An aortic aneurysm is a dangerous bulge that forms when the wall of the aorta — the body’s largest artery — weakens and expands. If the aneurysm grows too large or too quickly, it can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Some aneurysms are especially difficult to repair because they extend from the chest into the abdomen, where major arteries branch off to supply the kidneys and other vital organs. Historically, patients with these complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms faced major open surgery or, if they were not healthy enough for that operation, limited treatment options.
Washington Health has now added another option close to home.
On Aug. 14, Washington Health completed its first procedure using the GORE EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis, known as TAMBE. The advanced, less-invasive treatment is designed for certain complex aortic aneurysms and allows physicians to repair the weakened aorta while preserving blood flow to important abdominal organs.
“This new technology is complex to use and currently only performed at advanced vascular centers,” said Gabriel Herscu, MD, a Washington Health vascular surgeon who performed the procedure with vascular surgeon Shelley Maithel, MD. Both physicians completed vascular surgery training at the University of Southern California Medical Center, known for complex aortic interventions.
For local patients, Herscu said, the new capability means there is no need to travel away from Fremont to larger medical centers for evaluation and treatment of these complex aneurysms.
A new approach to a complex problem
Traditional repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm requires a large incision involving the chest and abdomen. According to Herscu, the operation places significant stress on the body and may involve a lengthy hospital stay and months of recovery. For older patients or those with serious heart or lung disease, open surgery may be especially risky.
Endovascular repair takes a different approach. Physicians guide a fabric-covered metal stent through the blood vessels and place it inside the weakened section of the aorta. The stent reinforces the artery from within, helping prevent further expansion and rupture.
Standard stent grafts cannot be used in every complex aneurysm because they may cover arteries carrying blood to vital organs. TAMBE, which received FDA approval in 2024, was designed to address that challenge. Its branched design allows additional stent grafts to connect with those important arteries while the main device seals the aneurysm.
A patient who had fewer options
Washington Health’s first TAMBE patient was a 78-year-old woman with chronic lung disease whose aneurysm had been monitored by Washington Health Medical Group’s vascular surgery team. When imaging showed the aneurysm was growing at an accelerated rate, treatment became necessary. Her lung disease made traditional open repair a poor option.
The approximately five-hour procedure was completed successfully without complications. The patient was monitored afterward in the intensive care unit at the Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion. She was out of bed and walking the following day and went home two days later.
For appropriately selected patients, Herscu said, the less-invasive approach can make repair possible, even when other medical conditions make open surgery too risky.
Advanced cardiovascular care close to home
The milestone builds on Washington Health’s continued growth in cardiovascular and vascular care. The health system provides comprehensive open and endovascular treatment for aortic disease and continues investing in advanced technology, facilities and specialized clinical expertise.
Washington Health also has received national recognition for cardiovascular care and patient safety. In 2026, it earned the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus recognition for severe heart attack and stroke care, a Healthgrades Five-Star rating for treatment of heart failure, the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award and an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group.
The TAMBE procedure is now available through Washington Health Medical Group’s Vascular Surgery Department for appropriately selected patients. Washington Health is also completing all new hospital operating rooms, with new hybrid operating rooms and advanced robotic capabilities, expected to open in early 2027, to support continued expansion of complex vascular, cardiac and other surgical care.
TAMBE is one more advanced option within Washington Health’s comprehensive cardiovascular and vascular surgery program, helping patients access complex, award-winning care close to home when they need it most.