Departments

With the latest microsurgical and endovascular technologies, we offer unparalleled treatment to patients with all types of neurovascular disease affecting blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. This includes aneurysms, vascular malformations, and artery and venous stenosis, or blockages. Our cutting-edge research also allows for more refined, personalized medicine. Our expert clinicians specialize in managing all types of brain, neck, and spinal cord vascular disorders. Our therapeutic treatment strategies include: Open microsurgery Less invasive endovascular (interventional) treatment Stereotactic radiation (Gamma Knife radiosurgery) Rehabilitation

At Yale Medicine, our team of highly trained vascular surgeons are here to help with a variety of circulation issues. This includes anything from blocked blood vessels and stubborn wounds to conditions that could lead to losing a limb. Our goal is to give complete care that's as easy on you as possible, which is why we focus on techniques that don't require major surgery, like treatments done inside the blood vessels themselves. Our doctors give personalized and complete care to adults with vascular problems. We rely on the newest and most advanced equipment and methods to diagnose and treat these conditions. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm: Bulges in the main artery that can occur in the belly or chest area. Aortoiliac occlusive disease: Blocked arteries that supply blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Carotid artery stenosis: Narrowed arteries in the neck that can reduce blood flow to the brain. Claudication: Treatments to help relieve cramping in the legs while walking or exercising Diabetic ulcers: Sores that are slow to heal in people with diabetes. Dialysis access: For patients who need dialysis (a treatment for kidney failure), we create an entry point into the bloodstream that the dialysis machine can use. Foot ulcers: Sores on the feet that can develop due to poor circulation or other health issue. Lower extremity artery conditions Lower extremity vein conditions Renal vascular disease: Conditions that affect blood flow to the kidneys. Thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection: Bulges and tears in the part of the main artery that runs through the chest. Thoracic outlet syndrome: Discomfort or circulation problems caused when blood vessels or nerves just below the neck are compressed. Varicose veins: Treatments to remove or reduce enlarged veins that appear most often on the legs. Visceral artery disease: Blood vessels that supply the internal organs, ensuring they're not narrowed or blocked.

The Yale Medicine Interventional Radiology (IR) program is one of the leading programs in the nation. Our interventional radiologists, recognized as pioneers in the field of minimally invasive medicine, work with nursing and technologist staff to offer image-guided, non-surgical treatments for vascular and non-vascular disease with excellent outcomes for pediatric and adult patients. Our interventional radiology procedures are performed for a broad range of conditions spanning gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary, gynecology, infectious disease, oncology , pediatrics, pain management, urology, and venous and arterial disease. Interventional radiologists use advanced imaging modalities including ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to perform procedures through tiny pinholes, thereby avoiding surgery and long recovery times. IR advances enable minimally invasive treatment of many conditions on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own home. We also offer comprehensive care dedicated to the treatment of pediatric patients, including vascular malformations, biopsy service with sedation, feeding tube maintenance, and expert care in hepatobiliary, urological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Our team at Yale New Haven Hospital was the first in Connecticut and among the first in the nation to perform transcatheter pulmonary embolectomy, a procedure for the removal of a blood clot from the pulmonary arteries. Such patients are initially evaluated by a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) , and a comprehensive treatment plan is then developed. We also have one of the world’s leading hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and vascular malformation programs. Founded in 1994, both serve as role models for other programs around the world. We offer a wide range of minimally invasive Interventional Radiology treatments, all available at Yale New Haven Hospital. Heart and vascular Angiography, angioplasty, and stenting for arterial disease Embolization for acute, traumatic gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding Endovascular treatment of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms Inferior vena cava filter placement and removal Non-surgical dialysis fistula creation and repair Pulmonary embolectomy to remove pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) Treatment of arteriovenous malformations Venography, venous stenting, and related procedures for venous occlusion and clot Venous ablation for varicose veins Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliary Gastrojejunostomy placement and gastrostomy for nutrition Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement for upper GI bleeding and refractory ascites Treatment of benign and malignant bile duct obstructions Treatment of fluid collections in the abdomen, chest, and pelvis Gynecology Fallopian tube recanalization for infertility Uterine fibroid embolization for fibroids and uterine artery embolization fo

Our advanced vascular medicine specialists are part of a long tradition of innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease, a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. At our Vascular Clinic, we employ all state-of-the-art percutaneous intervention (angioplasty) techniques and work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Our goal is to help patients manage their symptoms. We also want to stop the progression of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque, in patients’ arteries. That, in turn, reduces risk of heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, are the single most important step. In the event that lifestyle changes are not enough, medicine to prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and control pain might help manage the condition.

