Latest news with #UNICORN
Arab Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait medical team performs pioneering aortic valve replacement on 80-year-old patient
KUWAIT CITY, May 12: A national medical team has successfully conducted an aortic valve replacement surgery for a Kuwaiti patient in her eighties, utilizing the BASILICA and UNICORN techniques through catheterization, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. The procedure was carried out at the Salman Al-Dubous Cardiac Center under the supervision of Dr. Al-Tayeb Al-Qallaf, a consultant in cardiology and catheterization. Dr. Al-Qallaf stated in a press conference on Sunday that this achievement represents a significant step forward in providing specialized care to heart patients, especially those with a history of previous surgeries. The surgery lasted for approximately nine hours and involved a combination of the BASILICA and UNICORN techniques, reflecting both the advanced development of healthcare services in Kuwait and the country's ability to implement cutting-edge medical procedures. "This case highlights that it is possible to offer safe and effective alternatives for patients at high surgical risk," Dr. Al-Qallaf explained. The patient, who had undergone an aortic valve replacement in 2019, began experiencing symptoms of valve failure. Due to the risks associated with traditional surgical valve replacement, which could result in up to 100 percent coronary artery blockage, the medical team opted for a less invasive intervention. Given the patient's age and overall health condition, traditional surgery was deemed too risky. As a result, the team turned to a precise technical intervention through interventional catheterization (TAVR), utilizing the latest medical advancements in the field. The BASILICA technique, used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), aims to avoid coronary artery blockage by precisely incising the leaflet of the original or previously implanted valve with an electric current. This allows blood to flow to the coronary arteries after the new valve is inserted, preventing blockage caused by the valve's location or structure. The UNICORN technology was also used to modify or remove tissue that might obstruct coronary artery flow. This complementary technique is especially beneficial in complex cases, offering additional protection to coronary pathways when BASILICA alone may not suffice. Dr. Al-Qallaf emphasized that this success is a result of strong collaboration among national specialists from various medical fields. He highlighted the importance of investing in local expertise and creating a supportive environment that fosters excellence and leadership within Kuwait's healthcare sector. This groundbreaking procedure at the Salman Al-Dubous Cardiac Center marks a significant milestone in the advancement of cardiac care in Kuwait, reinforcing the country's position as a regional leader in medical innovation.
Hans India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Rajnath Singh to discuss defence ties with Japanese counterpart tomorrow
Discussions to deepen bilateral defence cooperation will top the agenda during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's meeting with his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani here on Monday, an official said. Given that defence and security are important pillars of the ties between the two countries, both sides are expected to exchange views and ideas on the current regional and international security situation and improve cooperation, he said. India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence exchanges between India and Japan have gained strength in recent years due to the growing convergence on strategic matters. Its significance is increasing from the common outlook on issues of peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region. This will be the second meeting between the two Defence Ministers within six months after their maiden interaction in November 2024 on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus at Lao PDR, said a statement. Rajnath Singh met his Japan counterpart Gen Nakatani and Secretary of National Defence (Defence Minister) of the Philippines Gilberto Teodoro on the final day of his three-day visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR. The two sides reiterated the importance of defence industry and technology cooperation between the two countries. Recalling the milestone event of signing of Memorandum of Implementation of UNICORN mast in Japan a week earlier, both sides agreed for enhanced cooperation in co-production and co-development in the defence manufacturing sector. To further improve inter-operability between the Indian and Japanese forces, Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement between the two countries and participation of militaries in various bilateral and multilateral exercises were discussed by both the Ministers. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the air domain. Earlier, a Memorandum of Implementation was signed at the Embassy of India, Tokyo on November 15, 2024 between India and Japan, for co-development of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast for fitment onboard ships of Indian Navy. The MOI was signed and exchanged between the Ambassador of India to Japan, Sibi George and Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) under Japan MoD in a ceremony at Tokyo. The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) is a mast with Integrated Communication systems which will help improve the stealth characteristics of Naval platforms. The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration. When implemented, this would be the first case of co-development of defence equipment between India and Japan.
