Lankenau Medical Center first in Pennsylvania to offer new treatment option for abdominal aortic aneurysms
The ALTO Abdominal Stent Graft System is a minimally-invasive treatment option for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). While minimally invasive treatments have long been available for the treatment of AAA, the ALTO system is unique because of its design—the size of the implant allows surgeons to treat patients with small vessels and challenging access, and an integrated balloon feature makes for an easier seal and long-term durability. As a result, minimally invasive AAA treatment is available to a broader range of patients.
“To be the first in the state to offer this treatment to our patients is exciting. The ALTO has a superior design that makes it a preferable option for providers but its most important feature is that it offers improved outcomes and allows us to improve the quality of life and survival rate for more patients than ever before,” says Dr. Meisner.
The aorta is the body’s main artery, carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged and weakened section, or “ballooning” of the aorta below the renal arteries that may require treatment to prevent it from bursting and causing serious internal bleeding. Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly with few—if any—symptoms and are more common among men age 65 and over, as well as people with a history of smoking or tobacco use. Depending on your personal health history, you may be eligible for an AAA screening.
Featuring a unique sealing technology, ALTO is the latest generation of low-profile polymer-based therapies for AAA treatment, offered exclusively by the Endologix Corporation. Endologix Inc. develops and manufactures minimally invasive treatments for aortic disorders. Additional information about the company can be found at www.endologix.com.
Lankenau Heart Institute offers a range of diagnostic and treatment options for AAA. Learn more or make an appointment with a vascular specialist.
About Main Line Health
Founded in 1985, Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system serving Philadelphia and its suburbs. Main Line Health's commitment — to deliver safe, high-quality, equitable and affordable care for treating and curing disease, playing an important role in prevention and disease management, as well as training physicians and other health care providers — reflects our intent to be the region's premier choice for clinical care, research, and education. A team of more than 13,000 employees and over 3,500 employed and independent physicians and advanced practice providers care for patients throughout Main Line Health.
At Main Line Health's core are four of the region's most respected acute care hospitals — Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital — as well as one of the nation's premier facilities for rehabilitative medicine, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.
Main Line Health also includes Mirmont Treatment Center for drug and alcohol recovery; Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice, which includes skilled home health care, hospice and home infusion services; Main Line Health Centers, primary and specialty care, lab and radiology, and other outpatient services located in Broomall, Collegeville, Concordville, Exton, King of Prussia and Newtown Square; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, a biomedical research organization; and Main Line HealthCare, one of the region's largest multispecialty physician networks.
Main Line Health is the recipient of numerous awards for quality care and service, including the prestigious American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Prize, highest tier ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for Overall Hospital Quality and systemwide recognition in the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Main Line Health is committed to creating an environment of diversity, respect, equity and inclusion, has proudly received awards in this area and has embraced the American Hospital Association's #123forEquity Pledge to Act to eliminate disparities in care. We are dedicated to advancing patient-centered care, education and research to help patients stay healthy and live their best lives.
For more information, visit mainlinehealth.org and connect with us on social media:
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About Lankenau Heart Institute
The Lankenau Heart Institute is Main Line Health's premier comprehensive cardiovascular medicine and surgery program. Lankenau Heart Institute brings together the clinical expertise of all four Main Line Health acute care hospitals and both the employed and community cardiology practices to ensure that patients receive a level of quality, service and experience that is unparalleled in the region. Through the systemwide coordination of services, Lankenau Heart Institute delivers preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative cardiovascular services at each of our locations including Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital.
Lankenau Heart Institute continues to be an innovator in the use of beating-heart techniques and robotic-assisted procedures for coronary artery revascularization, minimally invasive and transcatheter approaches for valve repair and replacement, complex aortic surgery and heart rhythm disorders. With our growing experience and focus on minimally invasive techniques, Lankenau Heart Institute has expanded participation in clinical trials year after year. Our physicians are frequently invited to participate in clinical/medical device trials, many of which are designed to facilitate the use of minimally invasive approaches and procedures.
With a collaborative team of expert consultative cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and specially trained advance practice nurses and technologists, Lankenau Heart Institute is dedicated to managing and treating patients with simple to complex cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, aortic disease, coronary and peripheral vascular disease, lipid and genetic abnormalities, heart rhythm disorders and valve disease. Our team of cardiologists and cardiac and vascular specialists provide patients and their families with expert cardiovascular care, close to home.
About Lankenau Medical Center
Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health, has been devoted to the health and well-being of the community since 1860, with a founding mission to serve all those in need. Our continued dedication to service, compassionate patient care and superior clinical programs makes Lankenau a preferred destination for care by people throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. Lankenau offers primary care, disease prevention and specialized medical and surgical management of all diseases and disorders, as well as access to clinical trials. As a 371-bed teaching and research institution, Lankenau is committed to maintaining high-level expertise across all clinical areas and is consistently recognized for providing outstanding care across major specialties including heart and vascular care, cancer care, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, pulmonology, neurosurgery, nephrology and urology. Lankenau is ranked as one of the top three hospitals in the region and top seven in the state by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24. It is rated a high performer in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating.
Contact
Phil Ellingsworth Jr.Director, Communications
Office: 484.580.1182
EllingsworthPh@mlhs.org
Gina Mahon
Manager, Communications
Office: 484.580.1026
mahong@mlhs.org