Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Vascular Surgery

Types of Surgery We Offer

Whether your procedure is routine or complex, rest assured you’re in good hands at Central Maine Healthcare.

Many of our board-certified surgeons practice in highly specialized areas, with advanced training in everything from tumor removal to trauma, hernia repair to heart care. We perform many of these procedures using the latest minimally invasive techniques, often allowing you to go home the same day and enjoy an easier, faster recovery.

It’s all part of our commitment to bring leading surgical care right to the central and western Maine surrounding communities we serve. So you can focus less on traveling, and more on healing.

Full Range of Surgical Services

Just some of our specialties include:

General surgery

Our surgeons treat all types of health problems affecting the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts. We take a minimally invasive approach whenever possible, including appendectomies and gallbladder removal, as well as complex hernia repair. These laparoscopic procedures require just a few small incisions, which often means significantly less pain and quicker return to your life.

Cancer surgery

For many types of cancer, surgery is often the best first treatment, especially for early stage cancers or those that are contained to one area. Our board-certified surgeons are skilled in removing even the most complex tumors, while helping minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. We also work closely with specialists in radiation and medical oncology to ensure the best possible care.

Gynecologic surgery

Our women’s health experts perform a wide range of gynecologic procedures to address concerns at any age and stage of life. That includes treatment for endometriosis, removing fibroids and ovarian cysts, and minimally invasive techniques for incontinence and hysterectomy. Many of these procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, allowing you to leave the hospital the same day and recover comfortably at home.

Heart and vascular surgery

At the nationally recognized Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI), our cardiovascular surgeons perform both traditional open heart surgery as well as some of the most advanced, minimally invasive options available. Specialties include implantable devices and ablation to help restore irregular heart rhythms; angioplasty and other interventional procedures in our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab; heart valve repair and replacement, including the revolutionary TAVR procedure for severe aortic stenosis; and pediatric procedures to address congenital heart concerns and other conditions affecting young hearts.

Orthopedic surgery

The board-certified surgeons at Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) and Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics (CMHO) are here to help get your body, and life, back in motion. We’ve earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for providing the highest standards of care in hip, knee and shoulder replacement, as well as hip fracture care. We also specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery and the latest arthroscopic techniques to help you return faster to what you love.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Central Maine Healthcare offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures to help you look and feel your best. Elective cosmetic options include face lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction and more from our board-certified plastic surgeons. Our reconstructive procedures can help restore appearance and self-confidence after an injury or illness, including breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

Trauma surgery

As a Level III Trauma Center, we provide 24-hour surgical coverage for all types of serious and life-threatening injuries. We also orthopedic surgeons and other critical care specialists always on-call.

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery

Transform your health and life with help from our board-certified bariatric surgeons. We perform a variety of safe and proven weight loss procedures, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND). Using the latest laparoscopic options, we’ll help give you the best possible start on your journey, and provide the ongoing education and support you need to achieve your goals.

Other common surgeries we offer include:

  • Breast surgery
  • Colon surgery
  • Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery
  • Esophageal surgery
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Liver and biliary tract surgery
  • Lung surgery
  • Pediatric surgery
  • Podiatry procedures
  • Urologic surgery

Cardiovascular Services Education and Support

We know you want to be healthy. Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute offers a wide variety of services and treatments to support you.

Whether you are managing a chronic condition or preparing for an upcoming procedure, our tools will help you navigate your care plan and better understand how you can improve your health.

Your heart health matters, not just for you, but for the ones you care about and depend on you. When it comes to heart and vascular disease, the statistics don’t lie – but the most encouraging piece of news is that you don’t have to be a statistic. No matter what your age, you can make lifestyle choices that will lower your risk of heart and vascular disease and prevent heart attack and stroke.

Glossary of Heart & Vascular Terms

Ace Inhibitor: Medication used to treat high blood pressure.

Angina (Angina Pectoris): Pain or discomfort which occurs when the heart does not receive adequate blood flow – and thus oxygen — to the heart muscle. Angina may be experienced in the chest, neck, jaw, arms, shoulder or back. No permanent damage is done to the heart.

Angioplasty: A procedure performed by cardiac surgeons to open an obstruction or narrowing of a blood vessel, using a balloon that is inserted with a catheter. Also known as a Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).

Anticoagulant: A drug that slows or prevents the blood from clotting.

