Advanced Heart Surgery and Cardiac Care at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Heart disease remains the UAE’s number one cause of death, but it can be prevented. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, understanding your risk and prevention strategies, and attending timely checkups are the first steps in preventing the disease.

In recent years, significant technological advancements in heart surgery have changed the way cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed, treated and managed. These advancements, available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, offer patients safer, more effective treatment options and improved quality of life.

Our heart and vascular experts offer a heart team approach, working with a multidisciplinary team to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients, in even the most complex of cases. We provide early detection, expert medical intervention, the latest treatment and surgery options including advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures, as well as post-operative support and rehabilitation. We specialize in treating a range of complex cardiovascular diseases and provide outstanding outcomes so patients can return to their normal lives.

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  • Cardiac Surgery

    Aortic Disease

    Aortic disease is a common form of cardiovascular disease that can be life-threatening. It is characterized by blockages or enlargement of the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to all of the organs. The Aortic Disease Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is one of only a few in the region that offers a complete array of services, from diagnosis to treatment.

    Condition Treated
    • Aortic Aneurisms (acute or chronic)
    • Aortic Dissection
    • Infections
    Doctors who can help with aortic disease
    • Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar

      Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

      Speciality

      Coronary Bypass Surgery, Beating Heart Surgery, Aortic Valve Repair and Replacement, Aorta Surgery

    • Dr. Umer Darr

      Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

      Speciality

      Coronary Artery Disease, Bypass Surgery, Redo-Open Heart Surgery, Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair

    • Dr. Jehad Al Ramahi

      Associate Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

      Speciality

      Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Valve Disease, Aortic Disease, Advanced Heart Failure

    • Dr. Mitesh V. Badiwala

      Staff Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

      Speciality

      Heart Failure ＆ Heart Transplantation, Heart Failure Surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair, Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Tricuspid Valve Repair, Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

    • Cardiac Surgery

      Heart Valve Disease

      Heart valve disease refers to a number of conditions that can prevent the valves of the heart from working properly. The valves can become too narrow or begin to leak, which affects the circulation of blood to the body. If left untreated, this reduces quality of life and can be life-threatening. Our Heart Valve Disease Program offers numerous minimally invasive surgical procedures which can repair or replace the heart valves, so that their normal function is restored.

      Cardiac Surgery

      With a focus on the very latest minimally invasive and robotically assisted procedures, our cardiac surgeons are experts in cardiac surgery to treat many heart conditions. This includes heart valve disease, aortic aneurysm repair, valve repair, surgery for arrhythmias, coronary artery bypass, heart failure and many other less common conditions.

      Condition Treated
      • Surgical aortic valve replacement (stent less, mechanical, biological)
      • Mitral valve repair
      • Aortic valve replacements (stent less, mechanical, biological)
      • Mitral valve replacements (biological, mechanical)
      • Mitral valve repair (robotic, minimally invasive, standard)
      • Tricuspid valve pair repair or replacement
      • Surgery for endocarditis
      • Prosthetic valve disfunction
      Doctors who can help with heart valve disease
      • Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar

        Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

        Speciality

        Coronary Bypass Surgery, Beating Heart Surgery, Aortic Valve Repair and Replacement, Aorta Surgery

      • Dr. Umer Darr

        Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

        Speciality

        Coronary Artery Disease, Bypass Surgery, Redo-Open Heart Surgery, Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair

      • Dr. Jehad Al Ramahi

        Associate Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

        Speciality

        Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Valve Disease, Aortic Disease, Advanced Heart Failure

      • Dr. Mitesh V. Badiwala

        Staff Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

        Speciality

        Heart Failure ＆ Heart Transplantation, Heart Failure Surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair, Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Tricuspid Valve Repair, Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

      • Cardiac Surgery

        Pericardial Disease

        Pericardial diseases are a group of conditions that affect the double layered sac that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. The pericardium’s function is to protect the heart from infection and disease and hold the heart within the chest wall. Pericardial diseases can cause a number of issues including pericardial cysts, tumors, abscesses, or effusion. The most common is pericardial constriction, which prevents the heart from stretching properly meaning it does not fill completely with blood. It can also cause the heart to swell, and the symptoms of heart failure can develop. A surgical procedure known as a pericardiectomy can be performed, which removes all or part of the pericardium.

