Dubai: Cardiac surgeons of Dubai Hospital performed a complex emergency cardiac surgery that saved the life of a 41-year-old Sri Lankan expatriate. The surgery that lasted 12 hours was carried out to correct a Type A Aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgical intervention, according to the top official of the hospital.

Dr Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi, 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. In such situations, quick and precise intervention is necessary as this condition can lead to massive bleeding around the heart and shut down 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 and talented health-care professionals, our processes and policies and the use of latest technology.”

A multidisciplinary team led by Dr Faouzi Safadi, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, performed the surgery. The team consisted of Dr Basil Al Zamkan, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon; Dr Tariq Abdul Aziz, senior specialist cardiac surgeon; and Dr Rami Maximus, specialist cardiac surgeon. The team was assisted by Dr Nair Siddiqui, consultant anaesthesiologist, and Dr Yahya Al Qurali, senior specialist anaesthesiologist. The team also included nurses, cardiovascular perfusionists and technicians.

Dr Safadi explained the condition: “Aortic dissection is a serious life-threatening condition in which the inner layer of the aorta (the large blood vessel branching off the heart) tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect). Therefore, emergency surgery is needed to stop the bleeding, replace the torn blood vessels and ensure the functioning of the heart.”

Dr Safadi added that in this type of an open-heart surgery, extensive preparation is needed. “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 patient who was transferred to the regular ward is now ready for discharge, hospital authorities said.