Latest news with #pulmonaryhypertension
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs first robotic lung transplant in gulf region
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has made history by performing the Gulf region's first-ever robotic lung transplant, making it one of the five centres in the world to have performed this surgery. With this landmark complex surgery, two patients have now successfully undergone robotic lung transplants, marking a major milestone in the region's advanced surgical and organ transplant capabilities. Both patients had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as well as secondary pulmonary hypertension, a progressive condition that gradually scars the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult. These surgeries were quite complex due to pulmonary hypertension, a condition that puts extra strain on the heart and lungs. To support the patients during the operation, the medical team used Veno-Arterial ECMO, a technique that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs while the damaged lungs are replaced. These life-saving surgeries would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of organ donor families, whose selfless gifts make such transplants possible. The hospital also acknowledges the critical role played by healthcare professionals from donor hospitals, the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation – HAYAT, the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, and the National Centre at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Further solidifying its leadership in regional transplant medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has surpassed a significant milestone this year, completing over 60 lung transplants since the relaunch of the programme in 2022, establishing itself as the most advanced and active centre of its kind in the region. These cases exemplify the programme's potential and underscores Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global referral hub for patients with end-stage lung disease, including complex conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well as Interstitial Lung Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Bronchiectasis.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs first robotic lung transplant in the gulf region
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's lung transplant team continues to push the envelope of surgical innovation, providing patients the latest in surgical care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has performed more than 60 lung transplants since 2022. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has made history by performing the Gulf region's first-ever robotic lung transplant making it one of the five centers in the world to have performed this surgery. With this landmark complex surgery, two patients have now successfully undergone robotic lung transplants, marking a major milestone in the region's advanced surgical and organ transplant capabilities. Both patients had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as well as secondary pulmonary hypertension, a progressive condition that gradually scars the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult. Dr. Usman Ahmad, Chair of Thoracic Surgery, performed the complex robotic procedures along with a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including Drs. Yusuf Bayrak, Andres Obeso, Binu Esaw, Arun Kumar, and pulmonary experts including Drs. Fadi Hamed, Said Isse and Miriam Mihalechkova. These surgeries were quite complex due to pulmonary hypertension, a condition that puts extra strain on the heart and lungs. To support the patients during the operation, the medical team used Veno-Arterial ECMO, a technique that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs while the damaged lungs are replaced. These life-saving surgeries would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of organ donor families, whose selfless gifts make such transplants possible. The hospital also acknowledges the critical role played by healthcare professionals from donor hospitals, the National Program for Organ Donation and Transplantation – HAYAT, the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, and the National Center at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Their collective efforts form the foundation of the UAE's organ donation and transplantation ecosystem and are vital to every success in this field. Recognizing their contributions honors the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and national progress that makes these achievements possible. Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: 'At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we're proud to be global pioneers in robotic surgery, advancing the field of robotic transplantation and bringing new hope to patients in need. Being one of only a handful of centers in the world capable of performing these procedures reflects the exceptional skill, talent, and world-class expertise we have at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. It also reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for healthcare innovation.' Robotic-assisted surgery is rarely used in lung transplantation due to its complexity, however the surgical team's proven proficiency in performing advanced robotic procedures made it a viable option in these cases. Their expertise enabled them to carry out the transplant through smaller incisions, enhancing surgical precision, reducing recovery time, and minimizing pain and complications, even in such high-risk cases. This minimally invasive procedure represents the next generation of thoracic surgery offering hope to patients who may be considered too frail for traditional open surgery. Dr. Usman Ahmad, Division Chair, Thoracic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: 'Performing a robotic-assisted lung transplant requires not just the surgical expertise, but more importantly a fully integrated ecosystem of advanced technology, expert anesthesia support, and meticulous perfusion management. In these cases, the robotic approach was chosen due to its minimally invasive nature, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with severe frailty. By using smaller incisions and offering