Vascular and Interventional Procedure Clinic

Dr. Guimaraes talks to a new patient

Since the 1990s the Vascular and Interventional Radiology (VIR) Division at MUSC Hospital has been working on the cutting edge of the development of minimally-invasive procedures guided by imaging.

Vascular and interventional specialists have been the pioneers of balloon angioplasty and stent placement to treat peripheral arterial disease.  Here at MUSC, our VIR team works in close collaboration with oncology, vascular, cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology physicians. Also, the VIR division has assisted several other specialities in a multidisciplinary approach of patients from MUSC and elsewhere.

Dr. Guimaraes talks to a patientThe VIR Division has five interventional specialists who perform more than 50 types of minimally-invasive procedures.  These procedures include treatments for arterial and venous disease (atherosclerosis, blood clots, varicose veins) and some cancers. Vascular disease in the lower extremities, carotid, renal, mesenteric arteries and aorta are treated by this group of physicians and very often in conjunction with other vascular specialists. Cancer patients, especially the ones with primary or metastatic disease in the liver and lungs, can benefit from the minimally invasive techniques such as computed tomography guided ablations and selective transcatheter arterial chemo-embolizations and radio-embolizations.  

A dedicated Vascular and Interventional Procedure (VIP) Clinic was created in 2010 to provide quality comprehensive medical care focused on patient care services.  We work in collaboration with referring primary care physicians and other medical specialists in a multidisciplinary, respectful and professional way. The clinic helps educate patients so that they know what the procedures are about, as well as the risks and benefits involved, enhancing understanding, confidence and trust in the patient-interventionist relationship.

The VIP Clinic is dedicated to accommodating patients for both pre- and post operative procedures and for the screening of patients with peripheral arterial disease, with a focus on patient education, prevention and early management of peripheral vascular disease which is highly prevalent in the Low Country.

This clinic takes place weekly on Thursday afternoons in the Ashley River Tower, an easily accessible location here at the Medical University of South Carolina. 

To schedule an appointment, call (843) 876-5558 or (843) 792-9730.

Learn about Peripheral Vascular Disease.

New implated stent system evaluates blood flow
from the Catalyst, April 1, 2011

MUSC became one of the first centers nationwide to implant the MISAGO Self-expanding Stent System, as part of a clinical trial evaluating the system's ability to improve blood flow to the lower extremities for patients suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

The clinical trial, called the Occlusive/Stenotic Peripheral artery REvascularization Study (OSPREY) in the U.S., will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the stent system for use in the superficial femoral artery (SFA), the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the legs and feet.

For patients suffering from PAD, the MISAGO stent system offers a way to improve blood flow to clogged vessels that supply blood to the lower extremities. An estimated eight million Americans suffer from PAD, with the most common symptoms including cramping, pain or tiredness of the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. Most cases of PAD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical therapy; however, left untreated, this condition can lead to gangrene and amputation of the affected limb.

Marcelo Guimaraes, M.D., MUSC assistant professor of vascular & interventional radiology and principal investigator on the study, said MUSC is pleased to be a part of this landmark trial.

"This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be a part of the first international initiative to streamline the regulatory process to facilitate future medical device approvals between countries. I believe this is also important, because it will increase the population awareness of peripheral arterial disease, its symptoms, how to prevent it and how to manage it adequately."  Click here to read entire article.