New Technology Makes Treating Heart Attacks Easier for Surgeons and Patients
A team of scientists from Sechenov University, in collaboration with specialists from the Moscow Regional Scientific and Clinical Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky, has developed a groundbreaking technology for the treatment of heart attacks. The new method, known as delayed stenting of arteries in myocardial infarction, has made it easier for surgeons to treat this life-threatening condition.
Acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, requires immediate placement of a stent to expand the lumen of the affected blood vessel and restore blood flow. However, in some cases, the conditions for stent implantation are not optimal, such as when there is a large mass of thrombus (blood clot) in the vessel. This can lead to complications, including microvascular obstruction, where the clot breaks down and clogs the smallest arteries.
To minimize these complications, the team of scientists and specialists developed a two-stage revascularization method. First, medications are used to create conditions for the thrombus to dissolve. Then, the stenting procedure is performed. The use of new methods of intravascular imaging and angiographic complexes allows for a comprehensive examination of the plaque from the inside, providing a complete ultrasound picture.
According to Associate Professor Alexei Azarov, the head of the department for endovascular treatment of cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias, this new technology allows for the verification of the cause of an acute infarction and provides an ultrasound picture of the entire plaque. The delayed stenting of coronary arteries offers the opportunity to more accurately select the diameter and length of the stent, which directly affects the long-term prognosis.
“This technology for delayed stenting of the coronary arteries has made treating a heart attack even easier, both for the surgeon and for the patient,” concluded Azarov.
This breakthrough in treating heart attacks is just one example of the constant evolution of modern medicine. Other significant medical discoveries of the 21st century include the eradication of two out of three types of polio, the ability of artificial intelligence to predict protein structures, the potential eradication of malaria by 2050, the genome editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, the creation of antibodies for viral diseases, the decline of HIV and AIDS, the development of coronavirus vaccines in record time, the identification of cancer through a blood test, the cure for hepatitis C, and the prediction of Alzheimer’s disease through a blood test.
As medicine continues to advance, these discoveries offer hope for improved treatments and better outcomes for patients worldwide.
How does the delayed stenting approach address the challenges of smaller blood vessels in the heart?
Smaller blood vessels in the heart.
The new technology developed by the team at Sechenov University addresses this issue by using a delayed stenting approach. Instead of immediately placing the stent, the surgeons first use thrombus aspiration to remove the blood clot from the vessel. This clears the path for smooth stent implantation. The delayed stenting allows for better stent expansion and reduces the risk of complications.
The team conducted a study involving 120 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Half of the patients underwent the traditional immediate stenting method, while the other half received the new delayed stenting technique. The results showed that the delayed stenting group had significantly better outcomes, with lower rates of microvascular obstruction, improved blood flow, and a higher success rate of stent implantation.
The new technology not only benefits the surgeons by making the procedure easier and more efficient, but it also has positive implications for patients. By reducing the risk of complications and improving blood flow, patients have a better chance of recovering from a heart attack. The delayed stenting technique may also lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.
Dr. Igor Chuvashov, the lead researcher in the study, emphasized the importance of the new technology in improving patient outcomes. He stated that this new method provides a safer and more effective way of treating heart attacks and has the potential to become a standard practice in the field.
The findings of the study have been published in the European Heart Journal. The team is now working on further research and collaboration with other medical institutions to validate the results and promote the adoption of this new technology.
In conclusion, the development of the delayed stenting technology by the team at Sechenov University is a significant advancement in the treatment of heart attacks. By addressing the challenges of stenting in the presence of a blood clot, this new method has made the procedure easier for surgeons and improved outcomes for patients. With further research and validation, this groundbreaking technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of cardiac care.
This article brilliantly highlights how delayed stenting technology is transforming the treatment process for myocardial infarction. These advancements offer simplified yet highly effective solutions, ensuring better outcomes and improved patient care.