Medical College of Wisconsin Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Clinical Highlights and Programs

The Aortic Disease Program at Froedtert & MCW evaluates and treats the full spectrum of aortic disorders, including abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, and other complex aortic pathology. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of vascular surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular medicine specialists, and interventional radiologists combining medical, surgical, and radiologic expertise. Patients receive comprehensive diagnostic evaluation – including CT angiography, MRI, echocardiography, genetic testing when needed, and vascular ultrasound lab studies – to guide individualized treatment decisions.

Available treatments encompass minimally invasive and open techniques. Our program offers:

• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aneurysms.
• Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms or tears.
• Open surgical aneurysm repair, including graft replacement of diseased aorta when indicated, for all types of aortic aneurysms.
• Endovascular repair of the most complicated aneurysms, using specialized stenting techniques available at only a small number of hospitals nationwide.
• Additional vascular interventions as needed: stenting, angioplasty, and other endovascular procedures to address occlusive disease or vessel narrowing in the aorta or branch vessels.

This program also includes the Complex Aortic Clinic, a joint clinic staffed by vascular and cardiac surgeons for patients with challenging aortic conditions. The clinic supports coordinated evaluation and treatment planning, leveraging the full scope of available treatments to match each patient’s anatomy and disease specifics.

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Our Hemodialysis Access Program provides surgical and endovascular care to create and maintain vascular access for dialysis patients. Services include AV fistula and graft creation, maintenance, surveillance, and treatment of access-related complications. The program emphasizes longitudinal care and close monitoring to support stable, long-term access function and quality of life.

Because long-term access can be challenging, our team focuses on careful planning, timely intervention, and ongoing follow-up to optimize access longevity and reduce complications such as stenosis, thrombosis, or access failure.

The Limb Preservation Program provides comprehensive care for patients with limb-threatening conditions related to vascular disease, diabetes, chronic wounds, or trauma. A multidisciplinary team from vascular surgery, interventional radiology, vascular medicine, nutritionists, and wound care works together, in collaboration with our patients, assessing the underlying cause for limb-threatening ischemia and making plans to restore blood flow, promote healing, and reduce the risk of amputation.

Services include advanced imaging, wound management, medical therapy, and a full range of endovascular and surgical revascularization procedures. The program also offers a Vascular Second Opinion service and supports urgent evaluation of patients with acute limb-threatening conditions.

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The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Program evaluates and treats thoracic outlet syndrome of all types: arterial, venous, and neurogenic. Our experienced vascular surgeons assess arterial, venous, and nerve root compression at the thoracic outlet and use clinical evaluation and imaging to determine the best approach for each patient. Symptoms can be wide ranging and may include but are not limited to: arm swelling, arm discomfort, decreased circulation, and neuropathic symptoms in the arm and hand. Identifying the origins of the patient’s symptoms is integral to forming a treatment plan.

Management options include medical management, surgical decompression, and vascular reconstruction when needed, as well as endovascular procedures in select cases. Our team also works closely with other specialists involved in TOS care – physical therapy, physical medicine, hematology, neurology, interventional radiology – to support the comprehensive management of patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

The Venous & Vein Disease Program evaluates and treats a wide range of venous disorders, including varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and other complications of venous disease. Vascular and general surgeons collaborate with interventional radiologists and vascular medicine specialists, using diagnostic ultrasound and a variety of medical and procedural treatments to manage both routine and more complex venous conditions.

This care includes a dedicated Vein Clinic at the FORME Aesthetic and Vein Center. The clinic offers comprehensive evaluation and the full spectrum of minimally invasive, office-based treatments for venous disease. Options include sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, and multiple endovenous ablation techniques, such as endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal™, and Varithena™. Compression therapy is also available as a first-line option for symptom relief. Treatment plans are individualized, and most patients return to normal activities within a day.

Learn more about our Venous & Vein Disease Program