Grant T Fankhauser
University of Texas Medical Branch, USA
: J Kidney
Vascular disease is a well-known source of renal insufficiency. Diseases such as atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, aneurysms, and polyarteritis nodosa can negatively affect kidney function. Vascular surgeons must be familiar with these diseases, their diagnosis, and treatment options. New diagnostic and treatment options are available but are underutilized in most centers. A review of these diagnostic and treatment options is presented. Vascular surgeons must also be aware of less common renal-vascular problems that may arise such as with transplanted kidneys, renal bypasses, and juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. Vascular surgeons should familiarize themselves with these surgeries, the possible complications, and the long-term renal repercussions. These renal-vascular challenges offer an opportunity to use open surgical and endovascular techniques to rescue threatened kidneys and help preserve long-term renal function. In the setting of end-stage renal disease, vascular surgeons must be aware of the effect of vascular disease on dialysis access in both the venous and arterial systems and have various techniques ready to address them. The diagnostic and therapeutic options of this disease are discussed and a preview of emerging technologies is presented.
Grant Fankhauser serves as a vascular surgeon on the faculty of the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed general surgery and vascular surgery training at the Mayo Clinic. He practices all aspects of open vascular and endovascular surgery, including in the treatment of native and transplanted kidneys. He earned master’s degrees in business administration and health administration since joining the faculty. He serves as the director of quality for the surgery department and has research interests in quality, value, and cost-effectiveness. He serves on numerous editorial boards and committees.
E-mail: gtfankha@utmb.edu
