Charles “Zane” Wachtel knew the two-piece stent in his abdominal aorta had an endoleak.  The leak was detected several years ago during a yearly follow-up for a surgery performed in 2011 to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).  The aorta is the main artery that runs from the heart through the center of the chest and abdomen supplying blood to the body.  If the wall of the aorta weakens, it can develop an aneurysm – an enlarged area that may rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. 

Endovascular repair, a minimally invasive procedure, can be used to prevent the AAA from rupturing.  During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision to gain access to an artery in the upper part of the leg through which a thin, flexible tube can be threaded to reach the site of the aneurysm.  A stent – a tube made of a thin metal mesh covered with a thin polyester fabric – then is sent to the site, opened inside the aorta and fastened in place to allow blood flow.

After the endovascular repair in 2011, Zane had regular check-ups and yearly computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans to examine the stent and ensure it was functioning properly.  For several years, Zane experienced no adverse effects from the leak; however, Zane started experiencing severe back pain this summer.  His wife, Carole, took him to the Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Emergency Department (ED) where he underwent a number of tests to determine the cause of his pain.  The leak had created a bulge in the abdominal aorta which was causing the back pain. 

Vascular surgeon Mark T. DeFrancisco, D.O., of Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery, visited Zane in the Hospital to discuss the findings and the need for another surgery.  “I was so pleased to see Dr. DeFrancisco.  He had performed the original procedure before he was part of Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS), and I knew he had performed hundreds of such repairs,” Zane said.  “Having someone with such talent and experience is a true benefit for the community.”  Dr. DeFrancisco explained to Zane that he would have to reline the existing two-piece stent to stop the leak.  The minimally invasive procedure was performed the next morning, and Zane returned home 24 hours after the surgery. 

Zane met with Dr. DeFrancisco one month following the procedure, then again after six months and now will resume yearly follow-ups to check the placed stent.  “Everyone at LMH provided amazing care.  They left me with no wants, needs or complaints.  It is refreshing to see so many people who enjoy their jobs and are willing to take such good care of others,” Zane said.  The quick recovery time made it possible for Zane to return to doing what he enjoys – serving the Licking County Community in his numerous volunteer positions. 

Zane was raised on a farm outside of Ashland, Ohio.  He attended The Ohio State University (OSU) and earned his degree in architecture.  Before his graduation, Orville Varrasso interviewed Zane at OSU and offered him a position with his firm in Newark.  Zane accepted the position, and he and Carole, whom he had met in Ashland, moved to Newark.  Years later, He and Garry McAnally purchased the firm.  Zane worked on many important projects in Newark including the Library downtown, the County Administration Building and the jail.  “I really enjoyed my business.  You experience every emotion except for boredom,” Zane said. 

Carole and Zane celebrated 60 years of marriage in September 2020.  The couple raised their two children, Katrina and Chuck, in Licking County, and now are watching a third generation grow up in the area.  Their granddaughter, Cierra, has three children – Landon, Aubrie and Maci – with her husband, Josh.  While Zane enjoys spending time with his family, he is extremely active in the community.  He is an ambassador for Lifeline of Ohio sharing the story of his son, Chuck, who was killed in work accident in 2004.  He serves on the Board of Directors at Goodwill, is a member of the Licking County Governmental Preservation Society, the City of Newark Design and Preservation Group, Rotary Club and Maennerchor – a German-American Singing Social Club.  He also volunteers at Hospice of Central Ohio, the food pantry and his church, Second Presbyterian Church.
 
Licking Memorial Vascular Surgery is located at 1371 West Main Street in Newark and treats patients with conditions that affect the circulatory system, primarily diseases of the arteries and veins that affect circulation.  Vascular Surgery is staffed by two qualified vascular surgeons, trained to diagnose and treat care for these disorders, excluding the intracranial and coronary arteries.  They also perform wound care of the lower extremities.  Contact the office at (220) 564-1965 to make an appointment.