Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have successfully pioneered the use of a minimally invasive technique for high-risk heart patients, marking another important step for the UAE’s health system.

This is one of many new procedures for treating mitral valve disease and has only been used in a few medical institutions in Europe, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s increasing importance as a medical hub on the cutting edge of clinical innovation.  

Using the technology, surgeons can perform a mitral valve annulus repair by implanting a device into a patient’s heart while it is still beating. The device is inserted via a vein in the patient’s groin and guided through the body and into the heart of the patient using echo and fluoroscopic imaging. This enables surgeons to repair the ring-like base of the damaged valve without the need for open-heart surgery.

Following intensive training, a multidisciplinary team recently conducted three procedures on high-risk Emirati national patients.

Dr Rakesh Suri, CEO, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who was the primary operator for the procedures, explains: “This is cutting-edge technology for high-risk patients who have failed all other therapies and have little chance of survival. This life-saving procedure is currently only available in Abu Dhabi and a few centres in Europe. We were only able to introduce this innovative approach because of the expertise of our physicians, nurses and technicians, along with the incredible support of our UAE leaders.”

The three Emirati female patients, aged 65, 72 and 88, had exhausted all other therapeutic options and were considered inoperable with standard techniques.

Just three days after undergoing the procedure, an 88-year-old patient said she could already feel the difference in her breathing.

“I was unable to walk and had been having heart valve issues for a long time,” she said. “This is a safer procedure for patients like me and, since my operation, there has been a noticeable difference in my breathing and health. I would like to thank the UAE’s leaders and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for providing such advanced healthcare, which means we do not have to go abroad for treatment.”

Dr Thomas Bartel, section head of Invasive Cardiology in the hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute, said: “We are extremely happy with the outcome of the three procedures. This procedure is a real benefit for the patients, who can now breathe without difficulty and enjoy their daily lives.” – TradeArabia News Service