Kuwait performs Gulf's first arterial bypass using bovine biograft
Dr. Amir explained that the patient had been battling chronic and complex arterial blockages in the legs, compounded by severe calcifications that rendered interventional catheterization ineffective. As a result, the surgical team opted for an arterial bypass procedure connecting the femoral artery to the knee artery using the innovative biograft, rather than artificial grafts or autologous veins, which were unavailable in this case.
'The biograft we used is derived from a cow's carotid artery and undergoes a biological treatment process to transform it into a natural tissue,' Dr. Amir stated. 'This makes it resistant to inflammation and highly efficient in facilitating blood flow.'
He noted that the technology presents a significant advancement in treating patients who lack suitable veins or suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure.
'This method marks a qualitative leap in managing acute limb ischemia,' he said. 'It offers a promising solution for many patients who previously had no effective treatment options after traditional methods failed.'
In addition to bypass procedures, the biograft can also be used to create arteriovenous fistulas (AV fistulas) for dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease who lack usable veins, providing them with a safer and more efficient treatment pathway.
Dr. Amir expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its ongoing support in making cutting-edge medical technologies accessible in Kuwait. He emphasized that a physician's duty goes beyond patient care—it also includes championing innovative solutions that improve lives and elevate the standard of healthcare.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Surgeon performs rare arterial bypass
KUWAIT: Surgeons successfully perform the first arterial bypass operation in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf region using a biograft made from a bovine carotid artery (Artegraft). KUWAIT: In a pioneering medical achievement, Dr Ahmed Amir, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, has successfully performed the first arterial bypass operation in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf region using a biograft made from a bovine carotid artery (Artegraft). The procedure was conducted on a 60-year-old patient suffering from severe ischemia in the lower limbs due to chronic and complex arterial blockages. Dr Amir explained that the patient's condition involved advanced arterial calcification, which rendered catheter-based interventions ineffective, necessitating surgical bypass. The bypass was performed from the femoral artery to the artery below the knee using the biologically engineered graft, which served as an alternative to synthetic grafts or autologous veins—both of which were unavailable in this case. The graft, derived from the bovine carotid artery, undergoes a biological treatment process to become a natural tissue suitable for blood flow and highly resistant to infections. Dr Amir noted that this advanced technique offers a promising solution for patients lacking viable vein options, particularly those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure. The procedure marks a significant step forward in treating acute limb ischemia, providing hope to patients who previously had no effective treatment options when traditional methods failed. He further highlighted that the same biograft material can also be used to create arteriovenous (AV) fistulas for dialysis patients with renal failure who lack suitable veins, offering a safe and reliable alternative for long-term treatment. Dr Amir expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its continued efforts to equip Kuwait's healthcare system with the latest international medical technologies. He emphasized that the role of medical professionals goes beyond patient care to include introducing and adopting cutting-edge innovations that enhance treatment outcomes and improve the overall quality of healthcare in the country.
Kuwait Times
9 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Matcha mania
Once a ritualistic tea, matcha is now a lifestyle symbol of wellness obsession in Kuwait — fueled by social media, health trends and a growing push for mindful living By Durnaz Dashti atcha, the vibrant green drink that dates back to China's Tang Dynasty in 618 AD, has recently become one of the most popular beverages - and people in Kuwait can't get enough of it. Once a ceremonial drink used by Japanese monks, it has now transformed into a global favorite. Today, matcha is everywhere. It stars in lattes and desserts, features in skincare products, and is all over TikTok and Instagram, where fans rave about its taste and claim it's better than coffee. In Kuwait, matcha has evolved far beyond a passing trend - it's become part of daily life, especially among Gen Z and millennials. Most cafés serve it, and new spots dedicated entirely to matcha-based drinks are opening across the country. For many young Kuwaitis, matcha isn't just a drink - it's a ritual and a symbol of a health-conscious lifestyle. So why is matcha suddenly everywhere? It's not just the earthy, umami-rich flavor. Its popularity is closely tied to the global shift toward wellness. Influencers today don't just promote what tastes good - they spotlight what's good for the body. As a result, more people are seeking natural ingredients, mindful eating, and drinks that offer tangible benefits. Matcha fits the bill: It's packed with antioxidants and delivers a gentler energy boost than coffee, thanks to its L-theanine content. Studies show that matcha contains significantly more L-theanine than regular green tea - around 20 mg per gram - creating a calming yet alert mental state when paired with caffeine. This 'calm focus' effect makes it ideal for students or professionals looking for sustained energy without the crash. In Kuwait - a country with some of the highest obesity rates in the world - matcha has also become a quiet sign of change. Many young people are now more mindful of their diets and are choosing healthier alternatives to sugary or highly caffeinated drinks. For them, sipping matcha feels like a small but meaningful step toward better health. Still, not everyone is sold. 'It's okay, but it's overhyped. On its own, matcha doesn't taste great - you need to add sugar or milk, which cancels out the health benefits,' nineteen-year-old Stephany Fady told Kuwait Times. That said, she admitted that if she had to choose a caffeine habit, she'd pick matcha because 'it feels like the cleanest option'. Others are completely hooked. 'I really, really, really love matcha,' said Jana Ahmed. 'It gives me energy without the crash I get from coffee or sugary drinks.' Even older generations are joining in; 73-year-old Mohammad Dashti shared that he enjoys matcha and has been asking his daughter to make it for him daily. These varied opinions reflect the divide between those who genuinely love matcha and those following the trend. Social media plays a major role in both camps, blurring the line between health choice and aesthetic appeal. For some, it's a stylish green drink. For others, it's a serious step toward wellness. Either way, matcha isn't going anywhere. In Kuwait, it represents more than just a health fad - it signals a growing interest in self-care, wellness and identity. Whether inspired by influencers or driven by personal goals, one thing is clear: Matcha is no longer just a drink. It's a movement.
