A vascular surgeon, Dr. Lipsitz' research interests include the treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, accessing them via the affected vessels using what clinicians call endovascular techniques. He investigates the role of wireless pressure-sensor technology in association with such treatment, and he has evaluated the use of endovascular stent-graft technology in the treatment of traumatic lesions.
Dr. Lipsitz' research also has focused on limb salvage and the treatment of lower extremity peripheral vascular disease (PVD), the obstruction of large arteries to the legs. In treating PVD, he has studied both open surgical and endovascular techniques. He helped to popularize subintimal angioplasty in the U.S. The technique opens a totally occluded blood vessel using a wire passed within the wall of the vessel but not within the occluded "true" lumen, or inner open space, of the vessel. Once the wire is in place, a balloon is used to open the pathway.
Additionally, Dr. Lipsitz maintains an active interest in the non-invasive laboratory diagnosis of vascular disease. He studies carotid artery disease and stroke prevention, and has evaluated the role of cerebral protection during carotid artery angioplasty and stenting. Cerebral protection seeks to minimize trauma to the brain during surgery by employing drugs and techniques, including positioning and specialized monitoring.