Kazakhstan doctors perform rare life-saving heart procedure

Castor stent used in minimally invasive procedure to treat deadly aortic tear for first time in Central Asia

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Doctors in Kazakhstan have performed minimally invasive repair of a complex aortic arch dissection using a specially designed stent graft, in a breakthrough that could improve outcomes for patients suffering from one of the most dangerous cardiovascular conditions.

The procedure was carried out at the Heart Center UMC in the capital city Astana, where surgeons successfully implanted a Castor stent graft in a patient diagnosed with a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm complicated by dissection and high blood pressure. The patient, who had been experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakness, was discharged in stable condition with improved symptoms, DKnews.kz reports.

The aortic arch is among the most challenging areas of the body for vascular surgery. Aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer of the aorta — the body’s main artery — tears, causing blood to leak between layers of the vessel wall. This can disrupt blood flow to vital organs and quickly become fatal if not treated promptly.

What made the Kazakh procedure unique was the use of the Castor stent graft, a device that combines the main body of the stent with a side branch designed to maintain blood flow to the upper limbs and brain — critical arteries that branch off the aortic arch.

“This new technology allows us to reconstruct the subclavian artery at the same time as the aorta, which was not possible with earlier stents without custom modifications,” said Marat Aripov, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Radiology at UMC. “The implantation is faster, more efficient, and reduces risk.”

The procedure was carried out under general anesthesia through a small incision in the patient’s femoral artery — a technique that avoids open surgery and shortens recovery time.

Medical teams from across Kazakhstan, including from Almaty and Semey, observed the procedure as part of a training initiative. Doctors say the successful use of the Castor stent graft could significantly improve access to advanced cardiovascular care in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries, where resources for open-heart surgery remain limited.

While the Castor stent has been used in other parts of the world, this marks the first time it has been adapted and deployed in Central Asia and among countries in the former Soviet Union.

“This is not just about one successful operation,” Aripov said. “It’s about expanding what’s possible for patients across the region who suffer from life-threatening vascular conditions.”