Nizhny Novgorod surgeons have mastered a new technique for vascular surgeries.

      On April 16, 2026, at 17:39, Society In Nizhny Novgorod, advanced training courses for doctors in the region were held at the base of the Research Institute — Specialized Cardiovascular Clinical Hospital named after Academician B.A. Korolev. Medical professionals were trained in a modern method for treating lower limb arteries — directional atherectomy.

      To conduct the master class, one of the leading endovascular surgeons in the country was invited — the head of the relevant department of the R.S. Akchurin City Clinical Hospital from Naberezhnye Chelny, Marat Sharafutdinov. He demonstrated to his colleagues how to remove atherosclerotic plaques that obstruct blood flow with high precision along a designated trajectory.

      As explained by the acting director of the Research Institute — Specialized Clinical Cardiovascular Hospital Anton Maximov, atherosclerosis of the lower limb vessels is widespread. In the early stages, the disease reduces exercise tolerance, and in advanced cases, it leads to severe complications, including gangrene, where amputation may be required to save the patient's life.

      Modern technologies allow for the elimination of arterial obstruction in various ways. The invited specialist demonstrated a layer-by-layer plaque removal method, which is compared to the work of a planer. Patients with complex clinical pictures were chosen for training — an 84-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man. After the operations, the doctors plan to discuss the results at a scientific and practical conference.

      Marat Sharafutdinov clarified that such interventions are performed through micro-punctures without large incisions. A flexible catheter with a cutting element is introduced into the vessel, which removes the plaque in thin layers over several passes. As a result, the vessel is cleared, and the need for stent placement often disappears, reducing the risk of repeat surgeries.

      The technology allows for the complete removal of the plaque core even in complex cases, including uneven growths or vessel dissections. "The device allows for the removal of both soft and the hardest formations. We even tried to crush calcium with it, making cuts on cow bones," the doctor emphasized.

      The specialist noted the high level of training of his Nizhny Novgorod colleagues. According to him, it is more about exchanging experiences than classical training: "We communicate as equals, and I also find something new for myself here."

      The founder of the Nizhny Novgorod scientific school of endovascular surgeons, Professor Boris Shakhov, emphasized that today, endovascular methods are an integral part of treating cardiovascular diseases. He also noted the importance of developing assistance for patients with lower limb vascular pathologies.

      According to him, such technologies allow for avoiding severe surgeries and preserving limbs, which is especially important for patients with diabetes. Shakhov expressed hope for the establishment of a Lower Limb Rescue Center in the region.

      "This should be a place where not only equipment and tools are concentrated but also personnel – surgeons, including endovascular surgeons, endocrinologists, and therapists," the specialist emphasized.

      At the Research Institute — Specialized Clinical Cardiovascular Hospital, the modernization of the X-ray operating room was carried out as part of the "Health Quarter" project, initiated by the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, and supported by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

      Currently, endovascular assistance is available in several medical institutions in the region, including the Research Institute — Specialized Clinical Cardiovascular Hospital, N.A. Semashko Regional Clinical Hospital, City Clinical Hospitals No. 5 and No. 13 in Nizhny Novgorod, as well as the Central City Hospital of Arzamas and the Bor Central District Hospital.

      It is worth noting that the "Health Quarter" is one of three flagship projects for the development of hospital territories in the Nizhny Novgorod region. It will improve the quality of medical assistance to the population. This is one of the tasks of the national project "Sustained and Active Life," which is being implemented in the country by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.

      Earlier, it was reported that the Nizhny Novgorod region had signed contracts for the supply of two PET/CT systems and one SPECT/CT system for the future Nuclear Medicine Center.

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