Innovation & Collaboration Improves Outcomes for Complex Aortic Interventions

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 9, 2025) – Once a month, WakeMed hosts an internal Aortic Conference for surgeons and caregivers from various disciplines to discuss these complex patient cases. During these meetings, clinical decisions are made through collaboration and open dialogue based on the latest research, guidelines and each patient’s unique situation.

Key players in this collaborative effort include Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Judson Williams and Vascular Surgeon Dr. Christopher McQuinn.

“When we collaborate, it’s like every patient gets a second or third opinion because we’re all weighing in with our individual expertise and perspectives,” explains Dr. McQuinn. “We work together to evaluate each patient’s situation – to include their diagnosis, health history and unique anatomical considerations – to find the very best approach.”

Alongside collaboration, innovation is critical for patients with complex aortic conditions because the field is changing rapidly. Our experts are leading the way by offering the latest procedures and new, advanced devices to treat these conditions. For example, WakeMed offers Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair, also known as FEVAR, a newer procedure that allows surgeons to repair the aorta through small incisions while preserving critical blood flow to the arteries leading to kidneys and other organs.

Similarly, Dr. McQuinn was one of the first vascular surgeons in the state to use the new GORE® EXCLUDER® Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE). TAMBE gives patients with aortic aneurysms a minimally invasive option that offers a lower risk of complications, faster recovery time and a shorter hospital stay.

Currently, the team is working together to advance care for patients with problems near the aortic arch. One of the most delicate areas, it is located near the arteries that provide blood flow to the brain. These patients are at greater risk for stroke, making careful collaboration critical.

“Due to the complexity of these cases and the anatomy involved, complex aortic interventions have historically had higher levels of mortality and morbidity than other cardiovascular procedures,” explains Dr. Williams.

“Through innovation and collaboration, our aim is to improve outcomes and quality of life and decrease surgical complications – and it’s absolutely working. WakeMed maintains the very highest quality ratings and outcomes as recognized by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.”

About the Heart

Comprised of the heart and its four chambers, valves and vessels, the circulatory system is prone to some incredibly complex problems. For this reason, having more experts involved in your care can lead to better outcomes. Fortunately, WakeMed Heart & Vascular takes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to
caring for patients – particularly those who need a complex aortic intervention.

What is a Complex Aortic Intervention?

In layman’s terms, a complex aortic intervention is a surgical procedure designed to resolve problems occurring in the aorta and its surrounding valves and vessels – such as an aortic aneurysm, dissection or ulcer. These problems often come with no symptoms but can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly.

During the past decade, procedures to address these serious problems have evolved significantly, leading to more minimally invasive options and newer devices that help make surgery safer. Still, these procedures require advanced diagnosis, planning and collaboration to ensure every patient receives the very best plan of care – which is dependent on their unique circumstances.

About WakeMed

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 1,003-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 165 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes nearly 12,000 employees, 1,200 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 800 physicians and advanced practice providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.