Aneurysm: An aneurysm is an abnormal widening of a blood vessel. Aneurysms can sometimes burst, causing a serious medical emergency. If not caught in time, they can be life-threatening.

Aorta: The main artery leaving the heart.

Arteries: Vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Atrial Fibrillation:A rapid and irregular rhythm that begins in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). As a result, the lower chambers also beat irregularly. This condition requires diagnosis and treatment.

Arterial Line: A small plastic tube that is placed in an artery in your wrist in order to monitor arterial blood pressure. Blood samples can also be taken through this tube.

Arrhythmia: An abnormal rhythm of the heart, including rate, regularity, or site of impulse origin. Types of arrhythmias include tachycardias (fast heart rhythms) and bradycardias (slow heart rhythms).

Atherosclerosis:A disease process in which fatty substances (plaque), such as cholesterol, are deposited on the inner lining of blood vessels.

Arteriosclerosis:Arteriosclerosis is a general term for a condition that is characterized by the thickening, hardening and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries.

Beta Blocker: Medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina, myocardial infarction and other heart conditions, by controlling the heart rate.

Bradycardia: An abnormally slow heart rhythm.

Bypass Graft (Vein, Mammary Artery, Aorta-Coronary Bypass Graft): A surgical procedure where a piece of vein, taken from the leg, or a piece or artery, taken from the inside of the chest wall, replaces a diseased coronary artery. The graft helps get more blood to the heart muscle.

Calcium Channel Blocker: A drug used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It decreases the workload of the heart by blocking the influx of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells, which reduces the oxygen demand on the heart.

Cardiac: Relating to the heart.

Cardiac Angiogram or Catheterization: An X-ray procedure which involves the injection of dye into the heart chambers and into the coronary arteries for diagnostic purposes. An X-ray reveals the exact site where the artery is narrowed or blocked and measures how well the heart is pumping.

Catheter: A hollow, flexible tube used to withdraw or inject fluid into the body.

Chest Tube: A tube or tubes in the chest which drain fluids from the area of the operation. The chest tubes remain in place for approximately two days.

Cholesterol: A waxy substance that circulates in the blood and plays a role in the formation of blockages. Cholesterol originates in foods that are rich in animal fats.

Congestive Heart Failure: The condition which results when the heart is unable to pump adequately. Congestive heart failure (CHF) can result from coronary heart disease.

Coronary Arteries: Special arteries which supply the heart muscle with blood.

Coronary Artery Disease: A condition in which the arteries supplying the heart muscle become blocked. The cause of this is unknown, but some known risk factors include: hypertension, family history, smoking, diabetes, obesity, diet and stress.

Diabetes: A disease that negatively affects the metabolism of glucose (sugar) and cause changes in blood vessels that, untreated, may lead to circulation issues, development of coronary artery disease, blindness and other health issues.

Dilation: The gradual opening of the narrowed coronary artery by cracking and compressing the narrowing or obstructing plaque.

Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ ECG): A recording of the electrical activity of the heart. The EKG recording can be used to detect many abnormalities in the heart.

Endotrachael Tube (ETT): Breathing tube placed in the trachea during surgery or respiratory emergencies to assist with breathing. Removed when the patient is able to breathe on his/her own.

Fibrillation: A rapid and irregular heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical impulses. This is a potentially serious condition.

Fibrillation, Atrial : See Atrial Fibrillation.
Heart Lung Machine (Bypass): This machine performs the function of the heart and lungs in surgery, when grafts are being attached to the heart.

Hypertension:High blood pressure, usually above 135/85.

Hypotension:Low blood pressure. The tolerance for low blood pressure varies greatly, but generally a systolic blood pressure less than 90 indicates hypotension..

Hypercholesterolemia: Hypercholesterolemia refers to levels of cholesterol in the blood that are higher than normal.

Incentive Spirometer: This machine lets you know if you are breathing deeply enough. Respiratory therapists teach patients how to use the spirometer.

Ischemia:Lack of or insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle. Ischemia is a reversible condition if normal blood flow is restored.

IV (Intravenous): Small tubes which are placed into the veins for the purpose of giving fluids and drugs, taking blood samples, and measuring pressures. These “lines” as they are called, will remain in place for several days after surgery.

Left Ventricle: The largest chamber of the heart. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Local (Anesthetic): Numbing medicine which is used to decrease discomfort when intravenous lines are put into place.

Lungs: Sponge-like organs of the body which allow oxygen to enter the blood when you breathe.

Mammary Artery: An artery that runs down the inside of the chest wall and is sometimes used in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Murmur: A heart murmur is defined as the sound caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart, as heard by a provider through a stethoscope. Most heart murmurs are benign, but sometimes a murmur can indicate problems such as a malfunctioning heart valve.

Myocardial Infarction (M.I.):A “heart-attack”, with loss of part of the heart muscle due to a severe decrease in blood supply. Permanent damage to the heart occurs.

Myocarditis: An inflammatory disease of the heart muscle (myocardium) that can result from a variety of causes. While most cases are produced by a viral infection, an inflammation of the heart muscle may also be instigated by toxins, drugs, and hypersensitive immune reactions. Myocarditis is a rare but serious condition that affects both males and females of any age.

NG Tube (Nasogastric):A small tube placed through the nose and into the stomach to draw out secretions and lessen stomach upset immediately after surgery.

Pacemaker: Electronic device used to control the heart rate. Used after open heart surgery to maintain a steady heart rate for recovery, and, in emergencies, to stimulate the heart to bea

Pericarditis: Two thin membranes enclose the heart in a sac-like structure. If these membranes become irritated or inflamed, the condition is known as pericarditis. Pericarditis is fairly common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 people at some point in their lives. It can be caused by flu, polio, injury, or German measles. Other causes are rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. This condition sometimes follows a heart attack.

Pericardial Tamponade: Pericardial Tamponade is a dangerous form of pericarditis. The membranes enclosing the heart do not easily stretch, so if fluid accumulates between the membranes and the heart, pressure from it may prevent the heart from working as a pump. Pericardial tamponade usually is the result of trauma, such as an automobile accident, and must be treated immediately.

Percutaneous: Performed through a small opening in the skin.

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).: See Angioplasty.

Plaque: The accumulated wax-like material that causes a blockage in a blood vessel. Also known as a lesion or stenosis.

Platelets: A substance in the blood that is involved in the formation of a clot.

Pressure monitors and pressure lines: Devices used to measure the internal pressures that the heart and lungs are emitting. Usually inserted through arteries in the neck, arm or leg.

Pulmonary Function Studies: A series of tests which are performed before surgery to evaluate the condition of your lungs.

Restenosis:A re-narrowing or blockage of an artery at the same site where angioplasty was previously done.

Saphenous Vein: The large vein in the leg, often used as the “bypass graft” in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Stenosis:A narrowing of any canal. Used to describe narrowed coronary arteries or a narrowed heart valve.

Stent: An expandable, slotted metal tube that is inserted into a vessel. A stent acts as a scaffold to provide structural support for a vessel.

Sternum: The breastbone.

Suctioning: A procedure performed on patients connected to a ventilator. A small tube placed down the throat draws out mucous, in order the keep the lungs clear.

Sutures (also called Stitches): The material used to close a surgical incision.

Tachycardia: An abnormally fast heart rate.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Surgeons insert a replace

Telemetry Monitory: A specialized wireless monitor that allows patients to move freely in their rooms and the hall, but still enables team members to observe their EKG.

Thrombosis:A blockage caused by clumps of cells.

Triglycerides: Substances in the blood that are a component of the “bad” type of cholesterol.

Valves: The heart has 4 valves: the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and the tricuspid.

  • Aortic Valve: The valve that sits at the junction of the left ventricle and the aorta. When the valve is open it allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, and when closed, prevents any backward flow.
  • Aortic Insufficiency: An incomplete closing of the aortic valve, causing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle.
  • Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve, causing the left ventricle to work harder, but limiting the amount of blood that can be pumped forward into the aorta.
  • Mitral Valve:The valve that sits between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
  • Mitral Insufficiency:An incomplete closing of the mitral valve, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
  • Mitral Stenosis:A narrowing of the mitral valve, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium.
  • Pulmonary Valve: The valve that sits at the junction of the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
  • Tricuspid Valve: The valve that sits between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Veins: Vessels that transport blood back to the heart after the oxygen has been used by the body.

Vein Graft: A piece of a vein taken from either a leg or arm that is used to bypass the damaged coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Ventilator:A machine that helps patients breathe after surgery.

Ventricle: One of the two lower chambers of the heart.

Ventricular Fibrillation: A very rapid, uncoordinated, ineffective series of contractions throughout the lower chambers of the heart. Unless stopped, these chaotic impulses are fatal.

