Russia Develops Innovative Prosthesis for Aortic Reconstruction

Photo: ArtPhoto_studio/ Freepik

The distinctive feature of the prosthesis is a side branch that allows simultaneous replacement of not only the aortic arch and descending aorta, but also the left subclavian artery originating from it. The technology revolutionized aortic surgery, enabling completion in one operation what previously required two separate interventions several months apart.

The classical approach involved high mortality between operations, up to 11% of patients did not survive to the second stage. The hybrid prosthesis solves this problem by simultaneously restoring both the arch and descending aorta, significantly improving patient survival.

The domestic medical device was used emergently on a 61-year-old Novosibirsk resident admitted in shock with acute type I aortic dissection. Despite severe initial condition and several complications typical of aortic dissection, the patient was discharged from the center in satisfactory condition.

For Russian cardiac surgeons, creating such a prosthesis represents a major breakthrough. Currently such prostheses are manufactured predominantly in Europe (for example, E-vita Open Plus and Thoraflex Hybrid brands) and China and supplied from there. The domestic development can significantly increase accessibility of this high-tech type of medical care.

The technology resulted from years of work. In 2021, the Meshalkin Center received a 50 million ruble grant to create biotechnological consumables for surgery. In 2024, results of experimental studies on large animals were published, confirming prosthesis biocompatibility.

In Russia in recent years, cardiac surgical services have significantly transformed, and the number of cardiac surgical operations in Russia has increased by 38% over six years.

Source: Ministry of Health of Russia