Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi celebrates 500th TAVI procedure

UAE— Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a member of the M42 group, has celebrated a major achievement by completing its 500th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure.

 This milestone highlights the hospital’s dedication to advancing cardiovascular care with minimally invasive solutions, establishing it as a leader in heart health for the UAE and surrounding regions.

Since introducing TAVI in 2015, the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has transformed the treatment landscape for aortic stenosis, offering a life-changing alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.

 TAVI, also referred to as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), addresses the critical need for safer treatment of aortic stenosis, a condition that narrows the aortic valve, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart failure.

If left untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to severe symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, and fatigue, significantly impairing quality of life.

Unlike conventional surgery, TAVI involves replacing the impaired valve with a bioprosthetic valve using a catheter inserted through the upper thigh, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.

This innovative, minimally invasive procedure allows patients to recover faster, often with a shorter hospital stay, and resume daily activities sooner.

 According to Dr. George Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the recent milestone highlights the clinic’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical possibility.

He emphasized that reaching 500 successful TAVI procedures reflects the hospital’s mission to lead with pioneering solutions that enhance patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Haber further noted that Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s approach to innovation is shaping a new standard for healthcare across the region.

“This milestone demonstrates what’s possible when we combine cutting-edge technology, clinical expertise, and a patient-centered approach,” he remarked.

 Dr. Haber explained that each TAVI procedure typically takes just one to two hours, led by a team of specialized interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

Adding to this sentiment, Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar, Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Institute, described the 500th TAVI milestone as a testament to the team’s dedication and expertise.

He highlighted TAVI’s effectiveness in transforming aortic valve replacement, especially for higher-risk patients, making it a preferred option in advanced cardiovascular care.

“TAVI is setting a new standard in heart valve replacement, providing a safer, more effective option,” Dr. Bhatnagar said, adding that as the technology evolves, the clinic is committed to refining techniques to benefit more patients in the future.

A significant factor driving TAVI’s success is its remarkable success rate of over 98%, which includes higher survival rates, reduced stroke risk, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

These benefits, alongside its minimally invasive nature, have positioned TAVI as the preferred treatment for aortic valve replacement, particularly for patients at high risk.

In addition to TAVI, the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute has expanded its surgical services to handle over 500 cardiac surgeries and more than 250 structural heart cases each year.

In 2023, the Department of Health—Abu Dhabi designated Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi a Center of Excellence for Adult Cardiac Surgery, further cementing the clinic’s role as a leader in advancing cardiovascular care in the UAE and beyond.

Through continued advancements and a patient-first philosophy, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of medical innovation, working tirelessly to improve heart health across the region.

The accomplishment of 500 TAVI procedures serves as a powerful indicator of the clinic’s commitment to elevating healthcare standards and enhancing patients’ quality of life.

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