Health & Environment

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi introduces remote monitoring implant for predictive heart care

ABU DHABI
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi introduces remote monitoring implant for predictive heart care

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first hospital in Abu Dhabi to implant an advanced heart monitoring sensor that detects early signs of deterioration in patients with chronic heart failure. 

The system sends data remotely to the care team, enabling earlier intervention and more personalised care for patients living with the condition, even when not physically present at the hospital. 

The adoption of this technology further enhances Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s remote patient monitoring capabilities and patients-first care delivery, the hospital said.

The minimally invasive technology involves implanting a tiny wireless sensor in the pulmonary artery, a major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The device continuously measures arterial blood pressure and securely transmits clinical data to the care team, enabling remote monitoring of the patient’s condition over time. By tracking pulmonary artery pressure over time, physicians can identify subtle warning signs of worsening heart failure earlier than traditional symptom-based monitoring approaches, even suitable for patients who live miles away. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s implementation combines real-time monitoring with rapid clinical intervention pathways, enabling faster decision-making and medication adjustments.

Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Introducing this technology in Abu Dhabi marks an important step forward in how we care for patients living with chronic heart failure. Instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen and require hospitalization, we can now monitor patients proactively and intervene earlier. This reflects our broader commitment to delivering the most advanced solutions of preventive, patient-centered healthcare.”

Dr Nadya Almatrooshi, Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “For many patients, continuous cardiac remote monitoring technology provides reassurance and greater confidence in managing their condition day-to-day. Patients often report improved symptom control, better exercise tolerance, and greater peace of mind knowing their care team is monitoring them closely.”

The implantable monitoring device is intended for patients with moderate to severe symptoms of heart failure, who are receiving guideline-directed medical therapy and have experienced at least one hospitalization related to heart failure within the previous 12 months. The first patients to receive this treatment are Emirati nationals aged 62 and 79. Both patients have a history of repeated hospital admissions due to worsening heart failure, including shortness of breath and fluid build-up.

The procedure is performed in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s cardiac catheterization laboratory, accredited by the American College of Cardiology, over one to two hours under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. Patients are usually monitored between four and 24 hours after implantation, with some able to return home the same day. Most patients resume normal activities within one to two days, with only minor temporary restrictions.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to advance cardiovascular care through the adoption of innovative technologies that enable more proactive and personalized treatment for patients across the UAE. This commitment is reinforced by its designation as a Center of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and its recognition as the number one hospital in the Middle East for cardiology in Newsweek’s Best Specialized Hospitals Middle East 2026 rankings. In 2025, it also earned Center of Excellence designation for cardiac catheterization procedures, from the American College of Cardiology.

Building on this foundation, and as the first hospital in Abu Dhabi to introduce this technology, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is expanding access to advanced heart failure management solutions closer to home, further strengthening its role as a regional leader in complex cardiac care. - TradeArabia News Service