Thumbay University Hospital marks historic milestone with first successful open-heart surgery

UAE – Thumbay University Hospital has successfully performed its first Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery, signaling the launch of advanced cardiac surgical services at the academic medical center.

This milestone procedure represents a significant advancement in the hospital’s journey toward becoming a comprehensive hub for complex heart care. 

The surgery was performed on a 51-year-old patient, Mr. Syed Omer, who had been diagnosed with severe ischemic coronary artery disease, including critical left main coronary artery stenosis.

This is a high-risk condition that severely limits blood flow to the heart and can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated.

The patient also had diabetes mellitus, which required precise perioperative management and sophisticated cardiac monitoring throughout the procedure. 

Innovative off-pump technique ensures safer recovery  

The cardiac team, led by Dr. Khaled Farrag, Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, performed a double-vessel bypass using the advanced off-pump, or “beating heart,” technique.

Unlike traditional bypass surgery, which relies on a heart-lung machine, the off-pump approach allows surgeons to operate while the patient’s heart continues to beat naturally.

This method minimizes surgical stress on the body, reduces the risk of postoperative complications, and supports a faster recovery period. 

During the operation, two grafts were successfully placed to bypass the blocked coronary arteries, restoring healthy blood flow and ensuring that the heart muscle received adequate oxygen supply.

Following the surgery, the patient recovered smoothly and has since been discharged.

He is currently at home with his family, resuming normal daily activities while being remotely monitored by the hospital’s cardiac team. 

A defining moment for academic healthcare 

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President – Healthcare Division at Thumbay Group, described the successful open-heart procedure as a defining moment for the institution.

“Every major hospital remembers its first open-heart surgery,” he said, emphasizing that this accomplishment marks the beginning of a new era of advanced cardiac care within the university’s academic healthcare system. 

Mr. Thumbay explained that the achievement reflects the depth of the hospital’s clinical expertise, the strength of its medical infrastructure, and its long-term commitment to offering specialized, life-saving treatments closer to the community.

He added that a university hospital’s role extends beyond education—it must also exemplify clinical excellence and innovation in patient care. 

Expanding capacity for complex heart cases 

The successful CABG procedure establishes Thumbay University Hospital’s readiness to handle complex cardiac conditions, including high-risk coronary artery disease and other critical heart disorders.

The facility’s cardiac program is supported by state-of-the-art operation theatres, specialized intensive care units, advanced diagnostic imaging, and a fully integrated emergency and rehabilitation network. 

Looking ahead, patients in the UAE can now access high-quality heart surgery within a university hospital setting, supported by evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary expertise, and continuous academic oversight.

With this milestone, Thumbay University Hospital steps confidently into the field of advanced heart surgery, strengthening its position as a growing academic medical center that delivers world-class clinical services in line with international standards. 

The hospital has announced that more cardiac procedures and specialized programs are planned as it continues to expand its scope in cardiovascular medicine and other subspecialties.