Vascular surgeons at Allegheny Health Network's (AHN) Cardiovascular Institute were the first clinical team in western Pennsylvania to successfully treat a form of complex artery disease with a new minimally invasive surgical approach known as percutaneous transmural arterial bypass (PTAB) with the DETOUR System by Endologix. 

Satish C. Muluk, MD, vascular surgeon and system director of vascular surgery at AHN, led the first successful procedure in September at AHN Wexford Hospital.

The PTAB Procedure utilizing DETOUR system is specifically designed to treat a circulatory problem known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused primarily by the buildup of fatty plaque in blood vessels. 

According to the American Heart Association, PAD is present in more than 12 million people across the U.S.

“When left untreated, peripheral artery disease can cause patients debilitating pain, loss of mobility, sores on lower limbs and in extreme cases can lead to amputation, heart attack or stroke,” Dr. Muluk said. “Previously, treatment options, outside of lifestyle modifications and medication therapies, included open surgical bypass, balloon angioplasty or stent placement, many of which patients did not qualify for due to comorbidities or overall risk profile."

AHN Wexford Hospitals, which opened in September of 2021 in Pine Township. The facility has been recognized for exceptional care delivery and patient safety scores since opening and serves as a primary location for complex care delivery from the AHN Cardiovascular Institute. 

More information on the AHN Cardiovascular Institute can be found here.