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Complex heart surgery done after aortic dissection in patient

Dubai - Aortic dissection can lead to massive bleeding around the heart and shut down of the body's vital organs

Cardiac surgeons at Dubai Hospital have successfully performed a complex emergency surgery lasting over 12 hours on a 41-year-old man,
The patient, a Sri Lankan expatriate, was diagnosed with a life threatening Type A Aortic Dissection, needing immediate surgical intervention, DHA officials said. In a critical condition, he was transferred from the emergency section of another hospital for the surgery, and is now getting ready for discharge.
Dr Abdelrahman Al Jassmi, CEO of Dubai Hospital, said: "Aortic Dissection is at the forefront of complex operations, in terms of risk and direct threat to a patient's life. Quick and precise intervention is necessary as an aortic dissection can lead to massive bleeding around the heart and shut down of the body's vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, liver and can lead to immediate death.
"Dubai Hospital has become a pioneer in heart surgeries, due to the highly-qualified multidisciplinary talented healthcare professionals, our processes and policies and the use of latest technology
A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals led by Dr. Faouzi Safadi, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, performed the surgery. Dr. Basil Al Zamkan, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Tariq Abdulaziz, a senior specialist cardiac surgeon and Dr. Rami Maximus, specialist cardiac surgeon, were part of the surgery team assisted by Dr. Nair Siddiqui, consultant anesthesiologist Dr. Yahya Al Qurali, senior specialist anesthesiologist. The team also included nurses, cardiovascular perfusionists and technicians.
In this type of open-heart surgery, extensive preparation is needed prior to the surgery. "At Dubai Hospital, we use an advanced technique which is highly-specialised, to provide a continuous supply of blood to the brain throughout the surgery even when blood circulation to the rest of the body is stopped."
The doctors then began the procedures needed to restore the aorta.
Dr Fauzi said: "First, the ascending aorta with the aortic valve and coronary arteries were repaired using a conduit graft. Then,we carried out aortic dissection with advanced methods to repair the tear, instead of the conventional method of dissecting through the damaged area. This is the first time in the emirate that this innovative method was used in this kind of surgery. After this, the total aortic arch was replaced with re-implantation of all blood vessels that originate from the arch.
"It look us close to 12 hours to complete these procedures."
He was then transferred to the regular ward and is now ready for discharge.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com