NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 13 — The Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has performed its first procedure to fix weak artery walls.
KUTRRH performed the thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) on Friday.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the body’s largest artery, the aorta, the main vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients.
The Ministry of Health described the procedure as the first of its kind in any public hospital in Kenya.
The procedure involved a patient who suffered from an aortic dissection caused by a tear in the aorta’s internal face.
The patient also had a penetrating ulcer and intramural hematoma, a condition characterized by blood leaking.
“The patient [was] admitted to KUTRRH with a history of sudden onset retrosternal chest pain, radiating to the back that was progressively increasing. This [was] associated with easy fatigability, dyspnea, and palpitations,” KUTRRH said on Friday.
Minimally invasive procedure
Dr. Kanyeki, a heart specialist, conducted the procedure supported by Dr. Mustafa and Dr. Makori, Dr. Ombaka, who took care of the anesthesia.
“This was a significant step forward in healthcare and KUTRRH is looking forward to more achievements in 2024,” the hospital stated’
TEVAR is a minimally invasive procedure and doesn’t require a doctor to perform open heart surgery.
The procedure seeks to support weakened sections of the aorta walls. Doctors strategically provide support for the affected section to ease pressure on the damaged sections.
KUTRRH said the procure is low-risk.
“In years past, surgeons used open surgery to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. But they now prefer TEVAR in many cases. That’s because TEVAR has an easier recovery and a lower risk of serious complications than inappropriate candidates,” the hospital stated.
