The Vascular Surgery Clinic at UMBAL Burgas has introduced an innovative technique using carbon dioxide (CO₂) instead of the traditional iodine contrast for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. The method was applied for the first time in Burgas and offers new possibilities for patients with allergies or contraindications.

The new technique was used on a 44-year-old patient with one kidney, arterial hypertension, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease. A blocked artery was found, but the use of iodine contrast would have posed a risk to his kidney.

The surgeons performed a minimally invasive procedure through the femoral artery, restored the patency of the blocked section, and placed a stent using CO₂. The gas is naturally eliminated from the body through breathing, providing a clear visualization of the vessels.

Prof. Dr. Valentin Vasilev explained that the use of CO₂ reduces the risk of complications, as the alternative is open surgical operation. The clinic is also known for other innovations, such as a hand-modeled prosthesis and the use of tissue adhesive, introduced in 2023.