        Condition Treated
        • Pericardial constriction
        • Pericardial cysts
        • Tumors
        • Abscesses
        • Effusion
        Doctors who can help with pericardial disease
        • Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar

          Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

          Speciality

          Coronary Bypass Surgery, Beating Heart Surgery, Aortic Valve Repair and Replacement, Aorta Surgery

        • Dr. Umer Darr

          Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

          Speciality

          Coronary Artery Disease, Bypass Surgery, Redo-Open Heart Surgery, Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair

        • Dr. Jehad Al Ramahi

          Associate Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

          Speciality

          Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Valve Disease, Aortic Disease, Advanced Heart Failure

        • Dr. Mitesh V. Badiwala

          Staff Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

          Speciality

          Heart Failure ＆ Heart Transplantation, Heart Failure Surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair, Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Tricuspid Valve Repair, Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

        • Cardiac Surgery

          Congenital Abnormalities

          Congenital abnormalities are usually detected at birth. Thanks to advances in surgery, most cases can be treated allowing patients to live long and healthy lives. However, some congenital abnormalities are only detected in adulthood. In addition, people who have been diagnosed with a defect since birth may require monitoring or treatment in adulthood. Issues commonly faced in patients with congenital abnormalities include valvular dysfunction, ventricular dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Those who have had surgery earlier in life may also be at an increased risk of a serious cardiac event. Therefore, patients should receive ongoing evaluation and treatment, such as innovative transcatheter and surgical therapies, from specialist cardiologists and a team of caregivers who specialize in adult congenital heart abnormalities.

          Condition Treated
          • Atrial septal defects
          • Ventricle septal defects
          Doctors who can help with congenital abnormalities
          • Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar

            Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

            Speciality

            Coronary Bypass Surgery, Beating Heart Surgery, Aortic Valve Repair and Replacement, Aorta Surgery

          • Dr. Umer Darr

            Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

            Speciality

            Coronary Artery Disease, Bypass Surgery, Redo-Open Heart Surgery, Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair

          • Dr. Jehad Al Ramahi

            Associate Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

            Speciality

            Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Valve Disease, Aortic Disease, Advanced Heart Failure

          • Dr. Mitesh V. Badiwala

            Staff Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

            Speciality

            Heart Failure ＆ Heart Transplantation, Heart Failure Surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair, Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Tricuspid Valve Repair, Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

          • Cardiac Surgery

            Coronary Artery Disease

            Coronary artery disease (also known as coronary atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease) is the narrowing or complete blockage of the coronary artery, the main blood vessel that carries blood to the heart. This limits the amount of blood that the heart receives and puts you at an increased risk of serious heart complications, including a heart attack.Our Coronary Artery Disease Program consists of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons who provide optimal, individualized care for patients with coronary artery disease. The program offers the full spectrum of current diagnosis and treatment options including the latest robotically assisted and hybrid surgery interventions.

            Open heart surgery

            For complex cases of coronary artery disease, where important vessels of the heart have been affected, open heart surgery may be required. This involves opening the chest to perform procedures on the arteries, valves or muscles of the heart. The most common type of surgery is something called a coronary artery bypass graft, which involves attaching a healthy vein or artery to the blocked or damaged part, so blood can flow to the heart properly again. Many types of heart surgery can now be performed with small incisions and are minimally invasive.

            Condition Treated
            • Coronary artery bypass graft (on/off pump)
            • Multiple arterial grafting
            • Complex coronary reconstruction
            • Minimally invasive coronary bypass (keyhole hole surgery)
            Doctors who can help with coronary artery disease
            • Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar

              Chief, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

              Speciality

              Coronary Bypass Surgery, Beating Heart Surgery, Aortic Valve Repair and Replacement, Aorta Surgery

            • Dr. Umer Darr

              Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

              Speciality

              Coronary Artery Disease, Bypass Surgery, Redo-Open Heart Surgery, Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair

            • Dr. Jehad Al Ramahi

              Associate Staff Physician, Cardiac Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

              Speciality

              Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Valve Disease, Aortic Disease, Advanced Heart Failure

            • Dr. Mitesh V. Badiwala

              Staff Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

              Speciality

              Heart Failure ＆ Heart Transplantation, Heart Failure Surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Heart Valve Surgery, Mitral Valve Repair, Ventricular Assist Device Implantation, Tricuspid Valve Repair, Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

            • Cardiac Surgery

              Advanced Heart Failure

              Heart failure, also known as cardiomyopathy, is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demand for oxygen. It is a long-term condition that worsens over time and can be affected by both genetic and lifestyle factors. Heart failure can have many underlying causes, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. The correct management of heart failure can improve quality and length of life. Our Heart Failure & Heart Transplantation Program provides a full range of treatment options, from lifestyle changes through to a wide range of advanced surgical procedures, including heart transplantation, which are tailored to each patient’s needs.

