Heart Health

Celebrating a Minnesota First!
Congratulations to Christopher Leville, MD, and the entire Vascular Surgery team at CentraCare for completing a percutaneous transmural arterial bypass (PTAB) using the DETOUR System by Endologix.

Recently approved by the FDA, Endologix describes the system as a breakthrough in the treatment of complex peripheral arterial disease (PAD), specifically related to the narrowing of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries of the legs due to the buildup of plaque.

This treatment provides a minimally invasive alternative for people who are not candidates for traditional stents or open surgical bypass. When using the system, the surgeon passes a stent graft from the diseased artery into an adjacent vein and then back again into the artery. In this way, the system uses a person’s own vessels to re-direct blood around the blockage to increase flow to the lower portion of the leg.

In clinical studies, the system has comparable outcomes to surgical bypass while avoiding its downsides, such as longer hospital stays and recovery times.

Pictured from left: Jennifer Skaj, RN; Christopher Leville, MD; James Sabyan, endovascular tech; and Sydney Charlson, RN.
 

Provider Spotlight – CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center

Tyler J. Liska, PA-C, recently joined the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center team. Tyler’s philosophy of care is rooted in patient advocacy, holistic care and evidence-based medicine. He says, “I strive to explain a person’s health condition, so that together we can use shared decision-making to formulate individualized plans.”

Tyler has a clinical interest in vascular surgery. He obtained his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. He also obtained his Bachelor of Science in biology and Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

Tyler’s motivation to pursue medicine stems from his lifelong interest in science. This career field allows him to be passionate about what he does and help others every day. He chose vascular surgery because of the breadth of acute and chronic conditions, surgical and medical management and the intricacies of the procedures. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys being active and spending time with his friends and family. He also loves sports, hiking, camping, traveling, cooking, working out and spending time by the lake.