Carolinas HealthCare System Adds Internationally-Renowned Heart Surgeon to Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute
Dec. 29, 2011 – Internationally-recognized vascular surgeon Frank R. Arko, MD, recently joined Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, adding additional depth and breadth to the vascular surgery team. Dr. Arko will focus on repairs of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, and will offer patients a minimally-invasive treatment option. Dr. Arko previously worked at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he led the vascular surgery team and one of the largest practices in the country.
“Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute is already doing excellent work in this area. I was drawn to the system because of the strength of the multi-disciplinary team who work collaboratively to provide exceptional patient care and outstanding clinical outcomes,” said Dr. Arko. “Adding to the depth and breadth of the Institute, my expertise in a minimally-invasive approach and more complex aortic repairs will create more options for patients, speed recovery times and decrease medical complications.”
Dr. Arko’s expertise is vast and will offer extensive options unique to our region. In the area of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Dr. Arko specializes in treating young girls who experience blood clots in their legs as a result of taking oral contraceptives. He also has expertise in stenting and endarterectomy, the removal of plaque from an artery that has become narrowed or blocked; renovascular hypertension, high blood pressure due to narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys; and aortoiliac occlusive disease, where the arteries from the pelvis to the legs become narrowed or blocked.
“We are thrilled to add the deep knowledge and expertise of Dr. Arko to our outstanding team at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute,” said Paul G. Colavita, MD, President, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. “His innovative treatments and unique approach to collaboration across all specialties to treat vascular disease will ensure our patients receive the highest quality, most innovative cardiac care available.”
Dr. Arko is a member of the Southern Association for Vascular Surgery, International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Homeostasis, Society for Vascular Surgery, International Society of Endovascular Specialists, Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Southern Medical Association. He attended medical school at Texas A&M University, completed his internship and residency at Scott & White Hospital at Texas A&M University, and completed a fellowship at Stanford University Hospital.
Carolinas HealthCare System (www.carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of more than 650 care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, healthcare pavilions, physician practices, destination centers, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and hospice and palliative care. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.
