Latest news with #ClevelandClinicAbuDhabi
Al Etihad
10 hours ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marks another milestone with life-saving double lung transplant of Guatemalan patient
1 Aug 2025 00:37 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a global leader in complex medical care with the successful double lung transplant of a 66-year-old patient from Guatemala. Performed by a multidisciplinary team from the hospital's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and Integrated Hospital Institute, the life-saving procedure is a powerful testament to the hospital's commitment and track record of delivering world-class care across borders. This milestone underlines Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's dedication to expanding access to advanced, high-quality care accessible on a global scale. Oscar Romero López Guillén, who had been battling end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, arrived in Abu Dhabi after exhausting medical options in South Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Dependent on oxygen 24 hours a day and struggling with even the simplest physical tasks, Oscar faced an uncertain future until he discovered Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's transplant with pulmonary fibrosis in 2016 in Guatemala after a prolonged cough, his condition progressively worsened over nearly a decade. Despite consultations in multiple countries and facing challenging issues like citizenship requirements and limited transplant capabilities and facilities, Oscar remained hopeful. Finally, in late 2024, the Cleveland Clinic global referral system connected him to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, offering him a new lease on life through the hospital's renowned Lung Transplant Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, 'Oscar's journey is a powerful reminder of what Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi stands for, providing world-class care to patients across the globe. Our multi-organ transplant programme, one of the first in the region, is more than just advanced medical excellence; it's about expertise, compassionate care, and the extraordinary impact of the UAE's Hayat organ donation programme. We are honoured to be a place where both local and international patients can find hope and a second chance. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are committed to ensuring that access to life-saving treatments knows no borders.'Dr. Usman Ahmad, Chair of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, "Upon arrival at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Oscar's lungs were barely functioning. Remarkably, he had endured such severe limitations for nearly a decade. After a thorough evaluation by our multidisciplinary lung transplant team, he was listed and underwent a double lung transplant a few weeks later. Today, just weeks after the surgery, Oscar has regained full function, with normal oxygen levels, excellent exercise capacity, and a normal quality of life. His recovery is a testament to the expertise of our team and our ability to provide life-changing care."Upon receiving Oscar's medical records, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's multidisciplinary team, comprising surgical lung transplant specialists and other critical care experts, immediately studied his case in detail. The family was swiftly enrolled in the lung transplant programme, and within weeks, they received the life-changing news that a matching donor organ had become available. Less than a week later, Oscar was admitted to the hospital and began preparations for his early 2025, after ensuring there were no complications, Oscar underwent a successful double lung transplant surgery. His recovery was swift and remarkable. Just 10 days after his admission, Oscar was discharged, breathing on his own, and ready to begin the next chapter of his life. Explaining his condition, Dr. Andres Obeso, Staff Physician, Thoracic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: 'Oscar arrived at our doors speaking a different language, from a different continent, but the language of healing and helping is human and universal. When we reviewed his case, we found severely impaired lung function, yet no other major comorbidities. That combination, along with his resilience, made him a strong candidate for transplant. A successful lung transplant can add years to a patient's life. In Oscar's case, the surgery, intensive care, and post-transplant rehabilitation were all coordinated seamlessly by our multidisciplinary team. His journey is a testament to what's possible when world-class expertise meets an unshakable human spirit. These are the stories that inspire our mission to provide the best care, no matter where a patient comes from.'Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is home to one of the region's first and most comprehensive lung transplant programmes, and one of the few worldwide that consistently welcomes international patients. Backed by an expert multidisciplinary team, the programme delivers end-to-end care, from in-depth pre-transplant evaluations to surgery and long-term recovery patients like Oscar, the hospital's dedicated International Patient Services team plays an essential role, seamlessly managing everything from travel and visa arrangements to accommodation and care coordination. This integrated approach ensures every patient's journey, from diagnosis to recovery, is as smooth and stress-free as hospital recently reported a 35% increase in international patient volume in 2024, with more than 10,000 international patient visits. Renowned for its excellence in complex care, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi saw increased interest in its advanced services, mainly in the areas of cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology, and urology. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, and the US are the top five countries from which international patients are travelling to Abu Dhabi in who now lives in the UAE for follow-up care, expressed his gratitude for the treatment that gave him a second chance, 'When I arrived at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, I felt like I had come to Heaven on Earth. The level of care, the kindness of the nurses, the professionalism, it was something I had never experienced before.''For years, I lived attached to an oxygen tank 24 hours a day. It wasn't just physically exhausting; it was a constant reminder that I could stop breathing at any moment. It was frightening, isolating, and incredibly expensive.'What amazed me most was how quickly everything happened. Throughout my long journey, no other hospital could provide an organ in time, but within weeks of arriving here, I was already preparing for surgery. Today, I can breathe, walk, and live again. I thank God, and I thank the incredible team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi who made this miracle possible,' Oscar added. Oscar's story is a reflection of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's expanding role in shaping the UAE's future as a global hub for complex care. As a centre of excellence in specialities such as adult cardiac surgery and stroke, the hospital continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in medicine. Powered by its collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), M42, the broader Cleveland Clinic network, and international partners, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is delivering world-class outcomes and advancing the nation's vision of becoming a destination for medical innovation, excellence, and deeply human-centred care.
Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
AI, advanced technology accelerate stroke diagnosis, treatment at CCAD
22 July 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Artificial intelligence and advanced technology are redefining stroke care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), one of the emirate's centres of excellence for stroke, is leveraging the latest innovations to accelerate diagnosis and its rapid brain scans, cutting-edge platforms, and a highly coordinated team, CCAD is setting the 'gold standard' when it comes to handling cases of stroke, according to Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud, a staff physician at the Neurology Department of CCAD's Neurological Institute. One of the institute's most transformative tool is RapidAI, 'an artificial intelligence system that processes brain scans with extraordinary speed and accuracy', Dr. Mifsud told Aletihad . 'It helps our physicians quickly determine which patients are candidates for life-saving interventions such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy.'This tool is particularly significant given that, in cases of stroke, 'every second truly counts'.The hospital also uses the Artis Icono system, a sophisticated neuro-interventional platform that ensures precision in procedures such as clot removal.'Our entire stroke pathway - from ambulance arrival to emergency imaging, treatment, and recovery planning - is built for integration and speed. This model of care is unique in the region and is increasingly becoming the gold standard,' she added. Dr. Seby John, another staff physician at the Neurology Department, told Aletihad that the hospital's success also lies in its highly coordinated team. 'From the moment a patient arrives at the emergency department, a highly trained multidisciplinary team activates stroke-specific protocols. This includes emergency physicians, neurologists, neurointerventionalists, radiologists, anesthetists, and stroke-trained nurses - all working together in real time,' Dr. John stabilised, patients transition into an integrated rehabilitation phase.'A second team, including rehabilitation physicians, therapists, nurses, and case managers, develops an individualised care plan,' he is a life-saving approach, the specialist said. 'It improves recovery, reduces complications, and helps patients regain independence with confidence and dignity.' Supporting Abu Dhabi's Healthcare VisionAdvancing its capabilities and keeping pace with healthcare innovations are part of CCAD's broader strategy in support of Abu Dhabi's long-term goals. 'Our designation (as a Stroke Centre of Excellence) is a testament to our rigorous standards across clinical outcomes, patient safety, experience, innovation, and caregiver competency,' said Dr. goal is to ensure not only a patient's survival but meaningful recovery, she said.'This long-term perspective – of reducing risk, restoring function, and supporting quality of life – is at the heart of Abu Dhabi's patient-first healthcare vision.'In the Year of Community, CCAD is prioritising stroke awareness, highlighting that once it strikes, every second counts – and any delay 'could make the difference between recovery and long-term disability'.CCAD treats approximately 1,100 stroke cases annually and nearly 40% of these patients are under the age of 50, Dr. Misfud said.'This statistic underscores the increasing impact of stroke on younger populations in the UAE,' she of the common risk factors are largely preventable with a shift to healthier lifestyles, she added.'Among the most critical are uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these factors are lifestyle-driven and, with awareness and regular medical follow-up, can be effectively controlled or reversed.'When a stroke occurs, immediate action is critical; hence, CCAD has been reaching out to the community with a clear goal: To help the public recognise the early signs of hospital has presented the BE FAST acronym, a simple guide to help people identify symptoms: Balance issues, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.'We have partnered with Ma'an and the Department of Community Development to reach people where they are: schools, malls, and workplaces,' said Dr. John. 'We support the UAE's national strategy for neurological care and stroke prevention through advanced care, national data efforts, medical education, and public campaigns. These combined efforts help shape a more proactive and coordinated approach to stroke care across the country.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Nearly 40% of CCAD's stroke patients are under 50, says specialist
22 July 2025 00:09 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In the Year of Community, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) is prioritising stroke awareness, highlighting that once it strikes, every second counts – and any delay in treatment 'could make the difference between recovery and long-term disability'.CCAD treats approximately 1,100 stroke cases annually and nearly 40% of these patients are under the age of 50, according to Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud, a staff physician at the Neurology Department of CCAD's Neurological Institute. 'This statistic underscores the increasing impact of stroke on younger populations in the UAE,' she told Aletihad . Many of the common risk factors are largely preventable with a shift to healthier lifestyles, she added.'Among the most critical are uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these factors are lifestyle-driven and, with awareness and regular medical follow-up, can be effectively controlled or reversed.'When a stroke occurs, immediate action is critical. This is why CCAD — one of the emirate's centres of excellence for stroke — has been reaching out to the community with a clear goal: To help the public recognise the early signs of this medical hospital has presented the BE FAST acronym, a simple guide to help people identify symptoms of stroke: Balance issues, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.'We have partnered with Ma'an and the Department of Community Development to reach people where they are: schools, malls, and workplaces,' said Dr. Seby John, another staff physician at CCAD's Neurology Department. 'We support the UAE's national strategy for neurological care and stroke prevention through advanced care, national data efforts, medical education, and public campaigns. These combined efforts help shape a more proactive and coordinated approach to stroke care across the country.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi honours 600+ caregivers for decade of dedication
