Kaleida Health Performs Groundbreaking TAMBE Procedure for Complex Aortic Aneurysm Disease

Updated: Thursday, October 31, 2024 2:26 PM

Kaleida Health Performs Groundbreaking TAMBE Procedure for Complex Aortic Aneurysm Disease

Kaleida Health proudly announces it has performed its first FDA-approved GORE^® EXCLUDER^® Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) procedure, a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment for complex aortic disease. The landmark procedure was successfully completed by Kaleida Health vascular surgeons Linda Harris, MD, and Brittany Montross, MD, marking a unique achievement led by two female vascular surgeons.

The TAMBE procedure represents a significant advancement for patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, which are complex and life-threatening conditions. Known as the "Pulse of Life," the aorta is the primary artery that transports blood from the heart to the body. A thoracoabdominal aneurysm, a bulge in the aorta extending through the chest and abdominal regions, poses a high risk of rupture and has a survival rate of only 20 percent if ruptured. Traditional open surgery for these aneurysms is highly invasive, requiring a lengthy recovery period and presenting greater risks. However, with TAMBE, Kaleida Health now offers patients a safer, faster alternative that avoids open surgery.

"This new technique requires only small punctures in the groin and a minimal incision below the collarbone," explained Dr. Linda Harris, vascular surgeon at Kaleida Health. "By taking this approach, we can reduce hospital stays and recovery time significantly, while also minimizing procedural risk, making a world of difference for our patients."

During the TAMBE procedure, the custom-designed TAMBE device is guided through the groin to the aorta, where a stent graft is implanted to reroute flow through the device instead of through the weakened aneurysmal (ballooned) arterial wall and restore blood flow. Unique to this device, built-in ports connect the primary stent graft to additional stent grafts that are placed, allowing blood flow to crucial organs like the kidneys and intestines. This FDA-approved technology is the first of its kind in the United States, providing unprecedented capabilities to treat these complex aneurysms.

Patient Success Story

The first patient to undergo the TAMBE procedure at Kaleida Health on Tuesday, October 29 is a 71-year-old man with a history of a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. He initially presented several years previously for unrelated procedures but was quickly diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm that posed an immediate risk of rupture. He underwent urgent repair of the aneurysm below the kidney arteries and was monitored for the second aneurysm. The upper part of his aneurysm continued to grow and reached over 6 cm, threatening his life. The TAMBE procedure provided a safe and effective solution to address his complex condition, reducing the risk of rupture and offering a faster path to recovery.

Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms

Most aortic aneurysms have no symptoms unless ruptured and are found incidentally on imaging studies or physical exam. Common signs of an aortic aneurysm may include sudden chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, and symptoms of shock in severe cases. Patients with a family history of aneurysms, or smokers over the age of 65 are advised to undergo at least a one-time screening to determine if they have an aneurysm. Patients with small aneurysms should be followed by vascular surgeons who will help them determine appropriate timing for repair depending on their overall health and options for repair.

For more information about TAMBE and other advanced treatments available at Kaleida Health, please visit www.kaleidahealth.org.