Arab Times
11 hours ago
- Arab Times
Researchers sound alarm over rare but rising stroke cause
NEW YORK, July 6: While most strokes are commonly linked to clots from the heart or fatty deposits in the carotid arteries, a new study highlights a lesser-known but rapidly increasing cause — cervical artery dissection. According to researchers, hospitalizations related to this type of stroke have surged by 400% between 2005 and 2019. Dr. Shadi Yaghi, a vascular neurologist at Brown University, led a team that analyzed over 125,000 patient records to better understand this alarming trend. Cervical artery dissection occurs when the inner lining of an artery in the neck tears, allowing blood to enter the layers of the artery wall. This can create a flap that slows blood flow or causes a clot, potentially leading to an ischemic stroke. This condition is responsible for up to 25% of strokes in adults under 50, making it a significant risk for younger individuals. Often triggered by physical trauma such as car accidents, sports injuries, or even minor movements like reaching into a car's backseat, these dissections can occur with little warning. Advancements in ultrasound and MRI technology have improved detection of these injuries, revealing subtle signs that older equipment may have missed. This improved imaging is partly responsible for the increase in reported cases. Recognizing the symptoms Key warning signs include a sudden one-sided headache or neck pain, sometimes accompanied by a drooping eyelid. Some patients report hearing a pulsing sound in one ear, signaling turbulent blood flow. Physicians also check for Horner's syndrome—a combination of a drooping eyelid and constricted pupil. Emergency rooms increasingly rely on computed tomography angiography, a scan that uses dye to quickly map blood flow, now considered a primary diagnostic tool in young stroke cases. The incidence of cervical artery dissection climbed from 11 to 46 cases per million over 15 years—an average annual increase of 10%. Hispanic and Black patients saw the steepest increases, nearly double those observed among white patients, suggesting disparities in trauma exposure and access to care. Lower costs and improved access to scanning technology have enabled smaller hospitals to conduct vascular imaging, leading to more diagnoses. 'The impact of non-fatal strokes includes long-term disability and reduced quality of life,' said Dr. Yaghi, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Interestingly, the largest increases were seen in people over 65, indicating that both age-related vascular changes and broader use of imaging may be uncovering previously undiagnosed cases. Risk factors and prevention Sports injuries, such as wrestling throws, surfing wipeouts, and extreme neck movements in yoga, have all been linked to dissections. A notable case involved a 34-year-old woman who suffered a fatal stroke after chiropractic neck manipulation. Those with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as well as individuals with high blood pressure or migraines with aura, are at higher risk. Vertebral artery tears are particularly concerning, nearly doubling stroke risk within 90 days even in cases that initially appear mild. Treatment and gaps in care Standard treatment involves antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin, for 3 to 6 months. Anticoagulants are reserved for more severe cases or those affecting arteries near the brainstem. Follow-up imaging is typically performed within a week to ensure proper blood flow. The American Heart Association supports the use of intravenous clot-busting drugs within the standard treatment window. Endovascular stenting is used in cases where symptoms recur despite medication, with success rates exceeding 90%. Telehealth services have improved access to follow-up care in rural areas, potentially addressing racial disparities in stroke outcomes. Steps to reduce risk Simple preventive measures include wearing a seatbelt, adjusting headrests to eye level, and avoiding twisting the neck while lifting heavy items. Strength training should resume gradually after proper healing, using light weights and steady breathing. Persistent one-sided headaches or neck pain after minor injuries should prompt medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by vision changes or slurred speech. Ongoing research is exploring the use of direct oral anticoagulants, ultrasound markers to detect weak arteries early, and genetic studies to identify risk factors in connective tissue biology.
