By: Rod White, M.D., medical director, vascular surgery services, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Long Beach Medical Center
Through innovative cardiac research, the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute team at Long Beach Medical Center, is leading the way in more effective minimally invasive surgeries and treatments for patients. Through this research, the team is providing innovative medications, devices and therapies for the community — long before they are available elsewhere.
Innovative Research
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute team is actively researching the newest generation of low-profile thoracic endovascular stents, as well as custom-modified stents created for each patient’s specific anatomy.
Stents are used to restore blood flow in a blocked or damaged artery. Endovascular stents are a more revolutionary approach in stenting to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms – weakening of the aorta which may lead to rupture.
Through research at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, the team has both pioneered and developed a specialized stent and catheter that can be inserted through an artery in the leg up to the aorta, patching it up without invasive surgery. Long Beach Medical Center is also researching ways to make the stents unique to each patient’s anatomy rather than utilizing a one-size-fits-all approach. These stents allow treatment of patients that may not be candidates at other locations.
Research Legacy
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute has a rich history of innovation and pioneering diagnostics and treatments in the cardiac field, including exercise stress testing and pacemakers. The program continues to advance heart and vascular research through innovative clinical trials and a team of dedicated professionals.
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center is one of California’s most comprehensive centers for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease. Nationally recognized, it provides advanced care for complex heart conditions including heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias and peripheral vascular disease.
To find a MemorialCare cardiovascular specialist, visit memorialcare.org/HeartVascular.