patients with a wide variety of vascular diagnoses. Basing treatment on appropriate indications, attention to technical details, and the ability to customize treatment based on individual patient needs all contribute to the excellent clinical results that our patients enjoy.