Mar 11, 2024
OLEAN, N.Y. — A significant milestone was reached at Olean General Hospital when Dr. Thomas Langan performed the hospital’s first-ever endovascular aneurysm repair procedure.
A critical EVAR procedure is performed to manage abdominal aortic aneurysms. In this specific case, the patient had a saccular, infrarenal aortic aneurysm, which has an increased risk of rupturing causing a life-threatening incident.
“When aneurysms rupture, they can be deadly,” Langan, a board-certified vacular surgeon, said. “Roughly 50% of those who suffer from a ruptured aortic aneurysm die before they reach the hospital. For patients who receive emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm, the 30-day mortality is 30-70%. So, the overall rate of death for those who suffer from a ruptured aortic aneurysm is 65-85%.”
The goal of this elective EVAR is to place a stent graft to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. The minimally invasive procedure was performed last month by creating punctures in the blood vessel, smaller than the size of a dime, of each groin and adding a stent graft in the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel, to exclude the aneurysm from the pressure of continued blood flow.
“By performing an EVAR procedure, my goal is to extend the life expectancy of patients with aortic aneurysms as well as prevent potentially fatal events,” Langan said.
After the successful procedure, the patient stayed one night at OGH to ensure there were no post-surgical complications. Nearly all patients who undergo an EVAR procedure with this approach are able to go home after one night of medical observation.
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Langan onboard as a part of our UAHS physician network,” said Dr. Jill Owens, president of Upper Allegheny Health System, which operates OGH and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center. “As our new vascular surgeon, Dr. Langan’s expertise is bringing new life to our healthcare system. He’s providing services and introducing new techniques that haven’t previously been performed in our region.”
Langan’s practice is located in the Comprehensive Vascular Center, located on the ground floor of 623 Main St. Appointments may be made by calling (716) 701-7035.
Owens said Langan will also be an important component of growth for BRMC; once credentialed in Pennsylvania, he will perform procedures in a new vascular clinic at BRMC.
“This first-ever EVAR procedure is just the beginning of opportunities for growth with these new vascular services,” Owens said. “We are determined to reform our local healthcare system that provides high-quality care and essential services close to home while creating financial sustainability.”
Langan earned his medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
His treatment specialties also include carotid artery disease, occlusive peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysmal disease, venous disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE). Procedures he will conduct include carotid endarterectomy, transcarotid artery revascularization, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, peripheral vascular bypass surgery, endovascular angioplasty and stenting, phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, suction and mechanical thrombectomy and embolectomy.