22 July 2025 00:37 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Continuing its 10-year anniversary celebrations, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi hosted a special event to honour more than 600 founding caregivers who have completed over 10 years of service at the recognition ceremony was held to honour their dedication and commitment, which helped bring the hospital's vision to life: being the best place to receive care and the best place to work in healthcare. Since opening its doors in 2015, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has grown into a thriving community of over 5,700 caregivers from over 80 nationalities. The hospital's team includes over 590 physicians, 1,700 nurses, and 590 allied health its first decade, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has recorded over 6.8 million patient encounters and performed more than 174,000 complex surgeries, redefining healthcare in the UAE and the wider region by delivering world-class expertise, advanced treatments, and compassionate care, all closer to home. Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: "Our caregivers have been central to our tripartite mission of providing compassionate, complex care, research for health, and educating those who serve. Together, they have helped build a hospital trusted by thousands of patients in Abu Dhabi, and beyond."As we celebrate our achievements over the years, we also celebrate the caregivers who have been with us from the very beginning. Their unwavering commitment to our patients and the community has pushed boundaries in innovation and shaped the care we deliver today. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in delivering world-class care, expanding our impact, and setting new benchmarks in healthcare for Abu Dhabi and the world."By offering patients in the UAE access to the highest levels of specialised care, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has significantly reduced the need for outbound medical travel over the past decade. This remarkable transformation has raised the standard of care locally and firmly positioned Abu Dhabi as a global healthcare hub, welcoming more than 10,000 international patients, he Al Mujaini, manager of patient experience, at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and one of the celebrated caregivers, commented: "In 2014, I embarked on my journey at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and being part of this remarkable organization from the beginning has been an incredible, rewarding experience. As an Emirati woman, leading patient experience, I am proud to have contributed to creating a compassionate, world-class healthcare environment that not only enhances lives but also gives back to my country by raising healthcare standards across the UAE and beyond.'Zeina Kassem, nursing director for the Oncology and Organ Transplant programmes, said: "Working at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for the past 10 years has been an incredible journey, both professionally and personally. This hospital truly stands out for its unwavering commitment to patient care and a leader, I witnessed the life-changing impact we've had on patients and their families. "Transforming this place from just an idea into a fully functional hospital with all its centers of excellence, like the cancer center, transplant programme, and all the others, has been so rewarding. I am incredibly proud to be part of an institution that not only heals patients but nurtures its people. It's been a privilege to grow and contribute to this journey.'' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
CairoScene
11-07-2025
- Health
- CairoScene
Gulf's First Robotic Lung Transplant Performed in Abu Dhabi
Two patients with progressive conditions underwent successful robotic lung transplants at the hospital. Jul 11, 2025 In a historic breakthrough for regional healthcare, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first medical institution in the Gulf to perform a robotic lung transplant—making it just the fifth centre worldwide to do so. The landmark procedure marks a major advancement in the region's surgical capabilities. Two patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and secondary pulmonary hypertension—both progressive conditions that severely scar the lungs—underwent successful robotic lung transplants at the hospital. Given the complexity of the cases, which included pulmonary hypertension placing additional strain on the heart and lungs, the surgical team employed Veno-Arterial ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). This technique temporarily takes over the function of both the heart and lungs, ensuring patients' safety during the transplant. The surgeries were made possible through the vital contributions of organ donor families, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi extending its gratitude to the HAYAT National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and the healthcare teams at donor hospitals. Since the relaunch of its lung transplant programme in 2022, the hospital has performed over 60 lung transplants—more than any other facility in the Gulf.
