As drone warfare intensifies in Ukraine, innovative magnetic extractors are transforming battlefield medicine, enabling quick and minimally invasive removal of shrapnel injuries from soldiers' hearts.
Innovative Magnetic Technology Revolutionizing Heart Surgery for Ukrainian Soldiers

Innovative Magnetic Technology Revolutionizing Heart Surgery for Ukrainian Soldiers
New medical device aids in removing shrapnel injuries among soldiers in Ukraine, saving lives on the front line.
Serhiy Melnyk, a Ukrainian soldier, holds a small rusty shard that once grazed his kidney, lung, and heart amidst fierce fighting against Russian forces. This piece of shrapnel, a remnant of drone warfare, exemplifies the life-threatening injuries that have become prevalent. With shrapnel wounds accounting for 80% of military trauma, Medics have underscored the urgent need for advanced, safe medical technologies to address these dangers.
Dr. Serhiy Maksymenko has become a pivotal figure in this medical evolution, utilizing a magnetic extractor that allows for less invasive procedures. "You don't have to make large cuts in the heart," he explains, demonstrating how a small incision facilitates the removal of shrapnel. His team has already performed over 70 successful operations within just a year, drastically improving survival rates among injured soldiers.
Volunteer Oleh Bykov spearheaded the development of this device, which was inspired by feedback from frontline medics. While magnets have been used in medical procedures since the 1850s, Bykov’s advancements have allowed for streamlined applications tailored for today's battlefield conditions. The extractor enables clinicians to locate and safely remove metal fragments without extensive incisions, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of treatment.
Despite the lack of official certification for this innovative device, Ukrainian medical professionals have been swift to adopt it in their efforts to save lives. "In exceptional cases, we prioritize life-saving techniques over bureaucratic processes," explains Bykov, noting that under martial law, certified regulations are often sidestepped to meet immediate military needs.
The magnetic extractor has not only become an indispensable tool among Ukrainian medics but also may influence future conflict zones, as its potential applications extend beyond current battles. Dr. David Nott, a seasoned war medic, echoes this sentiment, highlighting its utility in various crisis situations.
Surrounded by hope and gratitude, Serhiy's wife Yulia expresses her appreciation for those who brought this life-saving technology to the battlefield. “Thanks to them, my husband is alive,” she shares tearfully, emphasizing the profound impact of innovation amid the war’s chaos.
As the conflict within Ukraine continues, advancements in medical technology like the magnetic extractor underscore the resilience of both the soldiers on the front lines and the professionals dedicated to their care.
Dr. Serhiy Maksymenko has become a pivotal figure in this medical evolution, utilizing a magnetic extractor that allows for less invasive procedures. "You don't have to make large cuts in the heart," he explains, demonstrating how a small incision facilitates the removal of shrapnel. His team has already performed over 70 successful operations within just a year, drastically improving survival rates among injured soldiers.
Volunteer Oleh Bykov spearheaded the development of this device, which was inspired by feedback from frontline medics. While magnets have been used in medical procedures since the 1850s, Bykov’s advancements have allowed for streamlined applications tailored for today's battlefield conditions. The extractor enables clinicians to locate and safely remove metal fragments without extensive incisions, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of treatment.
Despite the lack of official certification for this innovative device, Ukrainian medical professionals have been swift to adopt it in their efforts to save lives. "In exceptional cases, we prioritize life-saving techniques over bureaucratic processes," explains Bykov, noting that under martial law, certified regulations are often sidestepped to meet immediate military needs.
The magnetic extractor has not only become an indispensable tool among Ukrainian medics but also may influence future conflict zones, as its potential applications extend beyond current battles. Dr. David Nott, a seasoned war medic, echoes this sentiment, highlighting its utility in various crisis situations.
Surrounded by hope and gratitude, Serhiy's wife Yulia expresses her appreciation for those who brought this life-saving technology to the battlefield. “Thanks to them, my husband is alive,” she shares tearfully, emphasizing the profound impact of innovation amid the war’s chaos.
As the conflict within Ukraine continues, advancements in medical technology like the magnetic extractor underscore the resilience of both the soldiers on the front lines and the professionals dedicated to their care.