Cardiac team performs innovative aortic arch replacement at King’s

21 April 2026 - The cardiac surgery team at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has successfully completed a complex aortic arch replacement using new technology for Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) implantation.

The aortic arch is part of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. When an aneurysm develops in this area, the vessel wall weakens and can enlarge, potentially leading to life-threatening rupture if left untreated.

This is the first time a Neo EDE Hybrid Arch Device, a custom-made tool to help reduce surgical complexity and improve patient outcomes, has been used at the Trust to help treat a patient with complex aortic disease.

The FET implantation technique is an advanced surgical approach used to treat complex diseases of the aortic arch, including aneurysms and dissections. During the procedure, surgeons remove the diseased section of the aorta and replace it with a specially designed synthetic graft that restores normal blood flow and supports the aorta.

The procedure, using the latest technology in aortic arch replacement, was carried out by a multidisciplinary cardiac surgery team, led by Mr Habib Khan and Miss Alia Noorani, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeons at King’s.

Mr Habib 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.”

Miss Alia Noorani added: “Introducing new technology such as this allows us to continue advancing our aortic surgery programme at King’s and ensures that our patients have access to the most modern treatment options available.”