Groundbreaking Approach to Welding Living Tissue
A Ukrainian-developed technique for welding living tissue—rooted in advances from the Paton Institute—has achieved a 100% success rate in closing veins over an eight-year observation period. Vascular surgeon Vladyslav Horbovets adapted this technology to treat varicose veins. The method's first large-scale trials took place in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, underscoring its practical value under challenging field conditions.
Key Benefits of Endovenous Electrocoagulation
Endovenous electrocoagulation offers multiple advantages. While laser coagulation closes veins in only 90-92% of cases, the Ukrainian technology ensures complete vein closure. Vladyslav Horbovets stated:
'Our results are superior: the vein closes in 100% of cases. With laser coagulation, for instance, closure occurs in 90-92% of cases, and 100% is never achieved.' – Vladyslav Horbovets.
According to him, this is due to a lower risk of complications and reduced surgery costs.
- The cost of electrocoagulation surgery is lower than laser coagulation, making the technology more accessible.
- All devices, instruments, and consumables are produced in Ukraine, positively impacting the economy.
'This means we don't need a 'phlebological Ramstein' for someone to bring us supplies from abroad. It also means the cost of this operation is lower than performing laser coagulation,' Horbovets noted.
The vein electrocoagulation method also avoids complications like recanalization. 'Our vein electrocoagulation method does not lead to recanalization. Therefore, the risk of recurrence is virtually nonexistent,' the surgeon emphasized. Patients who undergo this new procedure report significantly lower postoperative pain levels, as measured on a numeric rating scale. 'The vast majority of our patients rate postoperative pain as 0 or up to 3 points—this is mild pain,' he said.
Living tissue welding technology extends beyond vascular surgery to fields such as gynecology, traumatology, neurosurgery, oncology, and ophthalmology. A paper on this invention was published in the European Journal of Phlebology, highlighting international recognition of Ukrainian innovations. Given the continuous critical stress Ukraine has endured over the past four years, technologies that improve the quality of medical services are especially vital for enhancing public health.
This novel living tissue welding method not only improves varicose vein treatment outcomes but also holds potential for adoption in other medical specialties. Its wider use could significantly reduce treatment costs and increase the accessibility of medical services for the population. As the armed conflict continues and the need for advanced medical technologies grows, such an innovation could be a crucial step in strengthening Ukraine's healthcare system.