Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah performs ground-breaking procedure to treat coronary artery calcification using advanced technology – first of its kind in the UAE
Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, part of Emirates Health Services (EHS), has successfully conducted the first procedure of its kind in the UAE to break down calcified deposits within coronary arteries using advanced technology.
The procedure was performed on a citizen suffering from severe chest pain caused by chronic and complex calcifications in the coronary arteries. The operation was completed successfully, marking a medical milestone that reflects the hospital’s role as a pioneer in adopting the latest innovative solutions in cardiology and interventional catheterisation.
His Excellency Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, affirmed that Emirates Health Services is committed to providing all necessary resources to support specialised disciplines across its healthcare facilities.
“We strive to keep pace with rapidly advancing global developments and to drive forward efforts to integrate specialised healthcare services across the country,” H.E. Al Zarooni added, noting that introducing advanced treatment technologies into EHS hospitals embodies its approach, which is rooted in proactivity and preparedness, and aims at expanding available treatment options for patients, thereby improving the efficiency of medical interventions, reducing complications, and enhancing the patient care experience.
For his part, Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, CEO and Head of the Cardiac Center at Al Qassimi Hospital, stated that this achievement demonstrates the hospital’s commitment, supported and continuously supervised by EHS, to adopting the latest global medical technologies and providing advanced treatment solutions that elevate the quality of healthcare services offered to patients.
Dr. Al Nooryani went on to explain that conducting the first procedure of its kind in the UAE using this cutting-edge technology reflects the advanced status the hospital has reached in the field of cardiac catheterisation and precise interventions. It also confirms the high level of readiness among national medical staff and their ability to handle the most complex cases according to the highest international standards.
Due to the severity of the case and the density of calcific deposits within the coronary arteries, the medical team used a specialised catheter called LithiX, which uses an innovative technique to precisely break down calcifications by creating ultra-fine fissures within the calcified structure inside the arteries. This process helps to better prepare the artery for the placement of stents and drug-coated balloons, resulting in more efficient and sustainable treatment outcomes.
The new technology marks a significant leap from traditional methods, as it does not require power generators, batteries, or specialised operating devices, which makes it easier and more efficient to use, without the need for additional equipment or complex training programmes. It thereby accelerates and enhances the precision of interventions in delicate and complex cases.
This achievement underscores EHS’s dedication to equipping its healthcare facilities with the latest and most advanced medical technologies, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in adopting modern and innovative treatments. It also allows for providing the best treatment and recovery opportunities for heart and vascular patients, especially in cases requiring highly precise specialised interventions.
