JEDDAH, 9 February 2007 — King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) used the nanotechnology for a surgical procedure recently.
The technology helps clear clogged and clogging arteries using lasers. This was the first time the technology was used in the Middle East to remove clots in the lower extremities of a patient.
“It had been used for the heart arteries. We are the first to use this machine in the Middle East for arteries and veins in lower body parts,” said Dr. Mohamed Al-Rawas, head of the interventional radiology unit at KAUH.
Using the nanotechnology along with the laser machine has reduced the side effects of using the laser.
“The laser is used in clearing vessels from clots; however it can leave remnants that harden over time,” said Al-Rawas.
The surgical procedure is performed on patients that suffer arterial conditions caused by smoking, diabetes or other conditions that can cause artery hardening or blockage.
Arteries in the body’s extremities can become damaged, causing in extreme cases gangrene or other debilitating conditions.
This is the second nanotechnology machine in Saudi Arabia after the one in Prince Sultan Heart Center in Riyadh.
During the operation, Al-Rawas and his team used the nanotechnology with the laser to help a 40-year-old patient, a Saudi soldier, who was suffering from thrombosis in the left thigh and vessels in the leg.
The problem was crippling. “Two months ago, we did a thrombolysis to clear the blood clotting in his arteries. The problem was resolved, however some remnants were left in the patient’s vessels that became hard after a period of time,” he said.
