Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs UAE’s first Coronary Sinus Reducer procedure

In a major step forward for cardiac care in the UAE, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has successfully performed the country’s first Coronary Sinus Reducer (CSR) implantation a minimally invasive procedure designed to help patients living with refractory angina, a severe and persistent form of chest pain.

Refractory angina affects patients who continue to experience symptoms even after receiving standard treatments such as medication, stents, or heart bypass surgery. While not always immediately life-threatening, the condition can severely limit daily activity, cause ongoing discomfort, and leave patients feeling as though they have no remaining treatment options. 

The landmark procedure was performed by Dr. Ronney Shantouf and Dr. Ashraf Al Azzoni, Staff Physicians at the hospital’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, working alongside visiting expert Professor Tommaso Gori, one of Europe’s leading specialists in CSR implantation. 

The CSR device works by improving blood flow to the heart muscle through the coronary sinus, offering relief for patients who are not candidates for additional stenting or surgery. The procedure is done using a minimally invasive catheter approach, typically through the jugular vein, making it a safer option for high-risk patients.

Dr. Shantouf explained: “Many patients with refractory angina feel they have reached the end of the road after several stents or even bypass surgery. With the CSR, we can now offer a proven and safe procedure that can ease symptoms and help restore their quality of life. Most patients begin to feel gradual improvement in their chest pain over the following weeks.” 

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the milestone highlights the emirate’s growing strength as a regional leader in specialised cardiovascular medicine. 

“This achievement reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for complex cardiovascular care,” he said. “At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we continue to push boundaries by combining world-class expertise, advanced technology, and a patient-first approach. Our goal is simple to deliver the best possible outcomes for every patient, right here in the UAE.”

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UAE, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of all mortalities. With common risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure contributing to early-onset heart disease, offering new and effective treatment pathways is essential for meeting the community’s growing needs. 

Dr. Al Azzoni said the introduction of CSR is an important addition to the hospital’s expanding portfolio of minimally invasive heart procedures. 

“The CSR procedure provides an important option for patients who were previously considered to have no remaining treatment choices,” he said. “It aligns with our mission to offer the latest and most advanced therapies to support patients with complex cardiac conditions.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is recognised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a Center of Excellence for Adult Cardiac Surgery, and continues to adopt innovative technologies that improve outcomes and enhance patient care. 

With this first-of-its-kind procedure in the UAE, the hospital has given patients suffering from long-standing chest pain a renewed sense of hope and opened the door to a new chapter in advanced cardiac treatment.