International medical success in Medicine with percutaneous mitral valve replacement
Athens, June 21, 2022 – The management of the Athens Medical Group announced a global Greek first in the field of interventional cardiology. Two operations for purely percutaneous mitral valve replacement were successfully performed in patients with severe heart failure.
The operations were performed by interventional cardiologist Dr. Vlasis Ninios and his team at the Inter-Balkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki, as part of an international research program concerning mitral valve replacement in high-risk patients.
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| From left to right: Dr. Vasilis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Athens Medical Group, Ms. Sia Kosioni, Journalist at SKAI, Dr. Vlassis Ninios, Interventional Cardiologist, Director of the 2nd Cardiology Clinic, Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki, Mr. Christos Apostolopoulos, Executive Vice President of the Athens Medical Group | From left to right: Dr. Vasilis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Athens Medical Group, Dr. Vlassis Ninios, Interventional Cardiologist, Director of the 2nd Cardiology Clinic, Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki, Mr. Christos Apostolopoulos, Executive Vice President of the Athens Medical Group |
The CEO of the Athens Medical Group, Dr. Vasilis Apostolopoulos, announcing the great medical success, emphasized: “The implementation of important innovative programs confirms the high level achieved by the prestigious scientists working with us at Athens Medical. We are proud that Greek patients have access to services comparable to the best hospitals in the developed world. We continue our efforts by remaining at the forefront of implementing innovative programs for the benefit of patients and society.”
The Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors, Mr. Christos Apostolopoulos, pointed out that Athens Medical continues its development path, despite the challenges of the current situation. “The operating model of the Medical displays great strength and durability, he added, because we operate with a long-term perspective. We offer a different model of health services focused on people, the needs of patients, and with continuous upgrading of the innovations we implement.”
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| Snapshots from today’s Press Conference | Snapshots from today’s Interview Press |
The Director of the 2nd Cardiology Clinic, at the Inter-Balkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki, Dr. Vlassis Ninios, stated: “This valve is the first of its kind to be implanted and has the advantage that the operation is performed through the femoral vein, with a minimal incision in the thigh, without regular cardiac surgery. We have the ability to replace the valve that is incompetent, placing a new one, in a specific position within the heart. This is done without stopping the heart – as in classic surgeries, without the patient being put on extracorporeal circulation, without incisions in the sternum and while they are lightly asleep.”
“The operation, he added, is low-risk and immediately leads to great improvement in patients. The valve insufficiency is practically eliminated, allowing their rapid mobilization after the operation. They have fully recovered and improved the problem they were facing. Mitral valve replacement in patients with a serious history is a challenge, because they usually have comorbidities and cannot undergo surgery.”
For more press information:
Savvas Karagiannis, Communications Manager, General Directorate of Business Development, Iatriko Athens Group
Tel.: 210 6287236, E-mail: s.karagiannis@iatriko.gr
