Showcasing a combination of innovation and teamwork that makes VA such a unique place to work, advancements at the VA Portland Health Care System made this facility the second VA in the nation to perform osseointegration (OI) surgeries for above-knee amputees.
In so doing, they are also maintaining our core mission by finding new and impactful ways to care for Veterans.
An innovative system
In recent years, Dr. Stephanie Liu, Portland VA Amputation Clinic medical director, began working to bring the Osseo-anchored Prostheses for Rehabilitation of Amputees (OPRA) Implant System to Portland.
The OPRA Implant System is designed for adults who have transfemoral (above-the-knee) amputations who may also have problems with, or even an inability to use, a conventional socket prosthesis. That can lead to many people being wheelchair-bound, less functional, or just less comfortable than they could be.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hadi “Lucas” Anissian was familiar with the concept and surgical procedure long before the device was approved for use. That familiarity prompted conversations with Dr. Liu to discuss collaborating on bringing this treatment option to the Portland VA Healthcare System.
While bringing this new surgical technique and treatment option to the Portland region is a professional accomplishment, Anissian further described it as, “A genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of our Veteran amputees.
“Osseointegration (OI) surgery opens doors to possibilities and improvements that were unimaginable just a few years ago,” he explained.
A successful start
As proof of that fact, Wade Mitcheltree, the first Veteran to undergo OI surgery in Portland VA, continues to find more comfort and control in his ability to stand upright and walk on his own.
Mitcheltree was wounded in combat, and his injuries caused the loss of his right leg above the knee, his right arm below the elbow, a pelvis fracture, eardrum rupture, and severe left leg injuries which eventually led to amputation below the knee on that side.
During Mitcheltree’s most recent follow-up visit, doctors confirmed he continues to experience normal healing without infection or other complications at the surgical site and that he has made remarkable progress in his weight-bearing and walking training programs.
“His determination to walk is a testament to his resilience and the exceptional care provided by our team,” said Anissian.
“You can still do anything and everything that everybody else does, you’re just going to do it a different way,” said Mitcheltree, who volunteers his time speaking to children at local Ronald McDonald homes.
A team effort
For Veterans who have experienced amputations, VA employs Amputation Specialty Clinic Teams, an interdisciplinary group of health care professionals who build individualized health care treatment plans tailored to the needs of the Veteran. These teams are a natural outgrowth of our Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), which support whole health care and lifelong wellness.
Amputation-related care programs may include the prescribing clinician, a therapist with experience in limb loss rehabilitation, and a prosthetist, the individual specializing in limb fabrication. However, in some cases, specialized teams like those employed at Portland VA may come into action.
In addition to Dr. Liu and Dr. Anissian, the Portland VA’s OI team includes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Gundle, physical therapist Hannah Burkhart, VA-certified prosthetist/orthotist (CPO) Sophy Puth, and Dr. Rebecca Speckman, Puget Sound VA Regional Amputation medical director.
“I feel incredibly blessed and honored to work alongside such talented and dedicated professionals who offer a procedure which makes a profound difference in our patients’ lives,” said Dr. Anissian.
The team receives additional support through the VA National Amputation System of Care, an integrated, national health care delivery system that provides patient-centered, lifelong care for Veterans and service members with amputations.
Work at VA
If you’re interested in a workplace where you can innovate with the support of a nationwide team of dedicated experts, a VA career might be just what you’re looking for.
- EXPLORE our commitment to innovation.
- LEARN about our workplace culture.
- FIND an opportunity that’s right for you.