Recipes for a Healthier Lifestyle

For many newly diagnosed cardiac and diabetes patients, part of the road to wellness includes making nutritional changes and other lifestyle behaviors. (For example, the patient may need to stop smoking, and/or start exercising and/or reduce or eliminate alcohol.)

Try some new recipes today.  Download a recipe or go to one of the websites under links to get started.

Keep the Beat Heart Healthy Recipes
Heart-Healthy Home Cooking African American Style
Delicious Heart Healthy Latino Recipes

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
DASH Recipes
Recipe Analysis
Stay Young at Heart

A to Z Search for Services

Central Maine Healthcare covers all of your physical and mental health needs.
Click on a service below to learn more about what we offer and where to find care near you.

  • Addiction Services

    We are committed to understanding and serving people who are living with addiction. We provide compassionate trauma-informed care based on best practi… Learn More >

  • Bariatric Surgery

    Central Maine Bariatric Surgery understands how important weight loss is for patients. We have been established since 2007 and have a team ready to su… Learn More >

  • Breast Health

    When it comes to caring for your breast health, Central Maine Healthcare offers a spectrum of services to help screen, diagnose, and treat. From the m… Learn More >

  • Cancer care

    The Cancer Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center is an integrated, multi-disciplinary program that combines a full spectrum of services and med… Learn More >

  • Cardiovascular services

    Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) brings skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and bey… Learn More >

  • Diabetes and Endocrinology

    Diabetes and other endocrine-system conditions are complex, and when you’ve been diagnosed with one, it’s hard to know what to do next. Learn More >

  • Ear, Nose and Throat

    At Central Maine Healthcare, our board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists understand how this connected system works and can identify th… Learn More >

  • Emergency Care

    If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately or go to your nearest ER. Emergencies happen when you least expect them,… Learn More >

  • Gastroenterology

    Your digestive system involves so many parts of the body – your throat, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. So, whe… Learn More >

  • Imaging Services

    Welcome to Central Maine Medical Center Imaging Services. We take pride in providing our community with technologically advanced, up-to-date imaging s… Learn More >

  • Integrative Medicine

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we’re focused on the whole you — mind, body and spirit. That’s why we specialize in integrative medicine, with a va… Learn More >

  • Laboratory Services

    Central Maine Healthcare offers lab services at convenient locations for tests as part of your routine appointment or for screening of specific condit… Learn More >

  • Long-Term Care

    At Central Maine Healthcare, our long-term care feels exactly like home. We believe in taking complete care of you or your loved one’s physical, med… Learn More >

  • Neurology

    Central Maine Healthcare's neurologists and other doctors are specialists in epilepsy, movement disorders and other neurological disorders. Learn More >

  • Nutrition Services

    Clinical Nutrition A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a “food and nutrition expert” who has completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree ... <a class… Learn More >

  • Orthopedic care

    The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) serves the people of Central, Western and Midcoast Maine. OICM works collaboratively with our outpati… Learn More >

  • Palliative Care

    Central Maine Healthcare's palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing reli… Learn More >

  • Pediatrics

    CMH’s kid-friendly team members and ambience — as well as our kid-sized examination tables and tools — instantly put children at ease. And we fi… Learn More >

  • Pharmacy

    The CMMC Pharmacy is open to the public and accepts all major insurance plans. As part of your healthcare team, let our pharmacy assist you with manag… Learn More >

  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

    Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a personal choice, and a personal journey. At Central Maine Healthcare, our double-board certified physician a… Learn More >

  • Primary Care

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we make primary care easy and accessible to community members like you. We believe in providing compassionate, quality ca… Learn More >

  • Pulmonary

    At Central Maine Healthcare we provide diagnosis and treatment to our patients as well as education to both the patient and family. Learn More >

  • Rehabilitation and Therapy

    Whether you have suffered an injury at work or on the field, are recovering from surgery or just want to better manage pain, the Orthopedic Institute… Learn More >

  • Rheumatology

    Rheumatology is the study and treatment of rheumatic disorders, a wide range of conditions affecting the joints and connective tissue and typically ca… Learn More >

  • Sleep Medicine

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we know what a peaceful night’s sleep means for your health and life. Our board-certified sleep medicine specialist and… Learn More >

  • Surgical services

    Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) brings skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and bey… Learn More >

  • Telehealth Services

    Central Maine Healthcare now offers telehealth services, bringing you the care you need when you’re unable to leave home. Online and telephone visit… Learn More >

