The Vilnius doctors, in cooperation with colleagues from the US, carried out a minimally invasive heart surgery upon a 61-year-old patient who had suffered a heart attack and had chronic heart failure and an aneurysm in his left ventricle.
"This was the first time in the world when a human heart was touched in the unique and sophisticated manner to save his life," the clinic said in a press release.
Cardiac surgeon Gintaras Kalinauskas, one of the leaders of the surgical team, says that from now on, Lithuanian surgeons will be an example of advanced treatment, while patients with heart attacks, heart failure and large cardiac scarring will be able to feel better thanks to the latest medical technologies.
"Earlier we had to open chests of such patients, stop the heart and cut it open. The new method is less invasive, therefore faster and involves a lower risk of complications, as well as easier and faster recovery. We are glad to see that such surgeries gives us hope of helping many people, also from outside Lithuania," Kalinauskas said.
In his words, the surgery could be performed in Santariškės, since the clinic has special hybrid operating rooms and boasts a strong team of cardiac specialists, which includes cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, and ultrasound specialists.
The first surgery lasted for nearly six hours. The patient is currently recovering and feeling well.
