Fulvio Capozzi - Ocean Medical Center

Back on His Feet
Ocean Medical Center’s vascular
expertise and state-of-the-art resources saved this
Manchester man’s leg.
Ocean Medical Center
Fulvio Capozzi
is an avid
outdoorsman
who likes to
hunt and fish.
14 Meridian HealthViews
MarcH /april 2015
FUlViO capOZZi, 73, KNEW SOMETHiNG WaS
wrong when he began to experience a burning,
painful sensation in his left foot when he
walked. And the problem quickly grew worse.
The pain soon prevented the Manchester
Township resident from walking without
assistance and kept him awake at night. Fulvio
had never had a major medical problem before.
Thankfully, he didn’t wait to seek help.
Fulvio scheduled an appointment with a local
podiatrist, who suspected Fulvio’s pain was due
to circulation problems. He was referred
immediately to Sung Kwon, M.D., a vascular
surgeon at Ocean Medical Center.
Advanced imaging, Quick Diagnosis
To diagnose Fulvio, Dr. Kwon first conducted
noninvasive vascular testing at the vascular lab
in his office. He then brought Fulvio to Ocean’s
endovascular suite and performed a diagnostic
angiogram — a minimally invasive test that
allows physicians to see directly inside the
arteries to diagnose and pinpoint the cause and
location of a vascular problem. Dr. Kwon also
conducted an advanced ultrasound test to map
Fulvio’s leg veins.
“We found that Fulvio had an aneurysm in the
popliteal artery — the artery that runs down the
back of the thigh and knee — that had formed
a clot and was preventing blood flow to the
lower leg,” explains Dr. Kwon. “As a result, the
circulation in his lower leg was extremely
poor — about 20 percent or less. If left untreated,
it would have likely required amputation.”
Full Spectrum of Care
Although Dr. Kwon is trained in correcting
vascular aneurysms with minimally invasive
procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting, he
determined that Fulvio would be better served
Sung Kwon, M.D.
Board certified in
Vascular Surgery
and General
Surgery
Brick
800-560-9990
with open surgery due to the
severity of his condition.
Dr. Kwon planned a surgical
bypass of Fulvio’s popliteal
artery, using a nearby vein to
create a new pathway for blood to flow to
his lower leg. The vein mapping results
confirmed that he would be a good candidate
for the procedure.
“At Ocean, we have the distinct advantage in
that all of our vascular surgeons are trained in
both endovascular and open surgery. In
addition, Ocean Medical Center has the imaging
technology, equipment, and resources to support
both surgical approaches,” explains Dr. Kwon.
“As a result, we have all options available to us
and tailor treatment for each patient. It’s rare to
find this spectrum of care.”
Home Services Aid Recovery
Dr. Kwon performed the vein bypass surgery at
Ocean, which was a success. After a brief
hospital stay, Fulvio went home to recover with
the help of Meridian At Home.
Fulvio received physical therapy in his home
twice a week and a nurse came weekly to change
his dressings and check on his progress. His
family and girlfriend also assisted him with daily
chores and lawn care and drove him to
appointments. Although Fulvio went home with
a walker, he quickly graduated to a cane. And
five weeks after surgery, he was walking without
assistance, his circulation levels were back to
normal, and he was making plans to get
outdoors again.
“I’m so thankful I didn’t drag my feet in
getting help when I first noticed the pain,” says
Fulvio. “The surgery saved my leg and everyone
was so helpful to me during recovery. I couldn’t
be happier with the results.”
AngioScreen® Saves Lives
Learn your risk for heart attack and stroke
through this comprehensive vascular
workup, which includes a carotid artery ultrasound,
heart rhythm test, and more. Turn to page 23 for
event details.
MeridianHealth.com
1-800-560-9990
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