Iranian specialists discussed the latest technology in the treatment of artery stenosis at the fourth national atherothrombosis conference in Tehran on Friday, on the occasion of the International Day of Atherothrombosis (Feb. 17).
Atherothrombosis is a complex disease in which cholesterol deposition, inflammation, and thrombus formation play a major role. Rupture of high-risk, vulnerable plaques is responsible for coronary thrombosis and sudden cardiac death. It is the leading cause of mortality in the industrialized world.
According to Masoud Qasemi, head of the Iranian Atherosclerosis Association, the discussions centered on the global technological advancements in the field, and Iran’s access to the latest methods, IRNA reported.
“Iran has a long history of treating vascular diseases and medical facilities have developed so much in the past two decades that today all heart patients have access to quality medical services,” he said.
Iran is also among the pioneers of vascular stenting and has been practicing the method since 2001, soon after developed countries adopted it.
A stent is a small mesh tube that’s used to treat narrow or weak arteries or blood vessels (to keep the passageway open), and stenting is the placement of a stent.
“Treatment methods are developed from medicinal therapy to atherectomy and finally vascular stenting,” Qasemi said.
He added that the former methods have not been replaced but are still employed alongside new technologies based on a patient’s condition.
“Medical teams are now able to decide which treatment is best for a particular patient, whether it is medicine, surgery or modern technologies of vascular stenting and angioplasty, as all of them are available in the country.”
He also pointed to developments in the field of medicine in the past five years that have reduced the risks of cardiovascular and cerebral conditions, increasing the chances of survival through advanced medical techniques.
Modern drugs have been introduced that are an alternative to surgery or used as supplements after a surgery.
“New generation of anticoagulants for instance that are known as NOAC have enabled us to treat patients in critical stages of the illness,” he said.
[Source:-Financial Tribune]
