How Expert Vascular Care at Winchester Hospital Changed One Patient’s Life

From a Stubborn Wound to Life-Changing Vascular Care

When a wound on Richard Cutts' right ankle refused to heal, he knew something was wrong.

For nearly a year, the Woburn resident endured worsening leg pain, cramping, restless nights and discomfort that began interfering with everyday life. What started as a stubborn wound became a serious vascular condition caused by both arterial and venous disease, one that could have led to amputation if left untreated.

After a referral from his primary care provider, Cutts turned to Winchester Hospital, where he found expert vascular and vein care close to home.

Care In His Community

Winchester Hospital has long been part of Cutts’ life. Born there himself, Cutts’ connection to the hospital runs deep. His mother spent 25 years working as a Labor and Delivery nurse there, and all three of his children were born at the hospital.

As a Vietnam War veteran, Cutts had the option to seek care through the VA or Winchester Hospital.

“It came down to, I live in Woburn, Winchester Hospital is three miles away,” said Cutts.

Within two days, Cutts met with vascular surgeon Sarah Carlson, MD, MSc.

A Minimally Invasive Approach

Dr. Carlson performed an angiogram, an advanced imaging procedure that uses X-rays and contrast dye to visualize blood vessels. The test revealed a serious blockage restricting blood flow to Cutts' right leg.

Dr. Carlson recommended prompt surgical intervention to first treat the arterial insufficiency, followed by treatment for the venous insufficiency, to remove the blockage and restore circulation.

"You can talk to Dr. Carlson and know she is listening,” said Cutts.

Just one week later, Cutts underwent surgery.

During the procedure, Dr. Carlson removed a severe blockage from the femoral artery. Hardened plaque had calcified to the consistency of bone, severely restricting blood flow to the leg. A second blockage was also identified and treated in the artery above the knee.

To restore healthy circulation, Dr. Carlson placed stents, small tubes of metal mesh, in the artery above Cutts' knee using minimally invasive endovascular techniques designed to reopen narrowed arteries and improve blood flow without large incisions.

Life-Changing Relief

The results were almost immediate.

“That night, I slept like a baby,” said Cutts. “I took Tylenol and that was all I needed.”

For Cutts, the outcome felt life changing.

“Had Dr. Carlson not done that, they may have had to amputate my leg,” he said. “It was a miracle.”

A short time later, Cutts returned to Winchester Hospital for treatment of venous insufficiency, a common vascular condition affecting many individuals age 50 and older.

Dr. Carlson treated the veins using foam sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a specialized foam solution to close damaged veins.

Now, more than a year after his procedures, Cutts says he continues to feel significant relief from the symptoms that once disrupted his daily life.

Personalized Care Every Step of the Way

What stood out most to Cutts was not only the innovative treatment he received, but the personalized attention from his care team.

At one point after surgery, Cutts visited the Winchester Hospital Emergency Department on a Saturday for concerns related to his leg.

“Dr. Carlson actually called in on her day off,” said Cutts. “She had picked up the fact that I, as her patient, was there at the hospital and talked to the doctor in the ER and discussed my treatment. It was unbelievable.”

This personalized approach is a hallmark of vascular surgery at Winchester Hospital. The care team works closely with patients through every stage of diagnosis, treatment and recovery to ensure patients feel supported and connected to care.

“It is very important to our team to ensure our patients have access to us right away when they need us, and any questions are addressed right away,” said Dr. Carlson.

Expert Vascular and Vein Care

The team of vascular surgeons and advanced practice providers at Winchester Hospital use the latest technologies in minimally invasive surgical procedures and endovascular techniques to treat a wide range of vascular conditions.

With state-of-the-art facilities including a hybrid operating room, the team of four board certified vascular surgeons provide advanced treatment for aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and more, at a convenient, accessible location.

"The care that comes out of Winchester Hospital, I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” said Cutts.