Groundbreaking development in aneurysm treatment: Initial placement of a personalized aortic arch stent.
Implantation of Custom-Fitted Prosthesis Marks First Minimally Invasive Aortic Aneurysm Treatment at Halle University Medicine
In a groundbreaking surgical procedure, vascular surgeons at Halle University Medicine have successfully implanted a custom-fitted prosthesis into a patient's aorta near the heart—a first in Central Germany and a significant stride towards minimally invasive vascular surgery.
Aortic aneurysms, typically resulting from vascular damage or high blood pressure, are characterized by the bulging of the vessel wall in the main artery (aorta). To prevent the bulge from rupturing and causing life-threatening internal bleeding, surgeons usually insert an industrially manufactured stent prosthesis into the affected vessel. However, Dr. Endres John, senior physician at the Department of Visceral, Vascular, and Endocrine Surgery (VGEC), explains that treatment with a standard stent is not always feasible due to the patient's specific anatomy.
To address this issue, Halle University Medicine's team equipped the stent with additional openings for branching vessels just before implantation under sterile conditions. This modification allowed for the successful insertion of the patient-specific stent prosthesis into the aortic arch. The procedure was performed minimally invasively, without an open abdominal incision.
The custom-fitted stent was precisely placed and unfolded like an internal support structure, with the previously added openings (fenestrations) aligned with the branching arteries to maintain blood flow. After successful placement, the catheter system was removed.
Dr. Jörg Ukkat, head of the Vascular Surgery Department in the VGEC, emphasizes that such highly specialized procedures, particularly for high-risk patients, require an experienced vascular surgical team, as well as close collaboration with cardiothoracic surgeons who can immediately initiate open surgery in case of an emergency. Given the structure of a university clinic, Halle University Medicine's patients benefit from the on-site presence of all necessary departments.
Previously, the team at Halle University Medicine had succeeded in fully implanting a stent prosthesis with three side branches, using an exclusive access via the groin. This innovative approach reduces the risk of complications and shortens the recovery time for patients.
In the broader context of vascular surgery advancements, minimally invasive techniques for aortic aneurysm treatment often involve innovations in endovascular repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), utilizing custom-fitted stent grafts to exclude the aneurysm from blood circulation. The emphasis on precision medicine, technological advancements, and continuous research and clinical trials are crucial for improving patient outcomes through enhanced procedural techniques and technology. However, for specific developments at Halle University Medicine, it is necessary to consult their publications or contact them directly for the most current information.
Custom-fitted stents, designed to accommodate a patient's unique anatomy, may also play a significant role in managing medical-conditions beyond cardiovascular-health, such as health-and-wellness of vessels related to other parts of the body. The team at Halle University Medicine is exploring such applications, aiming to expand the scope of patient care and address challenges that traditional, off-the-shelf medical solutions may overlook.
