Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi sets new standard in cardiovascular care with AlphaVac procedure

• The breakthrough procedure was performed by the hospital on a critically ill 70-year-old patient with severe comorbidities
• Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is designated a Centre of Excellence for Adult Cardiac Surgery by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi - DoH.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, has successfully performed the AlphaVac thrombectomy, marking a significant milestone in advanced vascular care. The AlphaVac device is a vacuum-assisted medical tool used to remove dangerous blood clots from the body, particularly large veins in the heart and lungs. This minimally invasive, catheter-based technique helps reduce the risk of postoperative complications compared to traditional open-heart surgery, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.

The breakthrough procedure was performed by the hospital's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (HVTI) on a critically ill 70-year-old patient with multiple severe underlying health conditions, including hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats). The patient also had coronary artery disease and aortic valve stenosis, which is the narrowing of the heart's blood vessels and main valve, which had previously required her to undergo open heart surgery.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to advancing patient care through innovation, saying: "As medical advancements rapidly accelerate, building a sustainable healthcare system requires a relentless commitment to innovation. Over the past decade, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has integrated cutting-edge technologies that improve patient outcomes and transform complex care delivery. This successful procedure is a testament to our ongoing investment in transformative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce recovery times, and set new benchmarks in minimally invasive care in cardiovascular surgery. Embracing technology as a catalyst for progress is the need of the hour to shape a future where world-class healthcare is both advanced and sustainable."

Upon admission, the patient was diagnosed with a severe heart infection (infective endocarditis) caused by a fungus, which had led to septic shock. In this life-threatening condition, the disease can cause organ failure. A specialized heart ultrasound (Transoesophageal Echocardiogram) revealed a large 4cm mass attached to a defibrillator wire inside the heart. This mass, comprised of infection and blood clots (vegetation), posed a serious risk of breaking off and traveling to the lungs, potentially causing pulmonary embolism, a dangerous blockage in the lungs' arteries. Because the patient was critically ill, open-heart surgery was too risky. Instead, a multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, including Dr. Houssam Younes, Department Chair of Vascular Surgery, and Dr. Mohamed AlJaabari, the section head of cardiac Electrophysiology, from the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, opted for this minimally invasive approach using

the AlphaVac, a vacuum-assisted device designed to safely remove clots and infected material from the bloodstream.

Dr. Houssam Younes, Department Chair, Vascular Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who led the treatment, said: "The patient arrived at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in critical condition, with dangerously low heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, along with labored breathing—signs of severe infection and circulatory distress. Given the high risk of complications, traditional treatment options were not viable. In such cases, the AlphaVac offers a distinct minimally invasive advantage with its innovative nitinol basket and expandable funnel tip. It allows us to efficiently engage and remove large clot burdens with minimal blood loss. This reduces procedural risks and enhances patient safety, particularly in fragile cases where minimizing intervention is crucial. This case underscores how cutting-edge innovation, combined with a multidisciplinary approach, transforms vascular intervention and improves patient outcomes."

This case highlights the serious risks of lead infections and demonstrates how Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is changing the landscape of high-risk cardiovascular care. Using the latest technology the team safely removed the clot and the pacemaker, resolving the infection and ultimately helping the patient recover with minimal disruption. The successful use of these innovative tools shows how healthcare is evolving, with more personalized, effective treatments that improve recovery times and reduce complications. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's ongoing commitment to advancing care ensures that patients in the region have access to the best possible outcomes, regardless of the complexity of their condition.

To learn more about the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (HVTI), visit: https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/institutes-and-specialties/heart-vascular-and- thoracic-institute

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.