28-year-old Emirati man’s life saved by intricate heart transplant in UAE

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a part of the M42 group, has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully performing a complex heart transplant for 28-year-old Emirati patient Muhammad Al Ketbi, who was suffering from familial cardiomyopathy. This groundbreaking procedure marks the first in the UAE where a patient has undergone three sequential stages of treatment to receive a new heart.

Al Ketbi had been battling heart disease for over a decade, which eventually led to multi-organ failure. Initially placed on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pump for his heart, he later required two separate pumps, known as a biventricular assist device (BiVAD), to support both sides of his heart. For four months, Al Ketbi relied on the BiVAD to stabilize his condition while waiting for a suitable donor heart.

Upon his arrival at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in a state of cardiogenic shock, Al Ketbi was found to have debilitating fluid accumulation in his lungs and abdomen. The medical team immediately intervened to drain the fluid in his abdomen, leading to an improvement in his breathing. Dr. Nadya Almatrooshi, a staff physician for cardiology at the clinic, described Al Ketbi’s condition as severe, with his health deteriorating rapidly despite previous treatments.

Recognizing the urgency of a heart transplant, the medical team decided to install a BiVAD to improve Al Ketbi’s overall condition and prepare him for the transplant. Dr. Mitesh Badiwala, a staff physician for cardiothoracic surgery, explained that the BiVAD helped reverse Al Ketbi’s kidney and liver failure, making him a stronger candidate for the transplant.

After months of intensive care and preparation, a suitable donor heart was found for Al Ketbi. Dr. Feras Bader, section head for Heart Failure and Transplantation at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, led the challenging procedure to remove the BiVAD and transplant the new heart. The surgery, which lasted approximately six hours, was a success thanks to the expertise of the clinic’s multidisciplinary team.

Following the transplant, Al Ketbi’s condition improved significantly, and he was moved out of the ICU to a cardiology ward. He was advised to adhere to a regimen of immunosuppressants to prevent rejection of the transplanted heart. A week later, he was discharged with instructions to follow up regularly with the clinic’s Transplant Centre.

Expressing his gratitude for the care he received, Al Ketbi thanked his medical team and family for their support throughout his journey. He emphasized the importance of receiving world-class treatment close to home and the impact it had on his recovery and quality of life.

Today, Al Ketbi is living a normal life, free from the constraints of heart disease, thanks to the exceptional care and expertise of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. His successful heart transplant serves as a testament to the advancements in medical technology and the dedication of healthcare professionals in the UAE.