UCC device could help patients avoid bypass surgery

UCC’s Centre for Research in Vascular Biology has developed a device that promotes the bypass of arterial obstructions, potentially removing the need for major surgery.

Worldwide, there are approximately three million open heart coronary bypass and peripheral artery bypass operations each year. These procedures involve major surgery with inherent risks of anaesthesia, ventilation, surgical trauma and potential complications, such as kidney failure and wound infection.

Around 20% of all patients requiring surgery are unable to undergo such bypass procedures because of the poor status of their arteries or co-existing illness that would make the risk of surgery too great.