A woman in Nizhnevartovsk underwent life-saving treatment for a critical narrowing of the artery that supplies blood to the intestines. The event was shared by the Nizhnevartovsk Regional Clinical Hospital on the social network VK, highlighting how urgent endovascular care can reverse a dangerous blockage.
At admission, the patient reported severe abdominal pain that spread across the abdomen and behind the sternum, accompanied by elevated blood pressure. A computed Tomography scan confirmed a severe constriction in the superior mesenteric artery, the key vessel that delivers blood to the intestines. This condition is rare, estimated to occur in about 2 to 4 percent of people, and carries a high mortality risk, reported to be between 70 and 90 percent in untreated cases. The danger was further increased by calcifications lining the vessel walls, which complicate any intervention and can worsen outcomes.
The medical team proceeded with a minimally invasive approach. A diagnostic catheter was threaded into the aorta via a puncture in the femoral artery and positioned at the opening of the superior mesenteric artery. A contrast agent was injected to visualize the stenosis under X-ray guidance, enabling precise assessment of the blockage and its impact on intestinal perfusion. The treating physician, Uygunjon Zhakhongirov, who specializes in X-ray endovascular diagnosis and treatment, described the critical step in confirming the site of obstruction.
Next, the team deployed a balloon catheter at the mouth of the mesenteric artery. Inflation of the balloon expanded the narrowed segment, preparing the way for a metal stent to be placed within the stenotic area. The stent acted as a scaffolding, restoring a stable and open lumen. Following the procedure, blood flow to the intestines improved, symptoms began to subside, and the patient was able to recover in the hospital before being discharged home in good condition.
This case underscores the effectiveness of endovascular techniques in managing acute mesenteric ischemia caused by arterial stenosis. Early recognition, rapid imaging, and targeted vessel intervention can dramatically improve survival and functional outcomes. The success relied on a coordinated team approach, timely access to advanced imaging, and careful post-procedure monitoring to ensure sustained intestinal perfusion and recovery. In the broader context, similar interventions have helped patients across regions by avoiding open surgery when a catheter-based solution is feasible and safe.
There are related reports from other centers as well. For instance, in Cheboksary, clinicians previously managed a markedly different case involving a large tumor; such cases illustrate the variety of vascular and intra-abdominal conditions seen by surgeons and interventionalists alike. The shared takeaway is the value of rapid diagnosis, skilled catheter-based techniques, and vigilant aftercare to maximize patient outcomes.
Citations: Nizhnevartovsk Regional Clinical Hospital and contributing clinicians reported these findings and outcomes in updates that emphasize the role of endovascular care in high-risk abdominal vascular disease.