Complex open heart surgery saves the life of critically ill man

Juma’s condition was so complicated that no other hospital wanted to treat him. Thankfully, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offered the complex range of treatments he needed to save his life.

Juma was a very active gentleman who enjoyed regular long walks. Out of the blue, he started experiencing serious symptoms including shortness of breath and fluid retention.

Doctors discovered a blood clot in Juma’s right lung, but after initially treating the clot successfully, Juma’s condition continued to deteriorate.

Juma’s heart, lungs and kidneys were failing, and doctors told his family that there was nothing more they could do for him. Due to the complexity and severity of his case, they were informed that no other facility was likely to accept him as a patient.

Juma’s family were told to contact Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He was immediately transferred there by ambulance and his family received the first piece of positive news in months – that the hospital wanted to treat him.

Juma was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and chronic thromboembolic hypertension. A multidisciplinary team of specialists reviewed Juma’s case and a range of treatments, which included anti-clot medication, kidney dialysis and surgery, were initiated.

Juma underwent a very complicated yet effective surgery, involving a heart-lung bypass machine, which performs the function of the organs whilst they are stopped as the patient undergoes the procedure.

The clots were successfully removed, and Juma’s heart, lung and kidney function immediately improved. He was taken off life support and made a very quick recovery.

Juma is extremely thankful to the team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for treating him. Today, he is back to walking daily and is managing to walk further than before his illness.