First cardiovascular prosthesis implanted in Dominican Republic

Santiago, DR.- The Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS) has set a new benchmark in medical innovation by performing the first fenestrated aortic endoprosthesis surgery in the Dominican Republic.

Led by vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr. Andrés Marín, with support from renowned Mexican vascular surgeon Dr. Gabriel Hernández, the procedure aims to correct an aortic aneurysm. It involves implanting a modified prosthesis that opens holes to connect with the visceral arteries, supplying blood to the main organs of the abdomen.

Dr. Marín highlighted the significant advantage of this surgery: patients can walk within hours and leave the hospital the day after the operation, unlike open surgeries that require lengthy stays in intensive care.

“This represents a great advance for the country and the hospital, which is innovating to benefit the health of Dominicans,” Dr. Marín stated.

Fenestrated aortic endoprosthesis surgery offers an alternative to conventional high-risk surgical methods, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality while enabling the treatment of complex cases.

Dr. Marín emphasized that this surgical technique had not been performed in the country before due to its complexity. However, this achievement showcases the advanced training of local surgeons, placing Dominican vascular medicine at the forefront alongside developed countries.