Surgeons Perform Breakthrough Procedure Together

Father-son vascular surgeons at Orlando Health complete first endovascular aneurysm repair in cardiac cath lab

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:03pm

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Dr. Joseph Wasselle Sr. and Dr. Joseph Wasselle Jr., a father-son duo of vascular surgeons at Orlando Health in Melbourne, Florida, recently performed the hospital's first endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedure in a cardiac catheterization lab, a breakthrough that eliminates the need for open surgery and offers patients reduced recovery time and less discomfort. The younger Dr. Wasselle was able to teach his father, who has decades more experience, about the new minimally invasive technique.

Why it matters

The ability to perform complex vascular procedures like EVAR in a cardiac cath lab rather than an operating room represents a significant advancement in vascular care, expanding access to these life-saving treatments. The collaboration between the father-son surgeons also highlights the generational shift in medical techniques, with newer graduates bringing innovative skills to established practices.

The details

The EVAR procedure involves placing stents in the aorta to repair abdominal aneurysms. Traditionally, it has been performed in an operating room or hybrid surgical environment. However, the team at Orlando Health was able to complete the procedure entirely in the cardiac catheterization lab, using only small needles rather than open surgery. This new approach eliminates the need for large incisions, resulting in faster patient recovery and less discomfort.

  • The hospital recently became the first Orlando Health facility to perform an EVAR procedure in a cardiac cath lab.
  • In the last six months, Dr. Joseph Wasselle Jr. joined his father's practice at Orlando Health.

The players

Dr. Joseph Wasselle Sr.

A vascular surgeon at Orlando Health in Melbourne, Florida, with decades of experience in the field.

Dr. Joseph Wasselle Jr.

A vascular surgeon at Orlando Health in Melbourne, Florida, who recently joined his father's practice after graduating from the same medical school.

Orlando Health

A healthcare system in Melbourne, Florida, where the Wasselle surgeons practice.

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What they’re saying

“I think that growing up, a lot of people look up to somebody they want to be like, and for me, that's my father.”

— Dr. Joseph Wasselle Jr.

“It is the most incredible experience you can imagine.”

— Dr. Joseph Wasselle Sr.

“Typically, we've been doing this in the operating room here with portable equipment.”

— Dr. Joseph Wasselle Jr.

“Because of our age difference, things were a lot different. When I first started working in vascular surgery, the whole procedure was done through a cut.”

— Dr. Joseph Wasselle Sr.

“We did this entirely percutaneously, and what that means is we don't make any cuts. We just use small needles.”

— Dr. Joseph Wasselle Jr.

What’s next

The hospital plans to continue performing EVAR procedures in the cardiac cath lab, expanding access to this advanced vascular care for patients in the region.

The takeaway

The collaboration between the Wasselle father-son team showcases how the next generation of medical professionals is bringing innovative techniques to established practices, improving patient outcomes and expanding the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare.