Vascular Surgery Research

The Division of Vascular Surgery is actively involved in clinical research. Current research projects include:

• Evaluation of the effect of aggressive therapy with Simvastatin on atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the carotid arteries
• Evaluation of the effect of aggressive therapy with Simvastatin on lower extremity arterial occlusive disease
• Evaluation of an anticoagulation protocol for extending the patency of cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts.

It has accomplished some pioneering studies in the use of intravascular ultrasound during endovascular reconstructive procedures, and the results have been published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery, the Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery and the American Journal of Surgery.

The clinical significance of mobile atheromata in the aortic arch and other great vessels has been evaluated, and results of this study were published in the American Journal of Surgery. A second article concerning mobile atheromata and the risk of associated carotid disease has also been published in the American Journal of Surgery.

A comparison of drug vs. transesophageal pacing for blood pressure and heart rate control during carotid endarterectomy has been a collaborative research effort with the Department of Anesthesia and has led to some important patient safety and economic conclusions. Results were published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Anesthesia. Additionally, critical pathways for all of the various major categories of vascular surgical therapy have been developed and are monitored on an ongoing basis. Hopefully, this improves both the quality and value of vascular surgical services.

The Division of Vascular Surgery is also actively involved in continuing medical education programs sponsored by The Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Medicine and Scott & White. The staff participates as faculty in at least five or more continuing medical education courses on an annual basis and views this as an important educational role for the division.

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