Endovascular Surgery Expert Witnesses
The support you need for malpractice and injury cases involving blood vessels
Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive surgery designed to access many regions of the body via major blood vessels. Endovascular techniques were originally designed for diagnostic purposes. In recent years, however, the development of intravascular balloons, stents, and coils has allowed new therapies to replace traditional surgeries. As a result, endovascular surgery is now a rapidly growing field.
Following medical school, endovascular surgeons must complete a general surgery residency program, typically lasting five years. They must then complete a fellowship program, which can range from one to two years. During the fellowship, they receive specialized training in endovascular surgery, including diagnostic techniques, non-invasive treatments, and interventional procedures. After completing the fellowship, physicians can become board-certified in endovascular surgery by passing the qualifying exam administered by the American Board of Surgery (ABS).
Some procedures performed by endovascular surgeons include:
- Angioplasty: A procedure to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels by inflating a small balloon within the vessel.
- Stenting: A procedure to insert a small, metal mesh tube (stent) into a blood vessel to help keep it open and improve blood flow.
- Aneurysm repair: A procedure to treat an enlarged or weakened area of an artery by placing a stent graft to reinforce the weakened area.
- Embolization: A procedure to block or reduce blood flow to an abnormal blood vessel or tumor by injecting a material that blocks the vessel.
- Thrombolysis: A procedure to dissolve a blood clot in a blood vessel by injecting medication directly into the clot.
- Arteriovenous fistula creation: A procedure to create a connection between an artery and a vein to provide access for hemodialysis in patients with kidney failure.
- Venous access procedures: A procedure to insert a catheter into a vein to allow for long-term administration of medications, fluids, or blood products.
The difference between endovascular surgery and traditional, “open” vascular surgery is the treatment modality. Endovascular surgery uses catheters and needles to access blood vessels in a minimally invasive manner. In contrast, open vascular surgery uses incisions to reach the veins.
What is endovascular surgery malpractice?
As with any type of surgery, malpractice in endovascular surgery is a serious matter. Some examples of endovascular surgery malpractice include:
- Failure to properly diagnose and treat a vascular condition.
- Improper use of medical devices such as stents or surgical tools.
- Failure to obtain informed consent.
- Anesthesia errors.
- Damaging blood vessels or nerves during surgery.
The role of an endovascular surgeon as an expert witness
In cases involving traumatic injuries to the blood vessels, such as arterial and venous tears or ruptures, aneurysms, and blockages, an endovascular surgeon can review medical records and provide expert testimony on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of injuries related to the blood vessels. Damage to the major blood vessels can have a significant effect on the victim’s future and quality of life. An endovascular surgeon can evaluate the plaintiff's injuries and provide an opinion on the long-term effects, including potential future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity.
Experienced, Board-Certified endovascular surgery expert witnesses
In cases involving endovascular injuries or endovascular malpractice, the right expert witness can make a dramatic difference in the outcome. Since 1986, Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been helping attorneys find highly qualified, objective medical expert witnesses in nearly all medical specialties. Contact us today for a free case summary review.