Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Performs Cutting-Edge Heart Surgery

Abu Dhabi-based physicians replace heart valves destroyed by cancer

Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have successfully performed a rare and complex operation on an Emirati national patient to replace two heart valves that were destroyed by cancer.

The tumor originated in the stomach, spread to the liver and released chemicals that destroyed two right-side heart valves – the tricuspid and pulmonary valves.  

A multidisciplinary team worked to treat the tumor and its complications, as well as replacing the heart valves of the patient using an open-chest procedure. 

The patient, a retired Emirati national, had visited a number of hospitals for tests before the tumor was detected at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.  

After receiving a correct diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the patient, who had previously always travelled abroad for medical treatment, flew to Singapore for a second opinion.  

Staff at the hospital in Singapore confirmed the diagnosis and advised him to return to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to have his cancer treatment and valve-replacement surgery. 

Dr. Rakesh Suri, Acting CEO and Chief of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained: “Complex surgeries to replace the damaged valves in cardiac carcinoid syndrome can only be performed in a few places in the world, because the management of such patients can be challenging and risky. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has brought the highest level of expertise to the region to provide advanced treatment options for patients and to deliver superior outcomes in cases such as this one.” 

Dr. Mohamad H. Masri, an oncologist in the Medical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s patient-centered, physician-led model of care enables our specialist medical staff to provide diagnosis and care for patients suffering from rare and complex conditions. For this patient, we were able to bring together an integrated team of specialists to treat the cancer, and also repair some of the damage it had caused his heart.”  

In the case of the patient, he quickly returned to his normal daily life and now continues to visit Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for check-ups and rehabilitation. 

“Although it was major surgery, my experience felt as minor and as painless as having my teeth cleaned at the dentist,” said the patient. “Everyone performed their roles to the highest degree and I now recommend Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi over and above overseas treatment to my friends and family.” 

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is part of Mubadala’s network of world-class healthcare providers, which work together to address the region’s most pressing healthcare needs.