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.
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About us
How Angioplasty4AMD was born
The genesis of a strategic alliance connecting a vascular hypothesis, specialized technology, and retinal expertise in Buenos Aires.
The vascular hypothesis and a special catheter
For years, several researchers had proposed that vascular insufficiency might contribute to AMD. Jeff Franco, founder of a next-generation catheter company and a former collaborator of Judah Folkman, understood that the hypothesis could only be explored by changing perfusion with a device able to navigate an exceptionally small artery.
“What if we could perform angioplasty on an artery as small as the ophthalmic artery?”
Jeff Franco, Ocudyne · in collaboration with Dr. Phil Rosenfeld, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami
From Miami to Buenos Aires
The project incorporated Dr. Phil Rosenfeld's scientific review and moved toward building a multidisciplinary team. It still needed a macular specialist willing to evaluate a radically different treatment concept. Dr. Mario Joaquín Saravia accepted the challenge because part of his own research supported investigating the vascular component of AMD.
From Buenos Aires, his role focused on ophthalmological assessment, patient selection, and clinical follow-up. The pilot study generated information on feasibility and safety, together with signals of visual improvement that were not part of the initially expected outcome.
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.
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.
The physicians
World-class retinal expertise
The specialist responsible for ophthalmological assessment, patient selection, and follow-up for each case.
Dr. Mario Joaquín Saravia
Retinal ophthalmologist and surgeon · Buenos Aires and Pilar
Born in Buenos Aires, Dr. Saravia is one of Latin America's most experienced retinal surgeons. He served as Chief of Ophthalmic Surgery at Hospital de Clínicas (UBA) and as Chair of Ophthalmology at Hospital Universitario Austral.
He is co-founder and former president of the Argentine Society of Retina and Vitreous. He currently serves as Principal Investigator at Buenos Aires Mácula Clinical Research.
His scientific work has long explored the vascular component of AMD. He is a member of the Club Jules Gonin, one of the world's most selective international societies dedicated to retina and vitreous.
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.
Where we are
Argentina and Buenos Aires
A city with a strong medical tradition, a distinctive culture, and the infrastructure to welcome national and international patients.
14M+people in the metropolitan area
#8largest country in the world
UNESCOtango, an intangible heritage
5Argentine Nobel laureates
“Buenos Aires —both the city and the surrounding province— is the heart of Argentina. Our centers are located here, and this is where most visitors begin their journey through the country.”
Argentina stretches from the subtropical north to the glaciers of Patagonia and from the Atlantic to the Andes. Buenos Aires combines vibrant urban life with a strong European heritage that can be seen in its architecture, cafés, theaters, and cuisine.
A living tradition of innovation
The contributions of René Favaloro, Luis Agote, Bernardo Houssay, César Milstein, and Luis Leloir form part of a scientific history that continues through high-complexity research and clinical institutions.
A singular urban experience
Boulevards, architecture, museums, bookstores, and neighborhoods with distinct identities. From Recoleta and Palermo to San Telmo and Puerto Madero, the city offers hotels and dining options for stays of different lengths.
Much more than beef and tango
Traditional parrillas, contemporary cuisine, Italian and Spanish roots, Argentine wine, and a neighborhood café culture that sets the pace of everyday life.
During your stay
Support before and after the procedure
- Guidance in choosing accommodation and arranging the transfers required for each visit.
- Access to registered taxis, ride-hailing services, and coordinated airport transfers.
- A team available to answer logistical questions before and during the trip.
Extend your trip
Argentina beyond Buenos Aires
Mendoza
Vineyards at the foot of the Andes, wineries, regional cuisine, and mountain landscapes.
Patagonia
Lakes, forests, glaciers, and some of Argentina's most celebrated natural experiences.
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.