Endovascular technique
Microcatheter navigation provides access to the ophthalmic artery without surgical incisions in the eye.
Buenos Aires · Argentina
Angioplasty for AMD
Geographic atrophy: a new investigational alternative.
Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in adults over 60. In Buenos Aires, Dr. Mario Joaquín Saravia, President of Fundación Retina, is working on a multidisciplinary ophthalmic artery angioplasty approach.
Why this matters
An unmet medical need
Geographic atrophy is one of the most severe forms of AMD and can cause progressive loss of central vision.
AMD affects nearly 200 million people worldwide. Current therapies can control or slow some forms of the disease, but they do not restore vision that has already been lost. This is why research into approaches that address other potential mechanisms continues.
One line of research examines the role of vascular supply to the macula. The hypothesis proposes that improving ophthalmic artery blood flow could support ocular and retinal perfusion in carefully selected patients.
Minimally invasive
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires hospitalization and preventive monitoring.
Multidisciplinary team
It combines endovascular neurosurgery, retina, and macula expertise for a joint assessment of each case.
Angiographic visualization during the procedure.
The procedure
Ophthalmic artery angioplasty
An endovascular procedure designed to restore blood flow in the artery that supplies the eye.
Using a specialized microcatheter, the team accesses the ophthalmic artery, observes the site of obstruction in real time, and uses endovascular devices to open the affected vessel.
- Prior ophthalmological and neurovascular evaluation to determine whether the procedure may be indicated.
- Individual planning based on imaging and the patient's vascular anatomy.
- Post-procedure ophthalmological follow-up to assess safety and visual evolution.
The patient journey
From evaluation to follow-up
A clearly defined process designed around each patient's safety and support.
Contact and initial case review
The team gathers the medical history, ophthalmological studies, and clinical information required for a preliminary evaluation.
Pre-surgical ophthalmological evaluation
In Buenos Aires, the studies provided by the patient are reviewed and the examinations needed to confirm the status of the retina and macula are performed.
Neurovascular evaluation
MR angiography is used to study the patient's individual vascular anatomy and plan the procedural strategy.
Angioplasty and hospitalization
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A minimum 24-hour hospital stay is required for observation and preventive monitoring.
Ophthalmological follow-up
After discharge, ophthalmological examinations are repeated, usually one week later, to assess the patient's progress.
International patients: the full process typically requires a minimum two-week stay
in Buenos Aires. Our team can provide guidance with transfers, accommodation, and support.
Initial results
Pilot study data
The initial protocol was designed to study the feasibility and safety of the procedure.
17
patients included in the pilot study
11
showed measurable visual improvement
100%
reported subjective improvement
These figures come from a small pilot series and should be interpreted as preliminary results. They do not establish definitive efficacy, replace medical assessment, or guarantee individual outcomes.
Testimonials
Patient stories
Patients who underwent arterial angioplasty share their experience.
Phyllys Hughes
Angioplasty and geographic atrophy patient.
Enrique Knowles
Angioplasty and geographic atrophy patient.
Bianca Hogdson
Angioplasty and geographic atrophy patient.
Testimonials reflect individual experiences. They are not evidence of efficacy and do not guarantee that other patients will achieve similar outcomes.
Medical leadership
Specialized ophthalmic expertise
Dr. Saravia leads the ophthalmological assessment, patient selection, and follow-up for each case.
Dr. Mario Joaquín Saravia
Retina and macula surgeon · Fundación Retina
An ophthalmic surgeon specializing in macular and retinal disease. Director of Fundación Retina – Buenos Aires Mácula, with over 28 years of experience in his specialty.
Scientific evidence
Peer-reviewed publications
Scientific publications on ophthalmic artery angioplasty for geographic atrophy secondary to AMD.
Peer review evaluates methodological quality and scientific reporting, but it does not by
itself make a procedure standard treatment or guarantee individual outcomes.
Contact
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch with our team. We will guide you through the documents required and the evaluation process.
Official treatment website
Continue exploring Angioplasty for AMD
For detailed information about the program, patient evaluation, the medical team, scientific updates, and the international patient journey, visit the official treatment website.