He was 49 days old, weighed 2.2 kilos and underwent an aortic surgery unprecedented in Latin America

A newborn baby, just 49 days old and weighing 2.2 kilograms, underwent an unprecedented surgery in Latin America to correct a severe narrowing of the aorta, known as aortic coarctation. The procedure was performed at the Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad in Córdoba, Argentina, marking a milestone in pediatric cardiology. The infant, who had been referred from the town of Chimbas in San Juan province, required a complex hybrid approach due to his age, weight, and medical condition. Initially, he was stabilized at the Materno Neonatal Hospital in Córdoba before being transferred to the Children’s Hospital for the surgical intervention. The operation involved collaboration between cardiovascular surgeons and interventional hemodynamic specialists. Surgeons performed the initial surgical access and opened the carotid artery, allowing the interventional team to place a stent directly into the aorta. This procedure represents the first time in Argentina, and potentially in Latin America, that a fully bioabsorbable stent, model IBS™ Angel, was used to treat aortic coarctation. The stent measures 4 millimeters by 15 millimeters and is designed to degrade safely within the body over approximately 12 months. Unlike traditional metal stents, this device allows the aorta to continue growing naturally as the child develops. Dr. Alejandro Peirone, head of the Department of Cardiology at the Children’s Hospital, confirmed that the hospital has the necessary technology and expertise to perform such advanced procedures. He noted that the provincial Ministry of Health provides essential tools to strengthen the public healthcare system in Córdoba, enabling the hospital to handle cases from different parts of Argentina. Dr. Peirone emphasized that families without health insurance receive the same quality of care as those with coverage, highlighting the commitment to equitable treatment. The parents of the infant, Jonathan and Lucía, expressed their gratitude for the support they received throughout the process. They described the experience as highly stressful but reassuring, noting the consistent assistance from medical staff and hospitals in Córdoba. They are hopeful that their son will soon return home after recovery. Aortic coarctation is a serious condition characterized by a severe narrowing of the main artery, which can impede blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys and intestines, as well as affect circulation in the legs. To prevent these organs from failing before surgery, patients often require continuous medication to maintain blood flow. In this case, the successful placement of the stent allowed the discontinuation of this medication, indicating a positive hemodynamic response. The use of bioabsorbable stents marks a significant advancement in treating congenital heart defects, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions. This innovation not only reduces the need for long-term foreign objects in the body but also supports the natural growth of the aorta, providing long-term benefits for the patient's overall health.