Hi-tech cardiac surgery at the Federico II University Hospital.

A brand new prosthesis for the combined treatment of the ascending aorta and the aortic valve has been successfully implanted, for the first time in southern Italy, by the Cardiac Surgery Department of the Federico II University Hospital. Arriving at the Federico II center, the 52-year-old patient had a congenital malformation of the aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta that had worsened over time to the point of putting him at risk of acute aortic rupture and then sudden death.

"These kinds of pathologies, especially when congenital, affect the structure of the aorta, that is, the blood vessel that carries all the blood going to the body, making it more fragile and weaker. Beyond a certain degree of severity, it is necessary to intervene with the simultaneous replacement, and in a single operation, of both the aortic valve and the ascending aorta, to avert the risk of sudden rupture and thus very serious internal hemorrhage," explains Professor Emanuele Pilato, Director of the Company's Cardiac Surgery UOC, who performed the surgery together with Dr. Giuseppe Comentale, cardiac surgeon of the Frederick team.

The implant was performed using the Bentall technique, which allows complete replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta in a single operation. This type of implantation, with this new prosthesis, has been performed in only 5 cases in the country, and never before in southern Italy or in cases of congenital malformations of the aortic valve.

"This result," Professor Pilato explains, " is the result of multidisciplinary teamwork and undoubtedly represents an important step forward in the combined treatment of patients with aortic and aortic valve disease. The new procedure significantly reduces the time of surgery and postoperative recovery, while eliminating the need for lifelong anticoagulation therapy. This is a major advantage in the context of acute aortic syndromes, an area in which the Frederick center remains a point of reference, with more than 50 cases treated from January 2025 to date."

Cardiac Surgery's constant focus on innovation and research is also confirmed in the coordination of the IRDeN Registry - overseen by Dr. Comentale - aimed at the study of a new drug for the protection of the heart during cardiac arrest, necessary for cardiac surgery, whose research has already been the subject of prestigious publications and reports in national and international circles.

"The integration of research and care, as this milestone demonstrates, translates into scientific innovation, with a significant impact on clinical practice," emphasizes School of Medicine President and Director of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences Professor Giovanni Esposito.

The patient was discharged extremely quickly and, thanks to the use of this state-of-the-art prosthesis, he is doing well and has returned to his daily and working life, which is particularly relevant for all patients and young people in particular.

"Investing in technology and a pathway to minimally invasive cardiac surgery allows us to offer patients increasingly effective, safe and personalized care," concludes General Director Dr. Elvira Bianco .