The Iowa Vascular Institute
Surgeons: David Chew, MD; Laurie Kuestner, MD; W. Michael Park, MD
The Iowa Vascular Institute inlcudes 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 Iowa Heart Center.
Iowa Vascular Institute surgeons are available for phone consultation, and include the referrer as a vital 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.
The peripheral vascular staff also works closely with radiologists and interventionalists to provide percutaneous dilitation, balloon procedures, stenting and angiography.
Common vascular surgical procedures include:
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Carotid endarterectomy
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Aortic surgery for aneurysmal or occlusive disease
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Complex revascularization of the lower extremities
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Arteriography and angioplasty
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Stent placement
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Dialysis access
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Thrombolytic therapy of dialysis grafts for arterial and/or venous occlusion
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Vertebral artery reconstruction
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Visceral artery reconstruction
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Thoracic outlet surgery
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Endoscopic treatment of venous ulcerations
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Treatment of hyperhidrosis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Carotid
Carotid disease is a progressive disorder that requires close review and follow-up. Endarterectomy, when necessary, is performed under either local or general anesthesia. Patient management is a collaboration of the surgeon and referrer 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 aggressively try non-surgical treatment before intervention, if appropriate.
Aneurysms
The Center’s surgeons closely follow aneurysm patients, performing surgical intervention when warranted. Iowa Heart Center. 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.
