Kettering Health became the first healthcare system in southwest Ohio to use new technology to repair an aortic wall. Vascular Surgeon Julie Gilkeson, MD, performed an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using the new GORE EXCLUDER Conformable AAA Endoprosthesis graft. The procedure was performed at Kettering Medical Center (soon to be Kettering Health Main Campus).

Unlike other grafts, the GORE EXCLUDER is flexible, giving surgeons the ability to angle or bend the device to help those with a unique aorta shape. This flexibility provides a better seal in the aortic wall, meaning this less-invasive procedures also prevents internal bleeding and leads to a faster recovery.

“This new technology is a game-changer for those who have abdominal aortic aneurysms,” said Dr. Gilkeson. “Being the first health system in the region to perform this surgery with a new graft builds on Kettering Health’s legacy of innovation and allows patients to receive advanced care closer to home.”