Kazakhstan's Cardiac Institute Redefines Heart Surgery with Combined Techniques

On September 29, World Heart Day, Rustem Tuleutayev, head of the cardiac surgery department with artificial circulation and operating facilities at the Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases and a candidate of medical sciences, spoke at the Almaty Regional Communications Service. His remarks were reported by Almaty.tv.

The physician discussed modern cardiovascular surgery, as well as unique procedures developed and successfully implemented at the institute that yield strong results in treating coronary artery disease.

"Atrial fibrillation is the most common and dangerous heart rhythm disorder, often occurring alongside valvular disease and coronary artery disease," Tuleutayev explained. "In such cases, treating only heart defects—through valve repair or replacement—or performing coronary artery bypass grafting does not fully restore patients' quality of life. What improves it is a single-stage treatment addressing heart defects, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation simultaneously."

He also noted that since last year, the institute has been performing open-heart cryoablation surgeries to treat arrhythmias concurrently with valvular disease or coronary artery disease. This technology is unique to Kazakhstan, offering critical support to high-risk patients.

"We also perform aortic replacement surgeries, either preserving or replacing the aortic valve," Tuleutayev continued. "Our cardiac surgery team's expertise allows us to handle the most complex heart procedures, including thoracoscopic radiofrequency ablation with left atrial appendage clipping, as well as isolated thoracoscopic clipping for patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of thromboembolic complications and stroke. For heart tumors, we perform surgeries both conventionally and without sternotomy."

Another distinctive feature of the institute's cardiac surgery department is measuring blood flow through bypass grafts and assessing their quality during coronary artery bypass surgery, ensuring long-term graft durability.

"In complex cases where patients have comorbidities and standard techniques carry high risks, we use a new 'closed-loop' artificial circulation technology," Tuleutayev explained. "This approach reduces risks and improves postoperative recovery."

It is worth noting that in some cases, surgery can be avoided if patients receive consistent care from specialists, adhere to treatment plans, and take preventive measures. Many procedures could also be performed with lower risk if patients sought medical help in a timely manner.

Rauil Tuleutayev noted that after surgery and stabilization of vital signs, patients are not discharged home but transferred to a rehabilitation unit to regain their strength and return to normal life. Even after undergoing surgical treatment, patients are readmitted after a month for the second phase of rehabilitation, where all test results are monitored and their physical activity regimen is gradually expanded under the supervision of trained medical staff.