  • Trauma Center

    We offer three ERs right in the communities we serve – each staffed 24/7 with board-certified emergency providers and specialty trained team members… Learn More >

  • Urology

    Using the latest and most advanced screening technology allows our medical team to scan with amazing detail. This allows us to more accurately detect… Learn More >

  • Women’s and children’s health

    Women of all ages have unique health and medical needs, which is why Central Maine Healthcare has spent decades building services, treatment, educatio… Learn More >

  • Wound Care

    Central Maine Medical Center’s Comprehensive Wound Center is a centralized location for all aspects of wound care. Our team of specialists provides… Learn More >

Central Maine Medical Center

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston is the flagship facility of Central Maine Healthcare. CMMC is a 250-bed, not-for-profit, Level III Trauma Center, offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services to the people of central Maine. CMMC provides 24-hour emergency care, a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center, an award-winning stroke center and extensive specialized care. CMMC is also the southern Maine base for LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only medical helicopter service.

300 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Main: (207) 795-0111
Emergency: (207) 795-2200
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Conditions We Treat: Cardiovascular Services

Find the Beat Again with Arrhythmia Care

If your heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly, you may be experiencing an arrhythmia. Our heart rhythm specialists (electrophysiologists, or EPs), diagnose and treat arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and other problems with the heart’s electrical system. Treatments include implanting medical devices to regulate your heart and minimally invasive procedures that use either heat (radiofrequency) or cold energy (cryoablation) to modify abnormal heart tissue and restore a healthy rhythm.

Clear Up Coronary Artery Disease

Being diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) means the arteries that bring blood to your heart have hardened and narrowed by a buildup of plaque on their inner walls, reducing the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart. Our board-certified cardiologists offer answers through a full range of state-of-the-art CAD care. In our cardiac catheterization lab, we provide diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, including heart catheterization, angioplasty, trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and stent placement.

Nationally Recognized Heart Attack Care

Heart attacks strike 800,000 Americans each year. You’re most likely to survive a heart attack if you receive emergency treatment as quickly as possible. Our nationally certified Chest Pain Center, part of our Emergency Department in Lewiston, is ready around the clock to provide rapid-response care. If you or a loved one report chest pain, we will treat you as a potential cardiac patient until we determine a definite diagnosis. If you suffer a heart attack, we also offer personalized rehabilitation to help restore your quality of life and reduce your chances of having another episode.

Get Your Life Back after Heart Failure

When you suffer heart failure, your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Our cardiac specialists can provide you with the full range of care you need for heart failure. You’ll also have access to our comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program to help regain the highest possible quality of life.

Relieve Pain from Peripheral Artery Disease

Just as the arteries in your heart can become narrowed and blocked by atherosclerosis, so too can the arteries that bring blood elsewhere in your body, such as your legs, causing severe pain and other potential problems. This condition is known asperipheral artery disease (PAD). Our board-certified vascular/endovascular providers can provide you with the care you need to feel better and to prevent future problems, such as medication and information about lifestyle interventions.

Find the Right Solution for Structural Heart Disease

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer with structural heart diseases such as aortic stenosis, the heart surgeons at CMHVI can help. We offer expertise in all types of structural heart procedures, including valve repair and replacement. In addition to open heart surgery, we offer aortic valve replacement (AVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)—a revolutionary, minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery.

Get Relief from Vein Disorders

If you experience leg pain or leg swelling, you may suffer from vein disorders that can result in serious, potentially life-threatening blood clots. CMH Heart & Vascular Care offers a full range of vein treatments to help repair or manage your vein disorders, reducing associated health risks.

About Us: Cardiovascular Services

Our cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and other skilled professionals provide specialty care to inpatients at CMHVI and Central Maine Medical Center. Outpatient care is delivered from CMHVI’s Lewiston offices and at other locations throughout central and western Maine.

Our services include cardiac angioplasty and open-heart surgery, as well as many other advanced procedures. CMHVI also provides a special recovery unit for patients, for compassionate and specialized care. As part of our commitment to cardiac and vascular health, CMHVI sponsors wellness and prevention programs throughout the region.

Mission

The Central Maine Healthcare Heart and Vascular Institute’s mission is to provide comprehensive, integrated services from prevention and screening to treatment and rehabilitation that are high-quality, efficient, evidence-based, and patient and family-focused.

The Institute’s vision is to care for the heart health needs of the population we serve.

The Institute’s goal is to improve the health status of individuals who live and work in our region.