A multidisciplinary approach leads to healing and limb preservation for George
Revascularization and wound care
Alexandria area resident George Harte, 89, is a prime example of the benefits that come from Inova’s comprehensive,
multidisciplinary approach to vascular care and the vital role wound healing plays in outcomes that patients value
most, particularly for those at risk of limb loss.
George spent 36 years as an electrical engineer with Western Electric Company, assigned to Bell Laboratories, helping
to build anti-ballistic missile systems and stealth systems on submarines working with some of the pioneers of the
computer age. Although he is long retired, he continues to spend time working with computers, building them from
component parts and helping his neighbors when they run into computer trouble. When poor circulation began to
threaten his leg and foot, George was at risk of limb loss — until he connected with the limb preservation and wound
care team at Inova.
George has diabetic neuropathy. In February 2024, an ulcer on his foot led to cellulitis, which obscured a second
ulcer between his toes. Although his toe was treated with sutures and a skin graft, the toe’s blood flow was not
strong enough to enable healing; amputation was recommended.
“It was a real shock. My wife and I were unprepared for the announcement that we were preparing for an amputation.
I was concerned that amputating this toe would lead to more amputations, and I would eventually lose my foot or
lower leg.”— George Harte
He consulted with a longtime friend who is an Indiana-based wound care podiatrist, as well as his own son, who works
for a skin graft company. His friend and son told George that it could be possible to save the toe — if he found
physicians with the right expertise.
That’s when George’s son reached out to Richard Neville, MD, Schar Chair, Vascular Surgery; Associate Director, Inova
Schar Heart and Vascular; and Chief of Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Inova. Dr. Neville leads Inova’s Limb
Preservation Program, a multidisciplinary effort that brings together vascular surgery and wound healing to improve
blood flow, reduce symptoms, improve function and reduce the risk of amputation.
“As a complication of diabetes, the blood flow to George’s foot had been compromised, leading to ulcers and
infections. The first step was to partner with Inova Wound Healing Centers to develop a multidisciplinary
treatment plan that, we hoped, would lead to healing and save his limb.”— Richard Neville, MD
Inova Wound Healing Centers — multidisciplinary partners in healing
Dr. Neville collaborates closely with the team at Inova Wound Healing Centers, the largest and most comprehensive
program in the region for nonhealing wounds.
Services include:
- Comprehensive wound assessments
- Advanced wound dressings
- Negative pressure wound therapy
- Bioengineered skin substitutes
- Debridement
- Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy
Dr. Neville connected George with wound healing expert Philip Garrett, DPM, who was ready to move forward with wound
healing therapies once blood flow was restored. To revascularize and improve that blood flow to George’s foot and
toes, Dr. Neville recommended bypass surgery because his disease was too complex for angioplasty, which had been
tried and failed.
On October 3, 2025, George underwent the successful bypass from the popliteal artery to a small artery on the top of
his foot (dorsalis pedis). Once blood flow had been improved, Dr. Garrett was able to resect part of the bone,
enabling blood and the antibiotics George was taking to reach the bone.
“Between the vascular surgery and the resection, I healed. It saved my toe, and today, I don’t have any problems
with it.”— George Harte
When it came time to discuss treatment plans, George and his wife met with Dr. Neville for nearly two hours.
“Dr. Neville is one of the best doctors I’ve ever had. Each time I went to see him, he had reviewed every other
doctor’s notes and was up to date on my overall care. He was very patient, very knowledgeable, and he really came
across as someone who cared. I’ve never had a doctor give me an hour and 45 minutes before.”— George Harte
George’s advice for physicians
George learned two lessons from his experience:
- The team at Inova Wound Healing Centers does life-changing work
- Healthcare providers should refer more patients there, early and often
“The average patient doesn’t have a son who works for a skin graft company and a friend who is a wound care
podiatrist. If I hadn’t gotten connected with Dr. Neville and Dr. Garrett, I’d be sitting here with fewer toes and
a lot worse outlook. Inova Wound Healing Centers is a referral resource that more providers should make use of. They
saved my toe.”— George Harte
Diabetic complications are among the most significant risk factors that can lead to amputation when not well managed.
In fact, about 60% of all nontraumatic lower limb amputations are related to diabetes. Not only does limb loss
significantly affect daily life, but it can also increase the risk of additional health problems and may even
decrease lifespan.
“Estimates show that about 85% of all diabetes-related amputations can be prevented with early intervention and
specialized treatment. At Inova, those at risk of limb loss have access to the most comprehensive, highly
specialized care through not only our vascular surgery team but also the Inova Wound Healing Centers’ expert team.
The earlier we see patients, the more options we can offer.”— Richard Neville, MD
To refer a patient: Refer a patient (link)
Inova Vascular Services: 571-572-4600
Email: Vascular@Inova.org
Inova Wound Healing Centers: 703-664-8025
