The interventional radiology team at King Fahad Specialist Hospital, part of Tabuk Health Cluster, has successfully performed the first two Covered Endovascular Reconstruction of the Aortic Bifurcation (CERAB) procedures to reconstruct the aorta and iliac arteries in patients with chronic total occlusion.
The milestone procedure restored blood flow in two patients suffering from complete blockage of the aorta and the main iliac arteries supplying the lower limbs, marking a significant advancement in specialized vascular care in the Tabuk region.
Tabuk Health Cluster said both patients were referred to the interventional radiology department after experiencing severe leg pain and difficulty walking that affected their daily activities. Clinical examinations and CT scans confirmed complete occlusion of the aorta and iliac arteries, with blood flow maintained only through collateral vessels.
Following evaluation, the interventional radiology team decided to proceed with treatment under the supervision of consultants Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and Dr. Khaled Shehata.
During the procedures, the medical team at the Tabuk Health Cluster successfully reopened the blocked arteries and implanted covered stents using the CERAB technique, one of the world’s most advanced endovascular methods for reconstructing the aorta and its bifurcation into the iliac arteries.
The procedures restored full blood flow through the aorta and iliac arteries, significantly improving circulation to the lower limbs. Both patients were discharged in good health without notable complications following the successful interventions.
Tabuk Health Cluster said the achievement reflects its continued efforts to expand specialized healthcare services and adopt advanced treatment technologies. The use of innovative minimally invasive procedures is expected to improve healthcare quality, enhance patients’ quality of life, and reduce the need for major surgical interventions.
