A rare reconstructive catheterization saves a heart patient in Mecca
King Abdullah Medical City in the Holy Capital, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, has recorded a new medical achievement that adds to its record of successes in the field of cardiology and cardiac surgery, as a specialized medical team was able to save the life of a fifty-year-old patient who suffered from advanced heart failure, through performing a complex and rare reconstructive catheterization procedure, which reflects the great development in specialized health services in the Kingdom.
Complex medical history and surgical challenges
The patient arrived at the medical center suffering from severe symptoms of heart failure, including acute shortness of breath and an inability to lead a normal life. After thorough examinations, it was found that the patient had a long and complex medical history, having undergone three open-heart valve replacement surgeries since childhood, the last of which was 11 years prior.
Diagnostic examinations revealed severe regurgitation adjacent to the metallic mitral valve, accompanied by extensive dilations within the heart chambers. This is a high-risk case, as a fourth open-heart surgery poses a direct threat to the patient's life due to the severe adhesions expected from previous surgeries and the weakened heart muscle.
Advanced medical technology used for the first time
Faced with this medical challenge, the treatment team, led by cardiology consultants Dr. Ahmed Samman, Dr. Mamdouh Ismail, and Dr. Mohamed Mini, decided against traditional surgery and opted instead for a catheter-based intervention. The procedure involved creating a very small opening at the top of the heart and accessing the area of regurgitation near the valve through it.
The operation was successful using the Amplatz Duct Occluder Type 2 device, an advanced technology used for the first time in Saudi Arabia for such complex cases suffering from severe cardiac dilations, where the hole causing the regurgitation was closed with extreme precision without the need to open the chest.
The importance of reconstructive catheterization and the future of heart treatment
This procedure is particularly important as it is considered one of the rarest and most complex interventional cardiology procedures worldwide. This shift from traditional surgery to minimally invasive catheter-based interventions represents a breakthrough in the treatment of structural heart disease, reducing hospital stays, accelerating patient recovery, and minimizing the serious complications associated with repeated open-heart surgery.
King Abdullah Medical City is a leading specialized reference in the region, receiving complex cases from all over the Kingdom and from pilgrims, highlighting the readiness of Saudi medical personnel to deal with the most complex cases.
Keeping pace with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This achievement aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate access to healthcare services and improve the quality and efficiency of medical care. Providing such advanced technologies locally eliminates the need for citizens to travel abroad for treatment and reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for advanced healthcare in the Middle East.
