When gratitude becomes partnership
For David Storch, his introduction to Gustavo Oderich, M.D., whom he and others consider one of the most preeminent vascular surgeons in the nation, has been fortuitous. Mr. Storch recognizes the world-class intellect and skills of Dr. Oderich, professor and chief of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
He also appreciates that Dr. Oderich chooses to use his abilities to help patients like himself, allowing Mr. Storch to enjoy the life he has built—a distinguished career as an aviation and aerospace service provider, and a loving family with his wife, three children and their adoring 10 grandchildren.
His medical journey began in 1973, at the age of 20, when he was treated for testicular cancer with surgery and radiation therapy. While the treatment saved his life, the technical limitations at the time meant that the radiation therapy was applied to a large portion of his body instead of a targeted area. Consequently, a blockage called a mesenteric ischemia gradually developed in one of Mr. Storch’s major arteries leading to his intestines. Eventually, the blockage caused symptoms too painful to ignore, and he would need surgery as soon as possible to place a stent to open the artery and avoid significant damage.
That marked the beginning of a lasting relationship founded on trust and respect. Dr. Oderich took the time to explain his surgical plans to Mr. Storch, even creating detailed illustrations of his arteries and the locations of the blockages, which helped Mr. Storch understand the complexities of the situation. During the procedure, Dr. Oderich not only corrected the issue in Mr. Storch’s mesenteric artery but also immediately identified another issue and placed a stent in his renal artery.
“He’s very exact, very thorough,” Mr. Storch said. “As a patient, it is reassuring to know that the success of the outcome is in the hands of a surgeon with the exceptional confidence of Dr. Oderich.”
Over the years, Mr. Storch has experienced additional blockages, which Dr. Oderich has resolved by operating on and placing additional stents. He even designed an innovative solution to treat Mr. Storch’s daughter-in-law after she suffered a complication during childbirth and needed expert care to correct a severed artery. Because of Dr. Oderich, she was able to resume her normal activities.
Throughout it all, Mr. Storch has been honored to support Dr. Oderich’s research efforts over the course of his career as he made his way to Baylor, where he also directs the Center for Aortic Surgery and holds the Michael E. DeBakey Distinguished Endowed Chair in Surgery.
Dr. Oderich’s most recent research endeavor, which Mr. Storch has helped fund, involves harnessing digital twin technology to create cutting-edge virtual patient models using real-time health data. With these digital twins, physicians can refine treatment plans for patients with aortic aneurysms and dissections who are being considered for arterial stent implantation, translating into more efficient surgical plans or even eliminate surgical options for individuals who would not benefit from it, sparing them the costs and recovery time associated with surgery.
“I believe he can help many people through his research efforts, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to support him,” Mr. Storch said. “If we can save even one life as a result of supporting this work, that is a blessing.”
To learn more about the Center for Aortic Surgery, click here.
