Opportunities for research in higher education: Endovascular Surgery
“Endovascular surgery is in its infantile stage,” says Saad Akhter, clinical student at Avalon University School of Medicine. Fellow Avalon clinical student, Jonathan Evans added that “the field of endovascular medicine is…rapidly evolving.”
Saad Akhter, along with fellow Avalon students, Yati Gupta, Jennifer Onyemaenu, and Jonathan Evans, in collaboration with Avalon Clinical Preceptor, Dr. Herbert Oye, helped to host 2022’s Endovascular Solutions for Africa conference. This year’s conference marked the fifth annual occurrence of the conference. This conference was a wonderful opportunity for students to pursue research in higher education.
Dr. Herbert Oye D.O, FACOS, RPVI, B.SC Pharm, is a practicing endovascular surgeon and has been working with and inspiring Avalon clinical students for several years. Dr. Oye, in collaboration with the Oye Global Medical Foundation, Edward B. Diethrich Vascular Surgical Society, and for the last two years the International Society of Endovascular Specialists (ISEVS), in this fifth annual conference was a way to “exchange Endovascular concepts with attendees,” states Dr. Oye.
“Dr. Oye’s Endovascular Solutions for Africa conference provided an international discussion on technology and techniques that could be utilized in a largely underserved, understaffed, and under equipped country” stated Avalon Student and presenter, Jonathan Evans. Evans explained that the conference topics addressed common symptoms, proper patient evaluation, and patient selection for endovascular techniques.
“Every day in my surgical rotation I was inspired by Dr. Oye who was able to show me a new world of medicine…”
Avalon student, Yati Gupta, stated that this was a wonderful experience for research in higher education as it permitted participants to connect with international medical professionals who “expressed different methods and cases… and how if they would tackle each individual patient based on the technology, they had access to in a rural setting.”
What is Endovascular Surgery?
What is Endovascular Surgery?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, endovascular surgery is defined as a method of surgery that “treats conditions affecting your blood vessels (vascular system) without making large incisions” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Endovascular surgeons work to repair vessels, remove blood clots to restore blood flow, and prevent damage to the patient’s vital organs and limbs (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Endovascular surgery provides a minimally invasive way to treat patients while the more traditional method of “open vascular surgery,” surgeons “make incisions to reach the blood vessels” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
The Cleveland Clinic provides several benefits to endovascular surgery. One example of a benefit of this exciting method of treatment is that Surgeons who perform an endovascular surgery will “make punctures into the artery with a needle and then thread small flexible tubes (catheters) through the blood vessels to reach the damaged area” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). It is this very lack of incision, typical of open vascular surgery that results in less blood loss from the patient and faster recovery times (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Why is it important to the field of medicine?
Why is it important to the field of medicine?
Dr. Herbert Oye acts as one of Avalon’s clinical preceptors for the CORE and ELECTIVE surgery rotations. Stated that the conference is designed to “improve endovascular clinical care that will save lives.”
“I found it to be extremely important and satisfying to help spread knowledge for alternative treatment options that could lead to limb salvage…and attempt to address the challenges of implementing these techniques.”
Avalon student, Saad Akhter used this opportunity to expand his research in higher education. Akhter presented two case studies in a presentation titled Ilio-femoral Revascularization through Brachial Approach. “In the Endovascular field, my topic was quite unique,” states Akhter, “the brachial approach is not commonly used. It was great that I made some contribution.” Akhter, an aspiring Primary Care Physician (PCP) states “there is a gap between Primary Care and endovascular surgery that, when closed, could significantly benefit patients.”
“Vascular surgery, due to its non-invasive nature, could contribute immensely towards the field of Primary Care.”
Conference presenter and active Avalon student, Yati Gupta, “this conference was important as it focuses on solutions to strengthen/ bring access to medicine in rural parts of Africa.” When asked to provide an example of one thing she wished people knew about the topic of endovascular surgery, Gupta stated that she would like people to know how with “…the right equipment and staff (endovascular treatments) can benefit patients with better recovery time… and less complications with procedures including not having the risk of anesthesia in some cases.”
Why Africa?
Why Africa?
The Endovascular Solutions for Africa conference are designed to connect like-minded medical practitioners to improve medical conditions and outcomes in Africa. Last year’s conference saw the announcement of the inaugural chapter of the International Society of Endovascular Specialists (ISEVS) chapter in Africa. This is a fantastic advancement for the field of Endovascular surgery.
“We believe, the ISEVS collaboration will be essential in advancing endovascular care in Africa”
Presenter and Avalon student, Jennifer Onyemaenu, a Nigerian citizen, had a personal interest in this conference other than just research in higher education. “Let’s just say, the healthcare sector in Nigeria lacks adequate healthcare solutions” states Onyemaenu. Through this conference, Onyemaenu had the opportunity to “educate and enlighten healthcare providers in Nigeria.” Onyemaenu presented a unique case of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVC Syndrome). Working closely with Dr. Oye, Onyemaenu presented an informative presentation on SVC Syndrome and various treatment options.
“Endovascular surgery is almost non-existent in Africa,” states Dr. Oye, “the conference aims to bridge the gap between the USA and Africa as we (medical professionals) develop the technology in Africa.”
Avalon University is very proud of the participation of our students in this exciting annual conference. To learn more about the exact nature of our student’s participation click here
Notes and Special Recognitions:
Notes and Special Recognitions:
Avalon University Blog writers would like to personally thank Dr. Oye for taking the time to answer our questions and provide more insight into the exciting world of Endovascular Surgery.
– Thank you Dr. Oye!
