Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi treats brain aneurysms with innovative 'Artisse' device

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has pioneered a new standard of care for treating brain aneurysms in the Middle East and North Africa by using the Artisse device, which regulates blood flow within the aneurysm sac.

This achievement reinforces the hospital’s designation by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a Stroke Center of Excellence and highlights its commitment to delivering world-class patient care through cutting-edge medical technologies.

A brain aneurysm, which can lead to a stroke, occurs when weakened blood vessel walls inside the brain cause a bulge or dilation, exposing patients to serious risks if left untreated, including subarachnoid hemorrhage—a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. Traditionally, treatment required open surgery, but advances in minimally invasive procedures have transformed outcomes, offering safer and more effective options.

The minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm to reach the aneurysm in the brain. Using advanced 3D imaging and angiography, physicians can precisely assess the aneurysm. Once positioned, the device is deployed into the aneurysm sac, filling it and diverting blood flow away. This reduces the risk of rupture, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other complications. The treatment is especially effective for wide-neck aneurysms that are difficult to manage using conventional techniques. The device remains in place permanently, providing long-term protection while reducing the need for future surgeries.

Depending on complexity, the procedure takes between two and eight hours. Patients undergo follow-up imaging for three to six months to ensure the device’s effectiveness. In the first case treated at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, imaging after three months confirmed complete success, underscoring the promising potential of this groundbreaking approach.

Unlike conventional treatments that rely on multiple coils or threads to seal the aneurysm, this innovative technique uses a single, intricately designed mesh structure to close the aneurysm more effectively—protecting against bleeding and significantly lowering rupture risk.

Dr. Faiza Al Yafei, Executive Director of Healthcare Quality at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said:

“Centers of Excellence in Abu Dhabi continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the healthcare ecosystem by offering specialized services built on the emirate’s advanced infrastructure and a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and research. These initiatives help attract top talent and technologies, ensuring better health outcomes for our community. We congratulate Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on this achievement and look forward to further advancing healthcare together, making Abu Dhabi one of the smartest and most advanced healthcare destinations globally.”

Dr. Khalil Wasfi Zahra, Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said:

“The introduction of the Artisse device in our region is a remarkable milestone. It enhances our ability to treat complex brain aneurysms while reaffirming our commitment to adopting the latest medical technologies for our patients. Supported by our multidisciplinary model of care, this technique enables us to offer world-class treatment options for even the most challenging neurological conditions. Performing the region’s first such procedure signals a new era in brain aneurysm management, offering patients a safer, more effective, and minimally invasive option.”

Adopting the Artisse device broadens Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s treatment capabilities and paves the way for further innovations in neurological care. Dr. Zahra added:

“This technology marks the beginning of more revolutionary advances in our field. We expect our experience with Artisse to inspire future research, providing valuable insights for neurosurgeons worldwide. Over time, data from patient outcomes will further strengthen Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional leader in neuroscience care and research.”

The success of this procedure also highlights the strength of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, which integrates expertise from neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, and neurology. This collaborative model ensures that every patient receives a personalized treatment plan leveraging the most advanced technologies.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was selected as the launch center for this innovative device in recognition of its status as a Stroke Center of Excellence. Leading neurological care across the Middle East and North Africa, the hospital continues to embrace innovations that enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life. The addition of the Artisse flow-diversion device to its treatment portfolio underscores its position at the forefront of medical innovation in the region.