The treatment of aortic arch pathology presents special clinical challenges. For years, extensive cardiac surgery remained the gold standard. Now, thanks to innovative technology backed by experience, specialists from UCC MUW can treat the most complex cases in a comprehensive and minimally invasive manner.
In recent months, a team of interventional radiologists from the 2nd Department of Clinical Radiology (headed by Magdalena Januszewicz, MD, PhD), in cooperation with the Department of General, Endocrine and Vascular Surgery (headed by prof. Zbigniew Gałązka) and the 2nd Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (headed by Paweł Andruszkiewicz, MD, PhD) performed procedures using a state-of-the-art stent graft with branches to all vessels branching from the aortic arch (Arch-Branch). The procedures were performed by Dr. Rafal Maciag, Dr. Vadym Matsibora, Dr. Michal Sajdek, Dr. Dominik Wretowski. Supervision and surgical care was provided by: Dr. Jerzy Leszczynski and Dr. Kamil Stępkowski.
An important innovation is that all procedures are performed only transdermally (via needle puncture) - without the need for a scalpel. This shortens recovery time, and no scars remain after the procedure. The procedures are carried out without opening the chest and without the use of extracorporeal circulation - this gives patients with high perioperative risk a chance to be treated.
The special design of the stent graft allows fully endovascular, one-stage treatment of all vessels of the aortic arch. - Thanks to this solution, we are able to treat patients with all pathologies of this part of the aorta - says Dr. Rafal Maciag. - In addition, the experience gained with the excimer laser (in-situ laser fenestration) has allowed us to perform pioneering surgeries to treat aneurysms in patients with anatomical anomalies.
The new stent graft has complemented the equipment facilities the team uses every day to treat aortic arch pathology. - Thanks to our experience with the off-the-shelf Nexus system and the new custom-manufactured system, we are able to treat the most severe patients in the most modern and optimal way on an urgent and planned basis. Our portfolio is complemented by in-situ laser fenestration, thanks to which we can supply patients with anatomical anomalies and in urgent cases of dissection - Dr. Maciąg concludes.