Medical Services related to Andrea Tara Obi MD

Angioplasty and Stenting

At the University of Michigan, our Advanced Interventional Cardiology Program offers comprehensive and individualized care, utilizing the latest technologies currently available for angioplasty and stenting, performed by our skilled team of interventional cardiologists.

Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in a blood vessel. If that bulge occurs in the aorta, the largest blood vessel in your body, it is called an aortic aneurysm. Aneurysms can be life-threatening if they rupture and bleed inside the body. At the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, our skilled cardiologists, surgeons and other specialists offer treatment options for all types of aortic aneurysms. Our team-based approach focuses on making sure you and your family understand your options. We work with you to decide which treatment is best for you.

Aortic Conditions We Treat

As the go-to program in the state for complex aortic disease, we have unmatched expertise in all types of aortic conditions. These include aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection and aortic valve disease and aortic conditions caused by genetic changes.

Aortic Disease Treatments and Procedures

Our Comprehensive Aortic Program at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center offers a wide range of treatment options for aortic disease. Many patients come to us for procedures that are not available elsewhere. Others choose us because they want to receive care at one of the top institutions in the country. We offer replacement or repair of the aortic valve, as well as minimally invasive and open surgery for aortic aneurysm an daortic dissection.

Aortic Valve Disease Overview

Aortic valve diseases can threaten your health and impact your quality of life. Our heart and vascular specialists at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center are skilled in diagnosing and treating diseases of the aortic valve.

Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease (AIOD)

Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is common in patients with PAD. AIOD is the blockage of the aorta, the main blood vessel in your body, or the iliac arteries. The aorta divides into the iliac arteries, which provide blood to the legs and organs in your pelvis. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of plaque within the walls of the blood vessels.

Arterial (Artery) Disease

Arterial disease, sometimes called artery disease, is a vascular disease that affects the arteries of your body, which are the vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to the tissues of the body. The largest artery in your body is the aorta, which stems from the heart’s left ventricle and branches out into smaller arteries throughout the body. Arterial diseases include: aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).

Arteriosclerotic Aortic Disease

University of Michigan Aortic Disease Program treats all kinds of arterial disease, including arteriosclerotic aortic disease (hardening of the arteries).

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a disease that occurs when superficial or deep veins or not working properly. Patients with CVI often have painful or swollen legs and may develop darkened skin, sores (ulcer) and varicose veins. CVI affects women more than men and is increasingly common over age 50.

Comprehensive Aortic Program

When you choose the Comprehensive Aortic Program at the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, you’ll find a world-class level of experience and expertise. As leaders in the field of aortic disease, our surgeons are at the forefront of developing new surgical techniques. The Comprehensive Aortic Program is the busiest in the state and among the largest in the U.S. We are a premier center for the care of patients with complex aortic diseases.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis, commonly referred to as DVT, is a condition that results from the formation of a thrombus, or blood clot, in a vein deep within the body. In addition to causing leg pain and swelling, the condition also can be complicated by pulmonary embolus (PE) should a piece of clot break loose and travel into the pulmonary (lung) circulation. A PE can seriously impair breathing (oxygenation), stress the heart, and can result in death.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a vascular disease that causes abnormal cell development in the walls of one or more arteries. This can put individuals at risk for artery blockages, stroke, artery dissection (tear in an artery) or aneurysm (artery bulge).

Hemodialysis Access by Vascular Surgeons

Hemodialysis is a treatment that purifies the blood of a person whose kidneys have failed. This treatment involves a machine used to route a patient’s blood through a filter, called a dialyzer, outside the body. The two types of vascular access for patients on long-term hemodialysis include arteriovenous (AV) fistula and arteriovenous (AV) graft.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective treatment used for spider, reticular or varicose veins. It involves a series of injections of a special chemical (sclerosant) that causes the lining in the blood vessel to become scar tissue that is reabsorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is an office-based procedure that can eliminate the pain and discomfort often caused by varicose veins. The outpatient procedure, which doesn’t require anesthesia, is also used as a cosmetic treatment for spider veins, retitcular veins or any unattractive veins, resulting in an improved appearance.

Spider and Reticular Veins

Spider veins, also known as superficial leg veins, are small veins that appear just below the skin’s surface. They are typically red, blue or purple in color and commonly occur on the thighs, calves and ankles. Spider veins can be genetic or related to pregnancy, the use of birth control pills or weight gain.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a form of venous disease (disease of the veins) that occurs when a blood clot forms that partially or totally blocks blood flow in a vein in the superficial venous system. When this occurs in the deep venous system, it is called deep vein thrombosis or DVT,  which is  more serious because of the risk of a piece of clot breaking loose and traveling to the lungs (called pulmonary embolus, or PE). This can impair breathing and can even cause death.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, a form of venous disease, are large, "rope-like" veins, often one-quarter inch or larger in diameter. While any vein can become varicose, those most likely affected are on the legs and feet. Varicose veins affect about half of all people age 50 and older, and 15 to 20 percent of all adults.

Vascular Disease

All the blood vessels that run through your body make up your vascular system, which includes your arteries and veins. The Vascular Medicine Program, part of the Cardiovascular Center at the University of Michigan, offers a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and management of patients with all forms of vascular disease.

Vascular Surgery

The vascular surgeons at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center work together every day to provide our patients with the most exceptional care and treatment possible for diseases of the circulatory system.

Venous Disease

Venous disease is the impairment of blood flowing to the heart and is a common condition affecting men and women of all ages and activity levels. While many cases of venous disease are genetic, they can also be caused by environmental risks, pregnancy and other factors. Venous disease can range from cosmetic concerns to life-threatening conditions, including spider veins, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and swollen or painful legs due to chronic venous insufficiency.

Venous Treatments and Procedures

Treatment options for venous or vein disease vary depending on the diagnosis. They can range from medical therapies and compression stockings to surgical correction. Michigan Medicine venous health experts offer a full complement of endovenous (within the vein) and surgical treatments.