Restoring Blood Flow from Head to Toe

According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, there is a shortage of vascular surgeons to meet the increased demand presented by the nation’s aging population. In some areas, people have to travel long distances for the valuable services performed by these essential experts of narrowed or blocked veins and arteries.

Washington Hospital is fortunate to have a top-notch vascular physician to diagnose, treat and help patients manage their vascular conditions. “We are seeing an increase in systemic atherosclerotic disease (buildup of plaque) with resultant increase in cardiovascular disease,” says Stella Asuquo, MD, a Washington Township Medical Foundation vascular surgeon.

Washington Hospital offers a comprehensive range of vascular treatments in the clinic as well as more complex traditional open and endovascular surgeries in the Hospital. They regularly collaborate with physicians across other medical specialties (see sidebar for examples), working hand-inhand with cardiologists, neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, podiatrists and others to address vascular issues.

Common Vascular Disorders and Treatments

Aneurysms – A bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel which can rupture, causing internal bleeding or death. Vascular surgeons insert a stent into the weakened area to fortify it.

Ischemia – A blocked vessel or blood clot prevents oxygen from getting through which can lead to stroke, heart attack or limb loss. Blood flow is restored with balloon angioplasty and stenting.

Hemodialysis Access – Dialysis patients require an access point in the form of a fistula, graft, or catheter so the dialysis machine can access and clean their blood.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – Plaque builds up in the vessels that supply blood to the limbs which can slow or stop blood flow. Once diagnosed through advanced imaging, vascular intervention can avoid amputation of a toe, foot or leg.

About Dr. Stella Asuquo

Vascular surgeon Stella Asuquo, MD, joined our vascular team in August 2022. Dr. Asuquo earned her medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine and completed a fellowship in vascular and endovascular surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. She is board-certified in both general and vascular surgery. She was attracted to our Patient First Ethic as well as the Hospital’s desire to deliver a comprehensive range of quality vascular care to patients in their own community.