UAE Achieves Milestone with First Cardiac Neuroablation at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the UAE’s inaugural cardiac neuroablation procedure, which represents a remarkable advancement in cardiac treatment. This minimally invasive approach provides a fresh alternative for individuals grappling with repeated fainting spells due to irregular heart rhythms, potentially eliminating the need for permanent pacemakers.

Currently, cardiac neuroablation is offered at only a select few specialized cardiac centers globally. The procedure effectively addresses the underlying causes of heart rhythm disorders associated with the autonomic nervous system, rather than merely alleviating symptoms through extensive medical devices.

The focus of the treatment is on abnormal signals from the vagus nerve that can drastically reduce heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in frequent fainting. By skillfully adjusting these nerve pathways, healthcare professionals can restore a consistent heart rhythm using this targeted and minimally invasive technique.

Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, the CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, stated that this accomplishment underscores the hospital’s dedication to delivering top-tier cardiac services while enhancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a hub for specialized health care.

The procedure was performed on a 48-year-old patient who had been enduring frequent fainting spells that compromised her daily activities and personal safety. While conventional pacemakers are typically employed in such scenarios, the medical team opted for cardiac neuroablation to directly address the issue.

Dr Fereidoon Shafiei, a physician in the Cardiovascular Medicine Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, remarked that introducing cardiac neuroablation in the UAE is a significant advancement in heart care. He noted that this technique enables clinicians to accurately target irregular heart rhythm pathways, potentially eliminating fainting episodes without necessitating a permanent device for many patients.

The treatment is executed using specialized catheters that navigate through blood vessels to the heart, facilitated by advanced mapping technologies that assist doctors in recognizing and selectively modifying the nerve pathways responsible for erratic heart rate control, all without the invasiveness of open-heart surgery.

Dr Khalid Bakr, an associate physician in the Cardiovascular Medicine Department, emphasized that this highly specialized catheter-based methodology can markedly enhance the quality of life for patients by reducing or entirely halting recurrent fainting episodes.

Post-procedure, the patient exhibited noticeable improvements, displaying a stable heart rhythm during follow-ups. She successfully resumed her normal daily activities, free from further fainting incidents, and reported higher energy levels and an enhanced overall quality of life.

The successful implementation of cardiac neuroablation signifies Abu Dhabi’s enhancing role in integrating groundbreaking medical advancements into clinical routines, reflecting a broader transition toward precise, patient-centric healthcare.