United Arab Emirates, Dubai, June 10, 2018:   The Dubai Heart team consisting of cardiologists from Dubai and Rashid Hospital conducted the first MitraClip Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair by angiography in Dubai for an 81-year-old elderly patient with a leaky mitral valve. 

The MitraClip device is used for treatment of people with mitral regurgitation (MR), a serious, progressive heart disease in which the mitral valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart, this causes shortness of breath, fatigue and if left untreated can ultimately lead to heart failure and death. Most people affected are elderly as MR incidence increases with age.

Dr Fahd Baslaib, Head of Cardiology and CEO of Rashid Hospital, said, “Very few cardiology centres in the world perform this technology.  Prior to this, the standard method was an open-heart surgery to either repair or replace the valve. However, in elderly patients or in patients with several comorbidities the open-heart procedure is not recommended and medications only mask symptoms, instead of treating the underlying issue. Therefore, the introduction of the minimally invasive MitraClip procedure is a breakthrough especially for patients who cannot undergo the mitral valve surgery. This procedure will help more people who previously had limited options and provides a safer method and quicker recovery period.”

The first procedure in Dubai was performed last week on an 81-year-old Emirati patient with comorbidities such as hypertension.  Dr Baslaib said, “The patient was complaining of shortness of breath with minimum exertion, upon investigation we identified that he had mitral regurgitation (MR) and was the right candidate for this procedure as surgery would be too invasive for this patient. 

“We performed the MitraClip Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair using the angiography method. A tiny clip (which looks like a mini clothespin) was implanted in the mitral valve to stop the excessive leakage. The chip was inserted through a tube that went in from the groin to the heart. The procedure was performed with the assistance of a transesophageal echocardiogram. This allows image and Doppler evaluation from a location directly behind the heart. We used it to get a more clear and precise image of the transcatheter mitral valve. The procedure was conducted using general anesthesia and the patient was discharged with 48 hours.”

Dr Baslaib said, “This procedure helps the patient return to better health in a shorter period of time. By using advanced technologies and therapies our aim to provide patients with the best possible minimally invasive treatment.”

The team that conducted this procedure included Dr Baslaib, Dr Jassim Al Hasimi, Head of Cardiology in Dubai Hospital, Dr Jawaria Al Ali , Dr Hind Hassan, Dr Gladis Hesny, Dr Fiaz from anesthesiology as well as nurses and technicians.