Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi becomes designated as a Centre of Excellence for cardiac care

UAE – Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 network, has been certified as a fully designated Centre of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery.

This designation comes shortly after the Emergency Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was recognized by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) with the 2023 Lantern Award.

In a press release, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said: “Our team will continue to play a vital role in highlighting the UAE’s efforts in presenting high-quality treatment for complex medical conditions and ensuring patients have access to world-class care close to home.”

Located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a unique and unparalleled extension of the US-based Cleveland Clinic’s model of care.

The multispecialty hospital is specifically designed to address a range of complex and critical care requirements unique to the Abu Dhabi population.

The hospital has a wide range of Institutes and Departments, including Heart, Vascular & Thoracic, Neurology, Critical Care, Surgical Subspecialties, Medical Subspecialties, and Emergency Medicine, to mention a few.

Bearing this in mind, the prestigious designation earned by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi highlights the hospital’s comprehensive cardiac surgery program.

In addition, the accomplishment strengthens its position as a Centre of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery, an accolade conferred by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi achieved another medical milestone as a leader in world-class cardiac care by saving the life of a young patient suffering from aortic valve stenosis.

Upon arrival at the hospital, a patient in his mid-thirties was in life-threatening shock due to multiple organ failure as a result of aortic valve stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing of the aortic valve.

It is important to note that aortic valve stenosis is typically associated with elderly patients and often remains undetected until it becomes severe, posing a significant health risk.

Commenting on the intricate procedure of the life-saving cardiac surgery, Dr. Mahmoud Traina, Staff Physician of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “We were confronted with a condition where the patient’s aortic valve was critically narrowed, impeding blood flow and threatening heart function.”

Dr. Mahmoud Traina further said that the age of the adult patient, whose condition was triggered by a congenital abnormality, was also a factor as aortic valve stenosis usually affects the older demographic.

He explained that the aortic valve replacement procedure lasted a little under two hours, involving the insertion of a biological valve supported by a stainless-steel frame into the heart using a catheter.

Worryingly, rapid progression to critical conditions like heart failure and organ dysfunction can occur if it is not addressed timeously.

After being evaluated for emergency treatment, the patient was quickly placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to stabilize his condition before going into surgery.

Remarkably, the patient showed significant improvement post-surgery and was discharged a few days later, returning to work in less than ten days.

“Our team’s prompt response and subsequent decision-making to employ advanced techniques like ECMO and transcatheter aortic valve replacement were pivotal in the successful treatment of this young patient,” underscored Dr. Traina.

This particular case underscores the importance of regular check-ups for early diagnosis, a crucial aspect of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s healthcare approach that ensures timely and effective treatment.

On top of this, the case highlights the United Arab Emirates’s commitment to providing world-class medical care to its residents and visitors alike.

Reflecting on the broader implications of the procedure, Dr. Traina outlined that the successful intervention for aortic valve stenosis not only marks a huge milestone for the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi team but also brings hope to many patients from the United Arab Emirates.

He emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness and medical vigilance in providing prompt and efficient treatment.

“The impact of such advanced procedures extends far beyond immediate recovery; it fundamentally enhances the quality of life for patients, allowing them to return to their daily activities with improved heart function and overall health,” reflected Dr. Traina.

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