The cardiac surgery team at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has successfully performed a highly complex aortic arch replacement using new Frozen Elephant Trunk implantation technology, marking a significant milestone in advanced heart and vascular surgery at the Trust.
The procedure is the first time King’s has used the Neo EDE Hybrid Arch Device, a custom‑made surgical tool designed to reduce procedural complexity and improve outcomes for patients with severe aortic disease.
The aortic arch forms a critical part of the aorta, the body’s largest artery which is responsible for carrying oxygen‑rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
When an aneurysm develops in this region, the artery wall weakens and expands. If left untreated, this enlargement can rupture, leading to life‑threatening internal bleeding. Conditions affecting the aortic arch are among the most challenging to treat due to the vessel’s location and its role in supplying blood to the brain and upper body.
The Frozen Elephant Trunk technique is an advanced surgical approach used to treat complex diseases of the aortic arch, including aneurysms and aortic dissections.
During the procedure, surgeons remove the diseased section of the aorta and replace it with a specially designed synthetic graft, which restores normal blood flow while providing structural support to the weakened vessel.
The use of the Neo EDE Hybrid Arch Device helps streamline this process, supporting more precise implantation and helping to reduce surgical risk in highly complex cases.
The operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary cardiac surgery team, bringing together specialist expertise from across cardiothoracic surgery, anaesthesia, perfusion and peri‑operative care.
The procedure was led by Mr Habib Khan and Miss Alia Noorani, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeons at King’s College Hospital, whose experience in advanced aortic surgery was critical to the successful outcome. Mr Khan said:
“While we have significant experience performing Frozen Elephant Trunk procedures, this was the first time we used the Neo EDE Hybrid Arch Device at King’s, providing an additional advanced option for treating complex aortic disease. We’re delighted that this procedure was so successful. The operation required careful planning and the expertise of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.”
The introduction of this new technology reflects King’s College Hospital’s ongoing commitment to innovation in specialist cardiac care.
By adopting cutting‑edge techniques such as FET implantation with the Neo EDE Hybrid Arch Device, the Trust is expanding its ability to treat patients with complex and high‑risk aortic conditions, offering safer procedures, improved recovery prospects and better long‑term outcomes.
Hospital leaders said the successful use of the new device demonstrates the strength of King’s specialist surgical teams and the value of investing in advanced technologies for patients with the most serious cardiovascular conditions.
The achievement reinforces King’s College Hospital’s position as a leading centre for complex cardiac and aortic surgery, supporting patients who require the highest level of specialist care.
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