National Heart Centre: A leading medical landmark in Oman
Dr. Najib Zahran Al Rawahi, Director of the National Heart Center told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the center was founded on an ambitious vision aimed at achieving leadership in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and delivering high-quality healthcare to citizens and residents of Oman—from fetal development to adulthood and advanced age.
He added that the centre strives to provide a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services for heart conditions, including arterial, valvular, and congenital diseases. Equipped with the latest medical technologies and devices, the center ensures the highest standard of healthcare.
Dr. Al Rawahi emphasized that through these specialized services, the center aims to rank among the leading institutions in the region and the world in cardiac treatment, performing advanced surgical procedures and medical interventions such as catheter-based valve implantation and repair, catheter ablation for arrhythmias, and the dilation of narrowed veins and arteries.
He noted that the center is committed to attracting and training distinguished medical professionals to ensure high-quality care, while also keeping its staff updated on the latest techniques and procedures in cardiology and cardiac surgery.
The National Heart Center in Oman has seen remarkable developments since its opening in 2015, with expanded and enhanced services to meet the growing needs of patients. This includes an increase in surgical procedures to accommodate rising patient numbers and the adoption of cutting-edge technology across all specialized fields of cardiology and cardiac surgery.
The cardiac catheterization department has undergone significant advancements, including the introduction of state-of-the-art specialized catheters on an international scale. The number of daily catheterization sessions has increased from five to six, boosting the department's capacity and reducing waiting times. The center also provides round-the-clock services for critical and complex cases, saving numerous lives.
As for the number of surgeries performed since the center's opening, Dr. Al Rawahi pointed out that 9,168 procedures have been conducted, including interventional catheterizations, open-heart surgeries, and minimally invasive surgeries. The success rates range between 93% and 96%, depending on the procedure type, aligning with global standards.
Additionally, the center performed 49,846 interventional cardiac catheterizations for adults and 7,823 for children during the same period, with success rates between 97% and 99%, consistent with international benchmarks.
On the latest medical technologies in cardiac surgery, Dr. Al Rawahi underscored the center's commitment to adopting cutting-edge advancements, such as minimally invasive heart surgery—one of the newest techniques in the field—which involves small chest incisions to reduce pain and recovery time.
The center has introduced modern cardiac catheterization techniques, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat heart conditions without open surgery. These include pediatric electrophysiology catheters, cryoablation catheters for atrial fibrillation, and thermal ablation catheters for arrhythmias.
Advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI and CT scans, provide precise visuals of the heart and blood vessels, aiding in accurate diagnosis. The center also employs remote cardiac monitoring systems, enabling close patient observation and early detection of potential issues.
Dr. Al Rawahi noted that the center has introduced several innovations in cardiac care, including 'Pulsed Field Ablation,' a groundbreaking global technology for treating atrial fibrillation with high efficacy and minimal complications.
Another milestone is the wireless pacemaker 'Aveir,' which regulates heart rhythms without wires, representing a breakthrough in cardiac treatment. The center has also pioneered advanced catheterization techniques, such as transcatheter aortic and pulmonary valve replacements and chronic coronary artery occlusion interventions.
A recent landmark achievement was Oman's first successful heart transplant from a brain-dead donor, performed by a multidisciplinary Omani medical team on a patient suffering from heart failure. The five-hour surgery marks a pivotal moment in Oman's healthcare sector, reflecting years of meticulous planning, hard work, and investment in national expertise.
Regarding international partnerships, the center collaborates with leading global institutions, including the American Heart Association, which certifies it for advanced cardiac life support training. It also partners with educational institutions like Sultan Qaboos University's College of Medicine and Nursing for clinical training and with Oman Medical Specialty Board to oversee residency programs in adult cardiology, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric intensive care.
Looking ahead, the center is committed to expanding and enhancing its services through ambitious future plans, including modernizing operating rooms and catheterization labs, increasing specialized clinics, and promoting scientific research in cardiology.
Dr. Al Rawahi highlighted the center's community initiatives, such as the 'Heart of the Nation: One Pulse, One Goal' campaign, which aims to raise awareness about heart disease and early detection across Oman's governorates.
Through its advanced infrastructure, skilled workforce, and world-class technologies, the National Heart Center continues to transform its vision into reality, elevating cardiac care in Oman and the region while cementing its status as a regional and international reference institution—setting a benchmark for comprehensive and advanced cardiac healthcare in service to Oman's society. -ONA
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