Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent - Indianapolis Interventional Radiology, Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery

Our thoracic surgeons diagnose and treat malignant (cancerous) and benign (noncancerous) conditions of the esophagus, trachea, thymus, lungs, chest wall, ribs, mediastinum, and diaphragm. Some of these conditions include:

• Esophageal cancer
• Chronic heartburn (GERD) and swallowing disorders
• Paraesophageal/hiatal hernias
• Thymic, lung, mediastinal and chest wall tumors
• Pulmonary conditions, including COPD and emphysema
• Rib fractures and chest reconstruction
• Chest wall deformity, such as pectus excavatum
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Diaphragmatic paralysis

Robotic-assisted, image-guided technology with thoracic surgery

Our thoracic surgeons utilize minimally-invasive surgical techniques to perform nearly all of our procedures. Using image-guided and robotic technology, we are able to perform complex procedures through incisions smaller than the size of a hole punch. This results in shorter hospital stays, less scarring, and faster recovery times.

Our on-site procedures include:

• Endobronchial and esophageal ultrasound for biopsy and staging
• Robotic-assisted surgery using the daVinci Surgical System
• Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) 
• Esophagectomy
• Intrathoracic rib fixation

Specialty care for esophageal and lung cancers

Cancer isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your treatment shouldn’t be either. That’s why we use a team approach to help you achieve success in your fight against cancer. Our thoracic surgeons work directly with specialists in pulmonology, gastroenterology, otolaryngology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to tailor care to your condition. During your first appointment, you are paired with an oncology patient navigator to help you understand how all of the pieces of your medical plan fit together. Your navigator will coordinate your doctor’s appointments and connect you with support groups, financial aid, and other resources. Our ultimate goal is to get you back to feeling like yourself.

Nationally recognized thoracic surgeons

Our Ascension St. Vincent Thoracic Surgery group has earned a distinguished three-star (highest) rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for their patient care and lung cancer resection outcomes, placing the program among the elite for general thoracic surgery in the United States and Canada.

Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital is designated as a Chest Wall Injury Society (CWIS) Collaborative Center. It is the only CWIS Center in Indiana and one of only 22 centers in the United States. We use cutting edge technology to provide rapid and durable repair of rib fractures to optimize a patient’s quality of life and produce high-quality outcomes. Our center is a contributing research partner and teaching institution for chest trauma.

If you have been diagnosed with a vascular disorder, our vascular surgeons deliver advanced care to help improve how your blood circulates through your body. Is there plaque buildup in your veins or arteries? Are the valves in your veins working correctly? Is there a bulge or weakness in the wall of a vein? Vascular specialists at Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent deliver personalized care for many conditions, including: 

• Aortic aneurysm
• Carotid artery blockage
• Chronic venous insufficiency (venous reflux)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Peripheral artery disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Thoracic outlet syndrome

Our vascular surgeons and IR specialists use duplex ultrasound imaging to understand how your blood flows through your veins. It is a standard imaging test to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. Besides artery and vein concerns in your legs, arms and chest, our vascular surgeons also diagnose and treat clogged carotid arteries in the neck, a risk factor for stroke. Vascular surgeons specialize in monitoring and treating blood clots and other serious vascular disorders. At this location, we provide trivascular screenings. 

SCHEDULE TRIVASCULAR SCREENING - CALL 317-583-7600

At your appointment, your specialist at Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent listens to understand you and your symptoms. Then, we work together on a care plan. If surgical treatment is recommended, we provide minimally invasive techniques, whenever possible, to help shorten your recovery. 

• Aortic aneurysm repair
• Balloon angioplasty and stents, to open blocked veins
• Carotid endarterectomy, to remove fatty plaque buildup
• Endovenous radiofrequency ablation, using heat
• Laser light therapy and vein-shrinking injections
• Medically necessary sclerotherapy for a bleeding vein
• Micro-phlebectomy, using micro incisions to remove sections of bulging veins
• Radiofrequency VNUS closure
• Venous sclerotherapy

Care for spider veins, varicose veins, venous reflux and more

Whether your veins cause you pain on the job or at home, or they make you self-conscious, our vascular surgeons are here to help. Talk to our surgeon about your symptoms, such as cramping, swelling, throbbing, burning or itching pain in your legs or arms. Our vascular surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of simple to complex vein conditions. 

Talk to our vascular team about a vein screening.

At our accredited vascular lab, our care team provides a thorough evaluation, and uses ultrasound, image-guided technology to diagnose and treat vascular disorders that cause inflammation, vein discoloration, and possible wound care problems, such as:

• Phlebitis (vein inflammation) 
• Rosacea and other facial skin discoloration
• Skin ulcer on the leg or ankle (sometimes referred to as diabetic foot syndrome)
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins

Part of our surgical team includes interventional radiologists (IR) who specialize in minimally invasive image-guided procedures that support the vascular, thoracic and surgical care at Ascension St. Vincent. For example, an IR specialist removes cardiovascular blockages in the veins and arteries to help restore blood flow. Using imaging guidance with CT, X-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound and MRI, they also perform procedures to insert special IV lines, including lifeports, PICCs and dialysis catheters.

Your interventional radiologist works closely with our surgeons to:

• Biopsy a tumor 
• Control abnormal bleeding
• Deliver chemo-embolization to a cancer tumor, such as Y-90 for liver cancer
• Drain collection of abnormal fluid in the body
• Remove a blockage in a vein or artery 

Get a second opinion on your health condition 

Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent - Interventional Radiology, Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan. 

When you are facing a new diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical care plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our vascular and thoracic surgeons and interventional radiologists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team of providers.

Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.