The Iowa Vascular Institute at Iowa Heart Center

Surgeons: David Chew, MD; Laurie Kuestner, MD; W. Michael Park, MD

The Iowa Vascular Institute includes vascular surgeons, cardiologists, mid-level providers, nursing and clinical care staff, along with managers and technology staff, who are dedicated to bringing world-class vascular disease care to the Iowa Heart Center.

Iowa Vascular Institute surgeons are available for phone consultation, and include your personal physician as a member of the patient care team. The surgeons also promote healthy lifestyle choices among their patients through smoking cessation, dietary management, exercise and vitamin therapy.

Common vascular surgical procedures include:

• Carotid endarterectomy
• Aortic surgery for aneurysmal or occlusive disease
• Complex revascularization of the lower extremities
• Arteriography and angioplasty
• Stent placement
• Dialysis access
• Thrombolytic therapy of dislysis grafts for arterial and/or venous occlusion
• Vertebral artery reconstruction
• Visceral artery reconstruction
• Thoracic outlet surgery
• Endoscopic treatment of venous ulcerations
• Treatment of hyperhidrosis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Carotid

Carotid disease is a progressive disorder that requires close review and follow-up. The condition can lead to stroke if not managed appropriately. Patient management is a collaboration of the surgeon, patient and personal physician to ensure timely surgical intervention.

Venous

Comprehensive treatment programs are offered for venous stasis disease and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Other in-office procedures include minor surgeries and wound debridement.

Cosmetic varicosities

Sclerotherapy treatments are tailored to eliminate spider veins and ease leg discomfort.

Peripheral vascular

The center offers comprehensive management for patients with peripheral vascular disease, including thoracic, subclavian, portal, mesenteric, renal, aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and distal occlusive disease. The philosophy is to try aggressive, non-surgical treatment before more invasive interventions are necessary.

Aneurysms

The center’s surgeons closely follow aneurysm patients, performing surgical intervention when warranted. Our surgeons also commonly handle thoracic abdominal aneurysms.

Other services/procedures

Other peripheral vascular services offered include hemodialysis access, sympathectomy (which may be used to alleviate hyperhidrosis), thoracic outlet syndrome, vasculitis and vaso-spastic syndromes and arterial venous malformations. The center’s surgeons also pursue aggressive treatment of complications related to diabetes, including the diabetic foot.