World class vascular surgery

Date: 10/13/2025

This summer, the vascular surgical team at EMMC did something extraordinary, completing five complex aortic repairs in a single day.  

“Completing this number of complex procedures in a day requires a certain rhythm that can only be accomplished with the right team, each of whom is an expert at what they do. From the surgeon to the surgical techs, to the peri operative nurses and anesthesiology team, to the turnover team,” says Dr. Peter Beaulieu, lead physician of vascular services. “We save lives in this hospital every week, and absolutely could not do that without all of our team members.”

Aortic repair is critical for patients whose aorta has been damaged due to disease or injury. The body’s largest artery, the aorta carries oxygen-rich blood to the heart and organs throughout the body. Complex aortic repair refers to repairs in difficult-to-reach areas of the aorta, repairs to sections that connect to vital organs, or repairs needed on large segments and multiple areas of the aorta. This type of procedure requires highly skilled surgeons surrounded by specialized teams.

Aortic repair is highly individualized, requiring planning and measurements for each patient using specialized software, tools, and materials. Two of these surgeries a day can be a full day, due to the time needed to prepare and perform each procedure and turnaround time for surgical space. Recently, the team has regularly been completing three per day to meet increasing need.

“This level of care takes the entire team, each of whom deserves recognition for the orchestration of schedules and skill,” says Ava Collins, MHA, FACHE, president, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Northern Light Health and EMMC have provided vascular care for more than 20 years. During that time, the technology and techniques to treat patients with vascular care needs has changed dramatically, improving their health and adding years to their lives.

“Our team is held to the same high standards and quality you would expect from teams in larger cities - but to have five board-certified vascular surgeons present with the skills necessary to accomplish this type of specialized care in Bangor, Maine is incredible, shares Dr. Beaulieu. “This many complex procedures in one day is unusual in most centers, but when the need is there, EMMC has the team to do it.”

EMMC’s vascular surgical team provides complex interventional services for patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

To learn more about vascular services at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Health, visit our website at northernlighthealth.org/Services/Surgery/Vascular-Care