Dr. Ahmed Amir, vascular surgery consultant at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, announced a groundbreaking medical achievement — the successful completion of the first arterial bypass surgery in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf region using a biograft derived from a bovine carotid artery.
The procedure, according to Al-Rai daily, was performed on a 60-year-old patient suffering from severe perfusion insufficiency in the lower limbs.
Dr. Amir explained that the patient had chronic and complex arterial blockages in the legs, accompanied by severe calcifications, which made interventional catheterization unfeasible.
As a result, surgeons opted for an arterial bypass from the femoral artery to the knee using a bovine biograft instead of synthetic grafts or the patient’s own veins, which were unavailable in this case.
“The biograft used is derived from a cow’s carotid artery and undergoes biological processing to become a natural tissue resistant to inflammation and capable of efficiently conducting blood,” said Dr. Amir.
He noted that this advanced technique offers a vital option for patients who lack usable veins, particularly those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure.
He emphasized that the use of this biologically engineered patch marks a significant advancement in treating acute limb ischemia, giving new hope to many patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Additionally, the biopatch can also be used to create arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for dialysis patients who do not have suitable veins, offering a safer and more effective alternative.
Dr. Amir thanked the Ministry of Health for its ongoing support and commitment to providing cutting-edge medical technologies in Kuwait.
He stressed that the role of physicians goes beyond treatment — it includes embracing and implementing the latest global medical innovations that enhance patient care and outcomes.
