Sid Rao

About Sid Rao

I am an interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist focused on solving problems most systems still manage poorly—chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and chronic musculoskeletal pain.At Rao Clinic, I lead a physician-owned, multispecialty platform designed to deliver definitive, minimally invasive care where traditional pathways fall short.Today, our integrated model spans vascular and endovascular medicine, interventional pain, orthopaedics, physical therapy, primary care, podiatry, and advanced wound care (including hyperbaric oxygen therapy), serving over patient encounters annually across multiple locations. We have developed one of the highest-volume musculoskeletal embolization programs in the United States, with the largest tibiopedal-access GAE (mGAE™) experience globally, performing more than 500 MSK embolization procedures annually.Our work is centered on two high-impact areas:1. Limb Salvage (CLTI & PAD)Preventing avoidable amputations through advanced endovascular techniques, with a focus on complex below-the-knee and tibiopedal interventions.2. Musculoskeletal Embolization (mGAE™)Treating knee osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and chronic pain in patients who have failed conservative therapy or are not surgical candidates.We track outcomes through a prospective IRB registry, and our center has become a national destination for physician training in embolization techniques and clinical protocols and have published multiple peer-reviewed studies in the past year advancing embolization-based therapies and outcomes.This work is built within an independent, physician-owned outpatient model—focused on speed, access, and clinical autonomy.I was appointed by the Governor of North Carolina to serve on the State Health Coordinating Council (DHSR), contributing to statewide healthcare planning and policy. My broader focus:a) Expanding access to musculoskeletal embolizationb) Generating high-quality outcomes datac) Challenging outdated reimbursement and care delivery modelsIf you’re working on advancing limb salvage, interventional pain, or embolization-based therapies, I’m open to collaboration.#GAE #KneeOsteoarthritis #PeripheralArteryDisease #InterventionalMedicine #HealthcareInnovation

Experience

1. Founder

   Vascular Solutions Of North Carolina

   Jul 2020 — Present · Cary, NC, US

   Endovascular expertise in treating PAD and venous disease. Pioneer in MSK embolization with the largest multidisciplinary, multicenter IRB registry for genicular artery embolization (GAE) and the nation’s most robust GAE training program.