Vascular Institute

A baby boomer turns 50 years old every eight seconds.   As America ages, vascular disease becomes more prevalent.  Risk factors for vascular disease are diabetes, smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, and being over the age of 65. 

Staffed by interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons, the WellStar Vascular Institutes at Kennestone, Cobb and Douglas hospitals provide accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment for vascular disease.  With patient-focused care, minimally invasive treatment options and concentrated expertise, the WellStar Vascular Institute treats the following vascular diseases:

Carotid artery disease
Carotid artery disease causes the carotid arteries (arteries in the neck) to become blocked compromising blood flow to the brain, which can lead to stroke.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abdominal, blood-filled swelling of a blood vessel that forms in the aorta which can eventually rupture leading to serious internal bleeding or even death.   The aorta is the largest artery in the body originating from the left ventricle of the heart.

Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease causes the arteries that pump blood vessels to the arms and legs to narrow due to plaque build up so that the blood flow to the limbs slows down or stops leading to serious disability or amputation.

Imaging and treatment options include:

• CT Angiography
  CT Angiography examines blood vessels with precise detail to identify and diagnose vascular problems with greater accuracy.

• Angioplasty
  Angioplasty repairs blood vessels using a balloon catheter inserted in the artery.

• Endovascular stent graft
  An endovascular stent graft uses a synthetic fabric tube (graft) supported by a metal stent inside a diseased blood vessel without invasive surgery.

• Thrombolytic therapy 
  Thrombolytic therapy uses clot-busting drugs to help clear blockage in blood vessels.

For a referral to one of the largest providers of vascular care service in the Southeast, call 770.956.STAR (7827).    To schedule an appointment, call 770.793.5950.

Advisory Board:
Alan Zuckerman, MD (interventional radiology)
Nydia Bladuell, MD (cardiology)
David Hafner, MD (vascular)
Steven Oweida, MD (vascular)

Participating WellStar Vascular Institute Practices:
East Cobb Cardiology, LLC
Cardiovascular Consultants
Quantum Radiology Northwest
Vascular Surgical Associates, PC