Thoracic Branched Endoprosthesis (TBE)
Advanced Aortic Care, Close to Home
When you or someone you love is facing a serious aortic condition, knowing where to turn for care can feel overwhelming. At Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura, you have access to advanced treatment options and experienced specialists working together to find the approach that’s right for you. Community Memorial is the first and only hospital in Ventura County offering Thoracic Branched Endoprosthesis (TBE), a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain complex conditions affecting the aorta in the chest.
Two Surgical Specialties. One Coordinated Approach.
Ryan Vela, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, and David Blitzer, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon, work collaboratively to evaluate complex aortic conditions and create an individualized treatment plan for qualified patients. They are thefirst and only surgeons in Ventura County performing this advanced procedure.
Complex aortic disease can involve the heart, major blood vessels, and the arteries that supply blood to the brain and arms. Dr. Vela’s cardiothoracic surgery perspective and Dr. Blitzer’s vascular and endovascular expertise create a more complete view of the treatment options. Together, they assess your anatomy, overall health, and goals, determine whether a minimally invasive, hybrid, or open approach is appropriate, and coordinate care from evaluation through recovery and follow-up.
What Is Thoracic Branched Endoprosthesis (TBE)?
Thoracic branched endoprosthesis — commonly referred to as TBE — is a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment that repairs a damaged section of the aorta from inside the blood vessel.
Understanding the Aorta
Your aorta is the main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. The section that travels through your chest is called the thoracic aorta.
Near your heart, the aorta curves to form the aortic arch. Several important arteries branch from this area to carry blood to your head and arms.
When part of the thoracic aorta becomes weakened, damaged, or torn, the condition can become serious. Treatment may be especially complex when the damaged area is near an artery branching from the aorta.
How Does TBE Work?
During the procedure, your surgeons guide a small, flexible device called a stent graft into place using specialized instruments and imaging. A stent graft is a fabric-and-metal tube that supports the damaged artery from within.
Unlike a standard stent graft, a branched stent graft includes a special opening and a smaller connected piece. This branch helps preserve blood flow to an important artery connected to the aorta while the damaged section is repaired.
This type of treatment is called endovascular because it takes place inside a blood vessel.
