Program Overview
The two-year ACGME-accredited training program in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Wake Forest University Health Sciences is distinguished by several strengths:
- A large volume of open vascular surgery with an emphasis on complex aortic, renal and visceral artery repair.
- A large volume of both diagnostic and therapeutic endovascular procedures,
- A service-oriented operating team and endovascular suite equipped with fixed fluoroscopic equipment.
- A fully accredited, non-invasive vascular laboratory performing over 13,000 non-invasive studies annually.
- A research experience providing didactic instruction and in-depth involvement in both basic science and clinical projects.
Beginning July 2006, two accredited positions are offered in each of the two years. In the first year, the trainees combine a research experience with clinical training. The clinical experience is supplemented with didactic, audited course work in clinical research through the Division of Public Health Sciences. In addition, the year emphasizes the use and interpretation of non-invasive vascular studies. In the second year, the Fellows acquire extensive experience in all aspects of diagnostic testing, medical management, endovascular intervention and open vascular surgery. Involvement in all phases of patient evaluation and treatment provide a unique educational experience for the trainee in pursuit of a career in complex vascular surgery.
Beginning July 2008, the Vascular Surgery Service is one of ten distinct Departments within the Division of Surgical Sciences. The teaching service is comprised of five Vascular Surgery Teaching Faculty, one Vascular Medicine Teaching Faculty, four Vascular Fellows, a PGY-3 General Surgery Resident, and 3 PGY-1 General Surgery Interns. A dedicated Nurse Practitioner, Pharm-D, and Social Worker support the Teaching Service. The 11-bed Intensive Care Unit is shared with General Surgery. All inpatients are admitted to a single hospital floor dedicated to vascular patients and all vascular patients are managed by the Vascular Surgery Service throughout their perioperative evaluation and hospital stay.
The most distinguishing aspect of the Vascular Training Program at Wake Forest is the balance between the research and clinical experience, as well as the balance between complex branch aortic reconstructions and endovascular procedures. The training program at Wake Forest has a large volume of aortic and branch aortic reconstructions performed annually. During the 2007-2008 academic year, 159 aortic and branch aortic repairs were performed. From July 2004 thru June 2007, 270 renal artery and mesenteric reconstructions were performed. Of these, 134 renal artery cases represented catheter-based intervention, while 72 renal artery reconstructions were by open technique. This case complexity provides a unique educational opportunity for those trainees interested in the comprehensive care of vascular disease.
The open surgical experience is complemented by an extensive endovascular experience. The 2007-2008 second year Vascular Fellows performed over 820 endovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This educational experience is supported by a state-of-the-art operating suite dedicated to endovascular procedures and two dedicated vascular surgery technologists, who assist in all cases.
An important component of patient care and Fellowship training is the Clinical Vascular Laboratory. This facility is a fully accredited, non-invasive vascular laboratory equipped for all venous and arterial examinations. In the 2007-2008 academic year, the laboratory completed over 13,000 non-invasive studies, including more than 300 intraoperative completion studies. The newly acquired 3,300 square foot laboratory space includes office space for Vascular Fellows at all levels of training. At completion, the Fellow will posses experience and expertise with the methodology, interpretation and quality control of non-invasive vascular testing necessary to establish and direct an accredited vascular laboratory.