Samsung Medical Center Successfully Performs World’s First Aneurysm Stent Procedure

The Stroke Center at Samsung Medical Center announced on the 19th that it successfully performed the world's first procedure using the latest aneurysm stent equipment, the 'Surpass Elite Flow Diverter.'

Following the procedure, which took place in July, the patient was discharged within three days and quickly returned to daily activities.

The Surpass Elite Flow Diverter, developed by Stryker, received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety last July. It was introduced to Korea ahead of its expected launch in the United States in September, making Korea the first country in the world to conduct a procedure with this device.

Professor Jeon Pyung led the procedure using this advanced aneurysm stent equipment.

Cerebral aneurysms occur when a section of the brain's blood vessels weakens and abnormally expands. If left untreated, the aneurysm can rupture, leading to brain hemorrhage. Treatment options for cerebral aneurysms include surgical clipping, which involves directly clipping the aneurysm through craniotomy, and endovascular procedures that treat the aneurysm from inside the blood vessels.

Endovascular treatments are divided into coil embolization and stenting, the latter of which was employed in this case. Coil embolization involves inserting a microcatheter into the aneurysm and filling it with platinum coils, preventing blood flow to the aneurysm without affecting healthy vessels.

Unlike traditional stents, the Flow Diverter stent features a highly dense structure that regulates blood flow, redirecting it away from the aneurysm. This reduces the risk of the aneurysm growing or rupturing. The procedure is particularly suited for larger aneurysms or those that cannot be treated effectively with standard coil embolization and is commonly used for unruptured aneurysms.

The newly launched ‘Surpass Elite Flow Diverter’ has been designed to minimize the risk of foreign body reactions and unexpected blood clot formation after insertion.

Additionally, the device incorporates technology that allows for precise delivery from the femoral artery to the thin cerebral vessels, ensuring that the stent can be accurately placed according to the surgeon’s plan.

Professor Jeon Pyung, who pioneered the use of the first-generation Flow Diverter stents, has been instrumental in expanding the scope of aneurysm stent treatment.

His research and treatment outcomes for large aneurysms, particularly those over 10 mm, have been recognized, allowing him to perform the world’s first procedure using this cutting-edge technology.

Following the initial procedure, Samsung Medical Center welcomed two renowned U.S. neurosurgeons, Professor Alexander Louis Kuhn from Saint Joseph Hospital and Professor Justin A. Sear from Spectrum Health Medical Group, in early August to observe the advanced techniques.

Professor Jeon expressed his excitement, stating, “I am honored to have performed the world’s first procedure using this newly developed Flow Diverter stent. It signifies that a major U.S. company behind this innovation has acknowledged the capabilities of Korean healthcare.”

He added, “This experience has further affirmed Korea's leadership in global medical advancements. I will continue to push the boundaries of medical procedures, always striving to offer patients the latest, most beneficial treatment options.”