**Innovative Magnet Technology Saves Lives in Ukraine's Battlefield**

**Surgeons are utilizing a magnet-tipped extractor to safely remove shrapnel from soldiers’ hearts, significantly enhancing survival rates in combat-related injuries.**

Ukrainian serviceman Serhiy Melnyk has firsthand experience of survival in battle thanks to a groundbreaking medical innovation. A small rusty shard of shrapnel, which once threatened his life by piercing his heart, was safely extracted using a magnet-tipped device during surgery. As warfare evolves with the rise of drones, the complexity and frequency of shrapnel wounds have surged, making such innovative solutions indispensable.

Dr. Serhiy Maksymenko, a cardiovascular surgeon, recounted the moment he removed the dangerous fragment from Melnyk’s heart with a minimally invasive technique that requires only small incisions. "You don't have to make large cuts in the heart," he explains, emphasizing the importance of this method in saving lives. The surgical team led by Dr. Maksymenko has successfully conducted over 70 such operations in the past year, a testament to the efficacy of this technology on the front lines.

The magnetic extractor, developed after extensive collaboration with frontline medics, modernizes a concept that dates back to the Crimean War. Oleh Bykov, a volunteer who transitioned from lawyer to medical innovator, spearheaded the development of these extraction tools. Recognizing a dire need for improved shrapnel removal methods, Bykov’s team tailored magnets that are versatile for various types of surgeries, making operations faster and less traumatic.

Veteran war medic, David Nott, praises the device's potential to revolutionize field medicine, highlighting that traditional approaches to locate shrapnel can be perilous and inefficient. The magnetic extractor eliminates many risks, allowing surgeons to focus more on critical healing instead of extensive searches for embedded fragments.

Despite the significant advancements, the device lacks formal certification—a reality fueled by the urgency of wartime needs. However, the Ukrainian Health Ministry allows the use of unapproved medical devices under martial law, prioritizing immediate life-saving interventions over bureaucratic procedures.

As this technology spreads across Ukraine, with thousands of units distributed to medical responders, frontline medics like Andriy Alban express their reliance on it while navigating perilous conditions to treat injured soldiers. The ingenuity behind these tools is not just about immediate care; it embodies the spirit of resilience amidst adversity.

Serhiy Melnyk's wife, Yulia, emotionally acknowledges the impact of this innovation, expressing her gratitude for the perseverance of those who created the extractor tool—an invention that allowed her husband to return home safely. This medical advancement stands as a beacon of hope in a dark time, showcasing the remarkable intersection of medicine and technology born from the urgency of war.