In a major medical breakthrough for the region, vascular surgeons at St. Peter’s Hospital have successfully performed the Capital Region’s first thoracoabdominal branch endoprosthesis (TAMBE) procedure. This revolutionary technique offers new hope for patients with complex, life-threatening aortic aneurysms who previously faced limited treatment options.
“This advancement represents a transformative milestone for health care throughout our entire region,” said Kim Baker, senior vice president of hospital operations at St. Peter’s Health Partners. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to bringing cutting-edge, lifesaving technologies to our community.”
Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) occur when the aorta—the body’s main arterial highway—dangerously weakens and bulges across both chest and abdominal regions. Nicknamed “silent killers,” these aneurysms typically produce no symptoms until they begin to tear or rupture, often with catastrophic consequences. Until this breakthrough, patients faced the daunting prospect of high-risk open surgery as their primary treatment option.
Yaron Sternbach, M.D., chief of vascular surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital, emphasized the procedure’s significance: “We’re dealing with one of vascular medicine’s most complex and dangerous conditions. The TAMBE technique offers high-risk patients a crucial alternative that eliminates major open surgery and dramatically reduces risks, while offering shorter recovery times and improved outcomes.”
The recently FDA-approved Gore Excluder TAMBE device is an implantable branched endoprosthesis that is inserted through small incisions in the groin and just below the collarbone. Using advanced X-ray guidance, surgeons deploy multiple branches within the aorta, placing specialized stents that preserve blood flow to vital organs while redirecting pressure away from the dangerously weakened arterial walls.
The groundbreaking procedure was performed by Dr. Sternbach and Dr. William Raible of St. Peter’s Vascular Associates in March on 73-year-old Jay Tucker from Round Lake. Tucker’s aneurysm was discovered during routine screening—an especially critical find given his strong family history; his father passed away from an aortic aneurysm at age 63.
“The doctor emphasized several times how serious this was,” Tucker recalled. “This was my first major health issue, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this option available so close to home.”
Due to the procedure’s minimally invasive approach, Tucker was able to return home just two days later—far sooner than the typical extended ICU stay associated with open surgery.
“Previously, patients seeking alternatives to open surgery often had to travel to Boston or New York City,” noted Dr. Sternbach. “That’s a serious hurdle for those facing mobility, financial, or support challenges. Being able to offer this lifesaving treatment right here in Albany is a major win for the community.”
He added, “I’m incredibly proud of our entire team—surgeons, technicians, nurses and administrators—whose dedication made this possible. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in regional health care, and giving patients safer, faster, and more hopeful outcomes.”
