MD West ONE Expands Advanced Stroke Care with Addition of Two Endovascular Neurosurgeons
Dr. Itay Melamed and Dr. Jared Chen Join Dr. Andrew Gard to Strengthen Comprehensive Stroke Program Across the Region
MD West ONE is proud to welcome Dr. Itay Melamed and Dr. Jared Chen, two fellowship-trained endovascular neurosurgeons, to its growing team of specialists. Together with Dr. Andrew Gard, the physicians will lead an advanced stroke and cerebrovascular program, providing patients throughout eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa with access to life-saving, highly specialized care.
The addition of Dr. Melamed and Dr. Chen represents a significant investment in expanding access to emergency stroke treatment and complex cerebrovascular care for patients across the region. The team will ensure more patients have timely access to the latest minimally invasive treatments for stroke, aneurysms, vascular malformations, carotid disease, and other complex neurological conditions.
Building One of the Region's Premier Stroke Programs
Stroke is a medical emergency where every minute matters. During an ischemic stroke, nearly two million brain cells are lost every minute that blood flow is interrupted. Having experienced endovascular neurosurgeons available around the clock can dramatically improve a patient's chance of recovery.
By bringing together three fellowship-trained endovascular neurosurgeons, MD West ONE is creating one of the region's most comprehensive stroke programs, providing expert care from emergency intervention through recovery.
The physicians specialize in advanced catheter-based procedures that allow many conditions to be treated through a small incision in the wrist or groin rather than traditional open surgery. These minimally invasive techniques often result in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and improved outcomes for patients experiencing life-threatening neurological emergencies.
Meet Dr. Itay Melamed:
Dr. Itay Melamed is a fellowship-trained endovascular neurosurgeon dedicated to treating complex diseases affecting the brain and blood vessels. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of:
- Acute ischemic stroke
- Brain aneurysms
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Carotid artery disease
- Intracranial vascular disorders
- Moyamoya disease
- Other complex cerebrovascular conditions
Dr. Melamed combines advanced endovascular and cerebrovascular techniques with patient-centered care, helping individuals receive the most effective treatment possible while minimizing recovery time whenever appropriate.
Meet Dr. Jared Chen:
Dr. Jared Chen brings extensive training in both cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, offering patients access to the latest minimally invasive technologies for treating neurological conditions. His clinical interests include:
- Mechanical thrombectomy for acute stroke
- Brain aneurysm treatment
- Vascular malformations
- Intracranial stenosis
- Complex cerebrovascular disease
Dr. Chen is committed to providing timely, evidence-based care while working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure every patient receives comprehensive treatment throughout their recovery.
A Collaborative Team for Better Patient Outcomes
Joining Dr. Andrew Gard, Dr. Melamed and Dr. Chen create a collaborative team of specialists focused on delivering exceptional cerebrovascular care. Together, they provide patients with expanded access to specialized expertise, advanced technology, and coordinated treatment plans designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.
This collaboration also strengthens MD West ONE's ability to provide comprehensive stroke services across multiple communities, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for highly specialized neurological care.
Advanced Care Close to Home
For patients and families, having nationally trained endovascular neurosurgeons available locally means faster access to emergency treatment when every second counts. Whether treating a sudden stroke, repairing a brain aneurysm, or managing another complex cerebrovascular condition, the MD West ONE endovascular neurosurgery team is committed to delivering advanced, compassionate care close to home.
If you would like to make an appointment, please call (402) 390-4111 or use our online scheduling tool.
