Broward Health Medical Center has achieved a life-changing medical milestone, becoming the first hospital in South Florida and only the second in Florida to implant the AMDS™ Hybrid Prosthesis. This advanced medical device is designed to treat acute DeBakey Type I aortic dissections complicated by malperfusion, one of the most fatal cardiovascular medical emergencies.
The landmark procedure was performed on April 27th by Alexander Justicz, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, alongside the cardiovascular operating room team. It’s one of the first performed in the United States since the AMDS Hybrid Prosthesis received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval under a Humanitarian Device Exemption.
“This is a proud moment for Broward Health,” said Jenna Merlucci, vice president of heart and vascular services at Broward Health. “Being among the first hospitals in the country to adopt this advanced technology demonstrates our commitment to leading-edge cardiovascular care and improving outcomes for critically ill patients.”
The AMDS Hybrid Prosthesis allows surgeons to repair complex aortic tears with greater precision, reduce complications and significantly improve survival in patients suffering from this life-threatening condition.
“The AMDS device gives us a critical advantage in treating one of the most dangerous forms of aortic dissection, which is a tear in the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body,” Dr. Justicz said. “By helping us restore blood flow to vital organs and reduce the risk of new tears after surgery, the AMDS Hybrid Prosthesis can dramatically improve a patient’s chances of survival and long-term recovery.”
AMDS Hybrid Prosthesis is a unique stent-supported cuff combined with a robust distal anastomosis that reduces the risk of distal anastomotic new entry (DANE). The uncovered stent stabilizes the true lumen, helping to resolve dynamic malperfusion and induce positive aortic remodeling.
Broward Health’s early adoption of this breakthrough technology highlights the healthcare system’s role as a leader in cardiovascular innovation, critical care and complex surgical interventions. For more information, visit Broward Health’s Cardiovascular Services.
