Surgeon performs rare arterial bypass

KUWAIT: In a pioneering medical achievement, Dr Ahmed Amir, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, has successfully performed the first arterial bypass operation in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf region using a biograft made from a bovine carotid artery (Artegraft). The procedure was conducted on a 60-year-old patient suffering from severe ischemia in the lower limbs due to chronic and complex arterial blockages. Dr Amir explained that the patient’s condition involved advanced arterial calcification, which rendered catheter-based interventions ineffective, necessitating surgical bypass.

The bypass was performed from the femoral artery to the artery below the knee using the biologically engineered graft, which served as an alternative to synthetic grafts or autologous veins—both of which were unavailable in this case. The graft, derived from the bovine carotid artery, undergoes a biological treatment process to become a natural tissue suitable for blood flow and highly resistant to infections. Dr Amir noted that this advanced technique offers a promising solution for patients lacking viable vein options, particularly those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure. The procedure marks a significant step forward in treating acute limb ischemia, providing hope to patients who previously had no effective treatment options when traditional methods failed.

He further highlighted that the same biograft material can also be used to create arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for dialysis patients with renal failure who lack suitable veins, offering a safe and reliable alternative for long-term treatment. Dr Amir expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its continued efforts to equip Kuwait’s healthcare system with the latest international medical technologies. He emphasized that the role of medical professionals goes beyond patient care to include introducing and adopting cutting-edge innovations that enhance treatment outcomes and improve the overall quality of healthcare in the country.