AHN Offering Advanced Urological Care Close to Home for Patients in Erie

Recently recognized as a Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Center of Excellence in Urology — a distinction earned by only 20 facilities nationwide —AHN Saint Vincent Allied Urology is setting a new standard for urologic care in the Erie region.

The recent expansion of AHN Saint Vincent Allied Urology was purposefully designed to enhance every aspect of the patient experience — from faster appointment scheduling to more comprehensive, on-site diagnostics. New offerings include 23 exam rooms, the region’s only Urodynamic testing suite, four dual procedure rooms, expanded telehealth and radiology services, and Erie’s only 3T MRI.

ProACT: A pioneering procedure for men

Among the advanced treatments available at AHN Saint Vincent is theProACT™ Adjustable Continence Device Therapy— a new, minimally invasive, adjustable solution for men with mild to severe urinary stress incontinence, particularly those who are not ideal candidates for male slings or prefer to avoid an artificial urinary sphincter.

Michael Evankovich, MD, urologist at AHN Saint Vincent Allied Urology, is the only physician in the Erie region trained to perform the ProACT procedure.

ProACT involves the percutaneous placement of two small, adjustable balloons on either side of the urethra. Guided by fluoroscopy and cystoscopy, Dr. Evankovich navigates through two small perineal incisions to position the balloons without compromising the urethra, making the procedure well-suited for non-radiated patients with a history of prostatectomy or prior urethral surgery.

The balloons are adjusted gradually over time during quick, outpatient follow-up office visits to optimize continence based on the patient’s progress and level of improvement in dryness. The adjustments are generally simple and involve accessing small ports tunneled into the scrotum.

Collaborative and comprehensive care

Urologists at AHN Saint Vincent collaborate across disciplines to manage urinary incontinence and related conditions. Initial treatment planning often includes assessing the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications or medication therapies either as standalone options or in combination with surgery.

If surgical intervention is required, AHN Saint Vincent’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures — from minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries to more complex interventions, including:

• Suprapublic tube (SPT) placement
• Urethral dilation
• Urethrotomy

How to refer

With expanded capabilities and a patient-centered design, AHN Saint Vincent is providing comprehensive urologic care — from diagnostics through treatment and follow-up care — right here in Erie. To make a referral, call 814-452-4214.