Medical achievement in Mecca: Saving a kidney failure patient at King Abdullah Medical City
King Abdullah Medical City achieved a significant medical milestone by saving the life of a young patient who was facing imminent danger due to complex health complications. The interventional radiology team successfully performed a delicate procedure to save the patient, who suffered from systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic kidney failure, after she arrived in a critical emergency condition due to a complete loss of the vascular access points necessary for dialysis sessions.
Complex medical challenges and innovative solutions
The medical team described the case as one of the most complex; examinations revealed complete obstruction of all central veins, including those in the neck and groin. This severe obstruction resulted from the repeated and prolonged use of intravenous catheters during the patient's previous treatment, leading to vascular scarring and exhausting all conventional options for vascular access. This had prevented her treatment at several other healthcare facilities before her referral to the medical city.
The role of interventional radiology in modern medicine
Interventional radiology is a cornerstone of modern medicine, offering minimally invasive solutions for cases that are difficult to treat surgically. In this instance, thanks to the expertise of national specialists and the advanced technologies available at King Abdullah Medical City, the medical team successfully used precise techniques to reopen a previously hopeless blocked venous tract and successfully insert a dialysis catheter without any complications. This allowed the patient to immediately resume dialysis sessions and stabilize her vital signs.
King Abdullah Medical City's position in the healthcare system
This achievement further solidifies King Abdullah Medical City's prestigious position as a specialized quaternary care center in the Western Region and the Kingdom as a whole. The city plays a pivotal role in receiving complex cases requiring highly specialized expertise and advanced technology, particularly in the fields of cardiology, oncology, neurosciences, and microsurgical procedures, making it a safe haven, by the grace of God, for patients from among citizens, residents, and pilgrims.
Alignment with the goals of health transformation and Vision 2030
This medical success reflects the efficient integration between different departments (interventional radiology, nephrology, and emergency) and the continuous logistical and administrative support. This outstanding performance also aligns with the objectives of the Health Transformation Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aim to facilitate access to healthcare services, improve the quality and efficiency of medical services, and enhance prevention against health risks, thus positioning the Kingdom among the leading countries in specialized healthcare.
