Donegal Woman First to Receive Groundbreaking Walking Treatment
Donegal Woman First in World to Receive Revolutionary Treatment for Venous Obstructions
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Galway,Ireland – In a groundbreaking medical advancement,a Donegal woman has become the first patient globally to undergo a revolutionary new treatment for complex venous obstructions,offering renewed hope and significantly improved quality of life.Kelly Coughlin received the pioneering treatment at University Hospital Galway, marking a meaningful milestone in interventional radiology and patient care.
A Life-Altering Condition
Venous obstructions, particularly in previously stented vessels, can lead to debilitating symptoms, severely impacting a patient’s mobility and daily life. For Kelly, the condition had made even simple tasks like walking a significant challenge.
Professor Gerry O’Sullivan, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at University Hospital Galway, who led the procedure, highlighted the severity of such conditions.”The impact of venous obstructions, especially in previously stented vessels, can be life-altering,” he stated. “we had attempted to recanalise this patient’s veins four times without success.”
The Recana System: A new Era of Treatment
The successful intervention was made possible by the Recana Thrombectomy Catheter System, a novel device designed to tackle complex venous blockages.Professor O’sullivan expressed his enthusiasm for the system’s efficacy. “The Recana system achieved this in a single session. That speaks volumes about its potential,” he remarked.Professor O’sullivan further elaborated on the system’s advantages. “It offers a powerful, minimally invasive solution for patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options,” he added.
A Patient’s Journey to Recovery
Kelly Coughlin, the first recipient of this life-changing treatment, shared her profound experience. “This procedure has been massively life-changing for me,” she saeid. “When I was symptomatic, even simple tasks like walking were a challenge.”
Her confidence in the medical team was a crucial factor in her decision to undergo the procedure. “I’m incredibly grateful to Professor O’Sullivan and his team at University hospital Galway. I’ve been under his care for many years, and that long-standing trust gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed to proceed wiht this treatment.”
A Triumph for University Hospital Galway and Innovation
The successful trial of the Recana system at University Hospital Galway has been lauded as a significant achievement for the institution and a testament to its commitment to clinical excellence and innovation.
Chris Kane, hospital Manager, praised the groundbreaking work. “This is a significant achievement for University Hospital Galway and reflects our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and innovation. Being the first in the world to trial this ground-breaking device showcases both the expertise of our medical teams and the strength of our collaborative research partnerships.”
Collaborative Success Fueled by Hypercare Initiative
The introduction of this cutting-edge medical device in Ireland is a direct result of the collaborative efforts within the University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials and its hypercare initiative.
Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, celebrated the successful partnership. “It is incredibly rewarding to see cutting-edge medical device innovation introduced in Ireland through the Hypercare initiative at University of Galway’s Institute for Clinical Trials,” she stated.Professor Dunne explained the strategic importance of Hypercare. “Hypercare was developed to streamline and accelerate the start-up of clinical trials by working closely with our regulatory, ethical, and healthcare delivery partners. This milestone is a clear reflection of that mission in action.”
This global breakthrough signifies a new dawn for patients suffering from complex venous obstructions, offering a less invasive and more effective path to recovery and improved mobility.
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Pictured above: Donegal woman Kelly Coughlin, the first patient in the world to receive treatment with the Recana Thrombectomy Catheter System, pictured with Professor Gerry O’Sullivan, Consultant Interventional radiologist at University Hospital Galway, following the successful procedure that represents a global breakthrough in the treatment of complex venous obstructions.
This article was last modified: July 31st, 2025 by Staff Writer.*