Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital Succeeds in Complex Aortic Surgery, Proving the Power of Its 24-Hour Hotline

High-Risk Surgery and Interventional Procedures Performed Simultaneously for End-Stage Renal Disease Patient
Achievements of a Systematic Cooperative System and Cross-Regional Emergency Network

Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital (Director Hyun Song) has successfully performed a highly complex emergency surgery on a patient with acute aortic disease, saving the patient’s life.

Medical staff from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital are celebrating the successful complex emergency surgery for acute aortic disease and posing for a commemorative photo. From the front row left: Professor Yangki Yoo, Professor Jun Lee, patient Mr. Cha, and Hospital Director Hyun Song. Provided by Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital. Photo by Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital

According to Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital on May 15, this case is being recognized as a representative example of the tangible results achieved through the hospital’s 24-hour cardiac disease hotline and its cross-regional cooperative network.

In late April, Mr. Cha (58), a patient with end-stage renal disease living in northern Gyeonggi Province, visited the emergency medical center at Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital after experiencing sudden chest pain and decreased consciousness. Detailed examinations revealed that the entire ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta had expanded to the verge of rupture, accompanied by bleeding into the pericardium. Immediate surgery was required to save his life.

Mr. Cha, who requires hemodialysis three times a week due to end-stage renal disease, was classified as a high-risk surgical candidate because of multiple underlying conditions, including hypertension. Professors Yangki Yoo and Jun Lee from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery developed a treatment plan to replace the entire ascending aorta and aortic arch with artificial grafts and to insert a stent into the descending aorta, combining surgery and interventional procedures.

To alleviate the concerns of the patient and his family regarding the surgery, the medical team conducted repeated consultations to explain the necessity and outlook of the procedure. After obtaining swift consent, they proceeded with the emergency surgery. The highly complex operation, which lasted six hours, was completed successfully thanks to the team’s meticulous planning and seamless collaboration. The patient regained consciousness just one hour after surgery, continued stable hemodialysis, and was discharged 15 days after the procedure.

Mr. Cha said, “I was physically and mentally exhausted from years of dialysis, and when I developed a heart problem, I felt a deep sense of despair. Thanks to the confidence of the medical team, I was able to decide on surgery and get back on my feet.”

This surgery is especially significant because it was a complex procedure performed on a high-risk patient. Aortic replacement surgery is directly linked to survival and is usually performed in stages. However, the medical team at Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital combined surgery and interventional procedures in a single session, reducing the burden of repeat surgeries and increasing the chances of survival.

Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital has established a close cooperative network not only in northern Gyeonggi Province but also with neighboring regions such as Cheorwon and Goseong in Gangwon Province. The hospital operates a 24-hour emergency hotline system for critically ill cardiac patients. This system enables advance preparation of treatment and surgical plans even before the patient arrives at the hospital, making timely treatment within the golden hour possible.

In fact, the hospital has recently gained trust from the local medical community and patients by successfully performing aortic replacement surgery on a 90-year-old super-elderly patient and conducting coronary artery bypass surgery on an acute myocardial infarction patient who was airlifted from Goseong, Gangwon Province.

Professor Jun Lee emphasized, “Aortic surgery is a highly complex procedure that requires hypothermia and total circulatory arrest techniques. Rapid decision-making and skilled technique are essential. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, seeking medical attention without delay is the way to protect your life.”

Professor Yangki Yoo stated, “Many patients hesitate because of the perception that heart surgery is dangerous, but recently, technologies that reduce surgical burden and accelerate recovery have advanced rapidly. Rather than vague fears, it is important to assess treatment possibilities through accurate diagnosis and consultation.”