Yale’s Department of Surgery is a premier center for adult and pediatric surgical treatment, providing comprehensive care for a full range of conditions and diseases. To ensure that our patients experience shorter hospital stays and less postoperative discomfort, we employ the latest technologies and surgical techniques, and perform minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Our renowned surgeons and faculty continue to push the frontiers of surgical science through innovative treatment and leading-edge research, with the ability to offer treatment options that can be difficult to find elsewhere. More state-of-the-art surgical suites at Yale New Haven Hospital than in any other hospital in the region Collaboration with the Yale Department of Biomedical Engineering and with industry to develop 3-D bioprinting for the regeneration, repair, and replacement of human tissue and vessels Nationally recognized Center of Excellence and designated training center for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Yale’s Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary research group in which surgeons work with endocrine geneticists to decipher the molecular genetics of endocrine tumor disease First program in Connecticut to offer three different minimally invasive bariatric surgical techniques: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-Band® surgery, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

We have a robust history in advancing the practice of cardiovascular catheterization and intervention, and we offer a full spectrum of cardiac care in our state-of-the-art facilities. We care for patients throughout the region at locations throughout Connecticut, and are a national and international referral center for specialty percutaneous interventional procedures, commonly known as angioplasty. Our physicians specialize in complex coronary disease, structural heart disease, and peripheral vascular diseases, and we operate one of the largest carotid artery disease programs in New England. We also have a Comprehensive Coronary Physiology Program that provides care for patients with chest pain that is chronic, unexplained or difficult to manage. Our interventions include: Transradial coronary intervention Coronary chronic total occlusion recanalization and coronary reentry transcatheter aortic valve implantation Intravascular ultrasound and physiologic translesional pressure assessment Rotational atherectomy Thrombectomy Proximal and distal embolic protection Drug eluting stents Advanced hemodynamic support Atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale, and ventricular septal defect closure Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Aortic and mitral valvuloplasty Left main and multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) Various peripheral vascular interventions

The Yale Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Program provides dedicated evaluation and treatment of patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a condition in which the subclavian vein, artery, or brachial plexus is compressed as it travels from the chest to the arm between the collarbone and the first rib. TOS may cause swelling, discoloration, numbness, or tingling of the patient's arm, limiting activities of daily living and quality of life. Patients with TOS may be young, athletic, or use excessive overhead shoulder movements for their profession or recreation. The Yale Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to patients with this debilitating condition. Our team includes vascular and thoracic surgeons, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, physical therapists, advanced practice providers, and nurses who work together to provide early diagnosis and comprehensive management at an individual level. TOS is divided into three types, based on the predominant structures affected. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type, affecting the brachial plexus nerves. Patients may experience neck, shoulder, or arm discomfort or headaches. Patients often report that symptoms began after experiencing a traumatic injury. Experts believe this occurs most commonly due to the shortening and thickening of the anterior scalene muscle, which connects the spine to the first rib. Venous TOS is the next most common type, with complete or high-grade blockage of the subclavian-axillary vein (located between the first rib and the collarbone). Patients often report previous repetitive overhead shoulder movements, such as pitching or swimming. Patients may present with swelling of the whole arm, discoloration, and pain. Arterial TOS is the least common type, although it is the most dangerous. Chronic compression of the subclavian artery may lead to a blockage or the creation of an aneurysm—a weakening and ballooning of the artery. Patients may present with a cold, painful arm and difficulty moving or feeling their fingers. We recognize that TOS is a complex condition and that treatment is highly specific to each patient. On a patient’s first visit, we perform a detailed history and physical exam. If TOS is suspected, a variety of specialized diagnostic tests may be performed to support the diagnosis. For patients presenting with neurogenic TOS, physical therapy may be the first-line therapy. This may treat the scalene muscles, muscles surrounding the spine, and the muscles that support the thoracic outlet and shoulder. Botox® therapy of the anterior scalene muscle is another treatment option for patients with persistent symptoms. While conservative treatment is often successful in alleviating symptoms of neurogenic TOS, surgical decompression may be recommended if patients do not find long-term relief. For patients presenting with venous or arterial TOS, our vascular surgeons will first perform revascularization to relieve symptoms

