UHNM vascular team complete UK-first elective aortic stent graft implant

A University Hospitals of North Midlands patient has become the first in the UK to benefit from a safer and less complicated procedure thanks to a revolutionary stent graft. 

Vascular surgeons at Royal Stoke University Hospital became the first in the country to repair a thoracic aneurysm with the cutting-edge branched stent graft – a small mesh tube implanted through small holes in the groin and the wrist.

Patients suffering from a vascular condition will benefit from the new stent which eliminates the need for invasive, high-risk surgery and leaves minimal scarring. 

Mr Gary Lambert, Specialist Vascular Surgeon at UHNM said: “This is the first time this graft has been used in the UK in an elective case and is at the cutting edge of technology in this type of aortic repair. 

“The new stent graft means patients now only need to have one procedure that not only treats the aneurysm, but also preserves the blood flow in the arm. Previous procedures meant we had to reduce the blood flow in the arm the catheter is inserted into, which causes reduced movement and discomfort in the arm in the future. This minimally invasive procedure also means patients no longer require potential bypass surgery and reduces the risk of spinal cord ischemia.

“As this technology becomes more available, this is also a major step forward for emergency thoracic repairs, both for aneurisms and dissections.”

Sue James, 78, was the first patient in the UK to receive the thoracic aortic branched stent graft at UHNM. 

Reflecting on her care, the supermarket worker from Stafford, said: “I had a fantastic experience and feel wonderful. I’m very lucky to have had the chance to have it done, and having had it done, hopefully a lot of other people can also benefit. I could cry, thank you so, so much to the wonderful team I couldn’t fault at all.”

Dr Kader Allouni, Consultant Interventional Radiologist and Clinical Lead for Interventional Radiology at UHNM said: “We’re very proud to be able to offer this new procedure at UHNM. It’s great news for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire and is testament to the way our collegiate vascular unit works hard for the local population.

“Patients see the people who operate on them, and are very grateful to them, but there is a massive team behind them who work hard and are pivotal in getting the end result.”

Dr Chris Day, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at UHNM added: “The logistics of carrying out this new procedure have been considerable, and that’s testament to how well we all work as a team. There were nearly 20  people in theatre, from anaesthetists to operating department practitioners, and 100 involved in the wider care ranging from physiotherapists to clerical staff.” 

Speaking after the procedure, Nathan Woodhouse, Sales Leader for W.L Gore and Associates said: “Everything went exactly to plan, from choosing the patient to using suitable devices. We are very pleased and hope this is the first of many cases at UHNM. The Trust showed a real keen interest in enhancing advancing thoracic endovascular care and make a difference to their patients, and it’s great for us to work alongside a team so enthusiastic.”