Pioneering Shockwave Technology Conducted in UAE Hospital Saves Woman from Open-Heart Surgery
69-year-old Khadijeh Abdollah, an Emirati woman suffering from severe chest pain and limited mobility, has been given a second chance at life thanks to the implementation of innovative shockwave technology at RAK Hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). By utilizing Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL), the medical team successfully navigated a life-threatening condition for Khadijeh, sparing her from the complexities of open-heart surgery.
The patient had been grappling with a severely calcified coronary artery, which contributed to her chest pain and inability to walk comfortably. Considering her medical history, including diabetes, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and a previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure, the prospects of an open-heart surgery posed significant risks, as explained by Dr. Sokhrab Khorram, a specialist interventional cardiologist at RAK Hospital.
The presence of calcified arteries presents a challenge for patients like Khadijeh, as the accumulation of calcium hardens the arteries, making standard stenting procedures difficult and sometimes unfeasible. If left untreated, this condition can lead to heart attacks or heart failure.
During the angioplasty procedure conducted at RAK Hospital, the medical team faced difficulties that hindered stent placement. To address this issue, they turned to the innovative IVL technology. IVL, a cutting-edge treatment still relatively new in the UAE, offers a non-invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. By utilizing sonic waves, this technique creates tiny cracks in calcium deposits within artery walls, facilitating proper expansion of stents. In contrast to traditional methods that involve abrasive catheter tips, IVL minimizes the risk of complications such as vessel damage or perforation.
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, the executive director of RAK Hospital, emphasized the significance of IVL in interventional cardiology. Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death, with nearly half of these fatalities occurring suddenly due to severe coronary blockages. IVL emerges as a genuine game changer for patients grappling with stubborn calcium buildup, resistant to conventional treatments like inflatable balloons and atherectomy, he explained.
Implementing this groundbreaking technology not only saves lives but showcases the continuous efforts of the medical field to explore innovative treatments. As the UAE witnesses advancements in healthcare, the successful utilization of IVL at RAK Hospital offers hope to patients who face complex heart conditions that would have traditionally required open-heart surgery. By prioritizing patient well-being and seeking alternatives to invasive procedures, hospitals like RAK are transforming the landscape of cardiovascular care, providing life-changing solutions that restore health and vitality.