About Us At Yale Medicine, our cardiac surgery team consists of internationally recognized heart surgeons who provide personalized, compassionate care for adult and pediatric patients. We understand the challenges of living with a heart condition and are committed to partnering with patients and their families to find the best treatment plan and offer ongoing support after surgery. Our team includes highly experienced, board-certified cardiac surgeons along with an expert group of cardiologists, cardiac-focused nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Our cardiac surgeons collaborate with Yale's cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and internists to manage heart-related issues such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve conditions, and heart rhythm disorders. Our surgeons perform the latest, most advanced techniques in minimally invasive and traditional surgeries to treat a full range of cardiac diseases and conditions, including: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Valve repair and replacement (aortic and mitral) Aneurysm repair (aortic, thoracic aortic, left ventricular) Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), including hybrid ablation heart failure and artificial heart or ventricular assist devices Heart failure, including artificial heart or ventricular assist devices Heart transplantation Congenital heart diseases in children and adults

A variety of diseases can affect the health of the kidneys. We care for patients at every stage of kidney disease, offering scientifically proven treatments and a personalized care plan. The Department of Urology is part of the Living Donor Transplant Program at the Yale New Haven Transplantation Center where we care for patients with renal disease who are candidates for kidney transplantation. We have expertise in performing laparoscopic, living-donor nephrectomies, delivering the highest quality care to the kidney donor-patient team at Yale. At Yale Medicine, our patients have full access to leading physicians who can help with all aspects of renal disease. Patients also have access to world-class resources at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven. Our doctors are at the forefront of kidney disease and kidney cancer treatment and research, including novel immunotherapy approaches and the genetic characterization of kidney cancers. In addition, the Yale School of Medicine's Hereditary Kidney Cancer and Genetic Assessment Program investigates potential genetic causes of kidney cancer in young patients, including those with a family history and individuals with multiple tumors, to help family members determine if they carry a risk for kidney cancer.

Timely treatment is essential to maximizing quality of life after a stroke. At the Yale Stroke Center, our highly skilled physicians take pride in delivering safe, patient-centered, and efficient care. We provide emergency treatments for conditions such as acute stroke and brain bleeds, where immediate interventions are required, but also elective treatments for aneurysms and other vascular lesions that are discovered incidentally. A dedicated neurovascular surgeon is on call and ready to mobilize a team at a moment’s notice—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We streamline access to emergency neurovascular care for referring physicians, guaranteeing that patients will receive the timeliest and best care anywhere. Our collaborative team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, working together to deliver cutting-edge interventional treatment and imaging. In the emergency department, radiologists are always available to provide readings of imaging scans so that patients can proceed as quickly as possible to treatment. We have an array of 3-D imaging workstations to ensure doctors can pinpoint where they need to concentrate care. We work closely with Yale New Haven Hospital’s emergency medical service and emergency department teams to rapidly diagnose and treat acute stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders 24 hours a day. Our Y Access Line allows for the quick and easy transfer of patients to Yale New Haven Hospital. We also offer SkyHealth, an emergency patient transport helicopter, staffed by highly skilled medical professionals, including a critical care flight nurse and a trained paramedic. Life-saving interventions are delivered en route, for the best possible clinical outcomes. Our state-of-the-art, VISIUS Surgical Theater is equipped with a powerful MRI and an integrated, bi-plane X-ray angiography system that allows our experts to better visualize arteries and vessels. The ability to receive preoperative diagnostic imaging; open micro-surgery; percutaneous, catheter-based endovascular treatments; and postoperative checks all in the same room is unique in the tri-state area. Our services include: A dedicated neurointensive care unit A stroke consult service with a patient- and family-centered approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cerebrovascular disease Specialized stroke clinics for community physician referrals, stroke consults, and primary and secondary stroke prevention Telemedicine Program Through our Stroke Telemedicine Program, our neurologists use a video- and image-sharing telecommunications system to provide acute stroke care consultative services to outlying hospitals in the state. Yale New Haven Hospital is the only hospital in Connecticut to offer stroke telemedicine services. Within minutes of making an initial call to the Stroke Telemedicine Program, an on-call neurologist can examine a patient at the remote hospital to hel

