Doctor neatly closed holes with miniature, umbrella-like stents, inserted through leg vein
Holes in the heart are traditionally treated with open heart surgery and leave large scars

Dubai, UAE, January 9, 2017:  A mother-of-two who was suffering with chronic shortness of breath has been given a new lease of life thanks to an innovative new heart procedure.

The 38-year-old woman, who did not wish to be named, had been searching for a diagnosis for her breathing troubles for six months when she met with Dr. Sanjay Rajdev, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi.

Dr Rajdev diagnosed with woman with multiple holes in the heart. The condition – whose official medical name is ‘fenestrated atrial septal defect with inter-atrial septal aneurysm’ - is usually treated with heart surgery – which can be a worrying procedure for a patient, and carries a substantial recovery time. 

But Dr Rajdev was able to close both holes using an advanced technique which involved entering through a vein in the patient’s leg and attaching tiny, umbrella-like stents to the holes, blocking them up.

The operation, known in the medical world as Atrial Septal Defect Device Closure (ASD), involves umbrella-shaped devices, called ‘amplatzer septal occluders’ (ASOs) being inserted into the hole then opened up, to close it.

Dr. Rajdev and his team successfully closed the two holes by overlapping the umbrella-shaped devices – a tricky and advanced procedure.

Commenting on the successful treatment, Dr. Rajdev said: “Traditionally such defects are closed with the help of open heart surgery which would have left a large scar on my patient’s chest. I could see the pain and misery she felt when I suggested the idea of a major open heart surgery and the thought of a large scar. I am very pleased that I was able to diagnose, and treat her uncomfortable condition in a way which leaves no scarring.”

Dr. B. R. Shetty, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, NMC Healthcare said: “In line with the UAE’s goals to deliver world-class healthcare, we endeavor to consistently invest in new innovative technologies and to provide constant support to our exceptional medical staff, giving them the confidence to utilise new techniques and procedures. It is our mission to lead the healthcare industry and provide best-in-class services to the residents of the UAE.”

Commenting on her procedure, the patient said: “I am extremely thankful to NMC and Dr. Rajdev. After suffering for six months I was able to find relief. I thank God every day for guiding me to NMC, since very few healthcare facilities have the necessary expertise for such complex ASD closures.”

The mother suffered no complications post-procedure and was discharged after just two days.