              Condition Treated
              • Heart transplantation
              • Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
              • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
              • Impella heart pump
              Doctors who can help with advanced heart failure
              • Dr Feras Bader

                Staff Physician, Cardiology Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                Speciality

                Heart Transplants, Artificial Heart Pumps, Pulmonary Hypertension, Advanced Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathies

              • Dr. Hussam Ghalib

                Dr. Hussam Ghalib, MD Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                Speciality

                Valvular Heart Disease, Heart Transplant, Left Ventricular Assistive Device Placement ＆ Management, Pericardial Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure

              • Dr. Nadya Almatrooshi

                Staff Physician, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

              • Interventional Cardiology

                Heart Valve Disease

                Structural Heart Disease

                Our team of cardiologists and interventionalists offer the latest non-surgical interventional treatments for patients with a range of complex heart conditions. Catheter-based treatments for a range of conditions, including heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke prevention, include:

                Condition Treated
                • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
                • Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR)
                • MitraClip implantation
                • Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty
                • Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR)
                Doctors who can help with heart valve disease
                • Dr. Mahmoud Traina

                  Staff Physician, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                  Speciality

                  Coronary Artery Disease, Valvular Diseases, Congenital Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure

                • Dr. Ashraf M. Al Azzoni

                  Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                  Speciality

                  Valvular Heart Disease, Shortness Of Breath, Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Palpitations, Dizziness, Syncope, Myocardial Infarction, Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease

                • Dr. Emad U. Hakemi

                  Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                  Speciality

                  Coronary Artery Disease, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions, Complex Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Valvular Heart Disease Interventions

                • Dr. Ronney Shantouf

                  Staff Physician, Cardiology Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                  Speciality

                  Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Intracoronary Imaging Transradial Catherization, Coronary Artery Disease

                • Interventional Cardiology

                  Coronary Artery Disease

                  Coronary artery disease (also known as coronary atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease) is the narrowing or complete blockage of the coronary artery, the main blood vessel that carries blood to the heart. This limits the amount of blood that the heart receives and puts you at an increased risk of serious heart complications, including a heart attack.
                  Our                   Coronary Artery Disease Program consists of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons who provide optimal, individualized care for patients with coronary artery disease. The program offers the full spectrum of current diagnosis and treatment options including the latest robotically assisted and hybrid surgery interventions.

                  Doctors who can help with coronary artery disease
                  • Dr. Mahmoud Traina

                    Staff Physician, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                    Speciality

                    Coronary Artery Disease, Valvular Diseases, Congenital Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure

                  • Dr. Ronney Shantouf

                    Staff Physician, Cardiology Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                    Speciality

                    Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Intracoronary Imaging Transradial Catherization, Coronary Artery Disease

                  • Dr. Ashraf M. Al Azzoni

                    Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                    Speciality

                    Valvular Heart Disease, Shortness Of Breath, Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Palpitations, Dizziness, Syncope, Myocardial Infarction, Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease

                  • Dr. Emad U. Hakemi

                    Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                    Speciality

                    Coronary Artery Disease, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions, Complex Percutaneous Coronary Interventions, Valvular Heart Disease Interventions

                  • Electrophysiology

                    Heart Rhythm Abnormalities (Arrhythmia)

                    Heart rhythm abnormalities, also known as arrhythmia, affect the electrical systems of the heart and cause it to beat abnormally fast, slow or irregularly. Our Heart Rhythm Abnormalities Program offers a range of unique services, including state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment, for the full spectrum of heart rhythm abnormalities. The team of electro-physiologists and physicians perform lifesaving and life-altering procedures, tailored to each patient, which can include the fitting of pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. We are the first center in the UAE to offer remote heart monitoring, so that patients with implantable cardiac devices can be monitored in the comfort of their homes.

                    Condition Treated
                    • Ablation
                    • Pacemakers
                    • ICD implantation
                    • Left atrial appendage closure
                    Doctors who can help with heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmia)
                    • Dr. Mohammed AlJaabari

                      Staff Physician, Cardiology Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                      Speciality

                      Palpitations, Atrial Fibrillation, Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) Syndrome, Supraventricular Tachycardia

                    • Dr. Fereidoon Shafiei

                      Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

                      Speciality

                      Arrhythmia, Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, Supraventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Tachycardia, Palpitation, SyncopePacemaker Treatment, Defibrillator Treatment, Lead Extraction

                    International Patients

                    Every year, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi treats hundreds of cardiac patients from around the world. Patients choose to travel to our hospital to receive world class care from our internationally respected cardiologists and heart and vascular surgeons.

                    To meet the needs of patients who have travelled from outside of their home country to receive cardiac care at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we have a dedicated International Patient Services team. The team provide compassionate care and support to all our patients, at every step of the journey.

                    Our International Patient Services team can help facilitate the following services:

                    • Appointment scheduling
                    • Travel advice and travel agency liaison for patients and their families, including visa requirements, flights and accommodation and tourism information
                    • Medical records and treatment plan coordination, including financial counselling
                    • Wrap-up session with our medical team on completion of your visit

                    We are committed to ensuring that anyone who chooses Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for the cardiac care they require, receives it as seamlessly, efficiently, and comfortably as possible.

                    Patient Stories

                    Request An Appointment

                    From helping you to adopt a healthier lifestyle and understanding your risk, to offering the very latest in advanced treatment, in even the most complex of cases, our heart and vascular team are here to support you on the journey to a healthier heart.

                    Talk to one of our team to find out how you can protect yourself, and let’s take the first step towards a healthier heart, together.


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