The Interventional Oncology Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital offers cutting-edge specialized services that complement and support medical, surgical, and radiation oncology to provide optimal patient care. A team of dedicated professionals offers minimally invasive, imaging-guided therapies for patients with liver, colorectal, lung, bone/soft tissue, kidney, and metastatic cancers. These therapies can be used either as primary or adjuvant treatments. In addition, our program provides a range of therapeutic options used for palliative care, including biopsy, vascular port and chemotherapy catheter placement, abscess drainage, stenting of malignant strictures, and therapies for pain relief. Minimally invasive Interventional Oncology treatments include: Chemoembolization : Selective delivery of chemotherapy directly to the tumor through a catheter located in the artery feeding the tumor Radioembolization : Selective delivery of radioactive particles directly to the tumor through a catheter located in the artery feeding the tumor Radiofrequency Ablation : A procedure that uses radio waves to heat and destroy cancerous cells via a needle inserted in the patient’s skin Cryoablation : A procedure in which an extremely cold temperature (via a cryoprobe inserted through the patient’s skin) is used to freeze and destroy cancer tissue. Microwave Ablation : A procedure that uses microwaves to heat and destroy cancerous cells. NanoKnife : Irreversible Electoroporation Cancer Ablation, or NanoKnife therapy, is available as a treatment option for liver cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital. NanoKnife is a state-of-the-art minimally invasive cancer treatment that applies a high voltage of electrical pulses to induce targeted cancer death, while minimizing surrounding tissue damage in highly selective and challenging anatomic locations, such as the liver. Pain Palliation Treatment : Therapeutic options consisting of ablation, chemoembolization, or radioembolization designed specifically to relieve pain caused by primary or metastatic tumors.

The Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center is an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical care, and a hub of excellence for brain tumor research. Our team of specialists is dedicated exclusively to the care of patients with all types of brain tumors, and has extensive experience with: Primary brain tumors, such as glioblastomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and others Brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases, which originate from other cancers in the body Other primary tumors, such as meningiomas and schwannomas Rare brain tumors including craniopharyngiomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas pineal tumors, pituitary tumors, and others All types of neurological complications of cancer and their treatments Our expertise covers all critical components for successful care for patients with brain tumors, from comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and state-of-the-art genomic tumor profiling, to innovative treatment options and cutting-edge clinical trials. We treat all patients, whether they are newly diagnosed or have already received extensive treatment. Our expert physicians are readily available to offer second opinions for patients from all over the country, and rapidly accommodate our patients for prompt evaluation and initiation of care. We also offer an extensive program to improve patients’ quality of life before, during, and after treatment, including psychosocial support, rehabilitation for memory impairment, and other resources. Diagnosis Our experts use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose brain tumors with detailed accuracy. Three Tesla MRIs offer highly sophisticated testing, such as functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, and positron emission tomography (PET). Experienced neuroradiologists read all brain scans and evaluate the images for diagnosis. Importantly, all brain tumors that are biopsied or removed at our program undergo whole exome sequencing, the most advanced technique available for tumor characterization, which can target the vulnerabilities of individual tumors. Medical Oncology Many brain tumors require chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or other medical treatments, often combined with radiation therapy and surgery. Our team of neuro-oncologists have extensive expertise in delivering oncology treatments, with a focus on achieving optimal efficacy and safety. Each patient receives an individualized and coordinated treatment plan, taking into consideration the tumor type, molecular and genomic information on the tumor, and the patient’s own needs and choices. Additionally, our patients have access to cutting-edge Yale clinical trials exploring multiple novel strategies to fight brain cancer. Radiation Oncology Established in 1958 as one of the first Radiation Oncology departments in the country, the Yale Department of Therapeutic Radiology has played a foundational role in the national development of