KFSHRC introduces revolutionary minimally invasive treatment for critical limb ischemia

SAUDI ARABIA—King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabia has successfully treated several patients with below-the-knee peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion using a groundbreaking, minimally invasive technique.

This innovative procedure involves inserting a next-generation bioresorbable stent through a fine catheter inserted in the thigh, which avoids the need for open surgery.

The stent temporarily restores blood flow to the affected limbs, relieving pain, accelerating the healing of chronic wounds, and significantly reducing the risk of amputation.

This achievement marks KFSHRC as the first center in Saudi Arabia and only the third worldwide outside the United States to adopt this advanced treatment method.

The technique has been successfully implemented at KFSHRC facilities in Riyadh and Jeddah, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to cutting-edge patient care.

Unlike traditional permanent stents, the bioresorbable stent naturally dissolves after restoring blood flow, eliminating the need for a permanent implant and reducing the risk of future complications.

This minimally invasive approach also speeds up recovery and improves leg circulation, helping patients regain mobility more effectively.

Peripheral artery stenosis and occlusion are serious conditions that restrict blood flow to the legs, causing pain during walking, poor circulation, and chronic ulcers that heal slowly.

In severe cases, the disease can progress to critical limb ischemia, which greatly increases the risk of limb amputation.

Although treatments such as balloon angioplasty exist, below-the-knee arteries are particularly challenging to treat due to a high risk of re-narrowing, which underscores the importance of more advanced solutions like this new stent technique.

This procedure’s success was made possible through the collaboration of the Interventional Radiology Department, the vascular surgery departments, and the nursing teams at KFSHRC in Riyadh and Jeddah.

This multidisciplinary approach reflects the hospital’s dedication to integrated and comprehensive patient care.

Building on this success, KFSHRC plans to expand research on this innovative technique and collaborate with international medical institutions to assess its long-term effectiveness.

These efforts aim to contribute to the development of new treatment protocols for peripheral vascular diseases, potentially benefiting patients worldwide.

This breakthrough follows KFSHRC’s recent pioneering milestone of performing the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of the HeartMate 3 artificial heart pump.

The hospital is globally recognized for its exceptional medical care, ranking first in the Middle East and North Africa, and 15th worldwide among academic medical centers.

Additionally, it has been listed among the world’s best hospitals by Newsweek magazine.

Through these innovations, KFSHRC sets new standards in minimally invasive treatments, improves patient outcomes, and reduces the need for risky surgeries in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

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