enhanced visualization, the robotic platform allowed us to reduce trauma to the chest, minimize bleeding, and accelerate recovery. This was one of the most complex operations we've ever undertaken, a high-stakes, high-reward scenario and it stands as a profound achievement not only for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, but for the UAE in its evolution in complex surgical care.' The success of these procedures was made possible by a seamlessly coordinated, multidisciplinary effort that extended well beyond the operating room. From pre-surgical planning to post-transplant care, teams across surgery, anesthesia, and critical care worked together to ensure the best possible outcomes. Building on that, Dr. Fadi Hamed, Staff Physician, Critical Care, Integrated Hospital Care Institute, said: 'What sets Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Lung Transplant Program apart is our ability to offer timely, high-quality care in a region where such advanced procedures were once considered out of reach, with success rates matching international benchmarks. Our patients benefit from significantly shorter wait times, access to size-matched donor organs through our integrated transplant network, and minimal ischemic time, which directly improves outcomes. In addition, our dedicated lung transplant and critical care teams, many of whom have undergone specialized training, work in perfect synergy to ensure patients receive the most cutting-edge, personalized care available. This level of coordination and innovation has truly positioned us as a regional leader in lung transplantation.' Further solidifying its leadership in regional transplant medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has surpassed a significant milestone this year, completing over 60 lung transplants since the relaunch of the program in 2022, establishing itself as the most advanced and active center of its kind in the region. These cases exemplify the program's potential and underscores Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global referral hub for patients with end-stage lung disease, including complex conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well as Interstitial Lung Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Bronchiectasis. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Lung Transplant Program, visit: About Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a multispecialty hospital located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As an extension of Cleveland Clinic in the U.S., it is uniquely designed to address the complex and critical care needs of the UAE and the broader region. The hospital is organized into specialized Institutes, including Heart, Vascular & Thoracic; Neurological; Cancer; Digestive Disease; Medical Subspecialties; Integrated Surgical Subspecialties; Integrated Hospital Care; and Diagnostic. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a 405-bed hospital, including 321 acute care beds, 84 critical care beds, four royal suites, and 26 operating rooms. Its state-of-the-art facilities provide patients in the region with direct access to world-class healthcare providers and Cleveland Clinic's renowned model of care. The hospital is also home to the Fatima bint Mubarak Center, a dedicated cancer center offering comprehensive diagnostics and advanced treatment across 24 clinical departments, covering a range of cancer subspecialties and programs. Committed to medical innovation, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi integrates robotics across specialties, pioneers' endovascular therapy and hybrid procedures, and offers comprehensive programs in heart failure, heart transplantation, and limb salvage. Licensed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi as a designated research and teaching facility, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi drives medical innovation through clinical trials and advanced research to enhance patient care. It is the first hospital in the UAE accredited by both the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGMEI) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), offering residency and fellowship programs, undergraduate health professional training, and Continuing Medical Education (CME). M42 is a global, tech-enabled healthcare company based in Abu Dhabi, operating at the forefront of medical advancement. Media contact Farah Chaaban –
Irish Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Court hears nurse raised concerns that flow of oxygen at low level for first 11 minutes of baby's life
A nurse who was involved in the resuscitation of a baby who died five days later has said she was 'extremely concerned' after finding that oxygen flow through respiratory equipment used was initially at a low level. A sitting of Dublin District Coroner's Court heard on Wednesday that nurse Elaine Sheehy raised concerns that the flow of oxygen was at a low level for the first 11 minutes of Aaron Cullen's life. Ms Sheehy, who resigned from her post at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in October 2016 and took up a post elsewhere, was on duty at the Special Care Baby Unit when she was asked to urgently attend resuscitation efforts. Aaron had been born by emergency Caesarean section on May 4th, 2016, at 35 weeks gestation. The inquest heard he was 'extraordinarily' unwell after his birth and was 'gasping' for breath, witnesses said. READ MORE He suffered from severe persistent pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which a baby fails to transition from antenatal circulation. Two attempts to intubate him after birth by a paediatric registrar were unsuccessful. Between attempts, a Neopuff resuscitator was used in an effort to pump his lungs. Aaron was 11 minutes old by the time Ms Sheehy arrived, she said, recalling the mask being used to ventilate him being too large, as it was for full-term babies. It was then switched to a preterm mask, which was readily available in the room, to ensure an airtight seal so no gas could escape. Ms Sheehy further recalled being 'extremely upset and concerned' at the fact that she had to increase the oxygen flow of the Neopuff used during resuscitation. Although she could not be certain, she said she either had to turn on the flow of gas providing oxygen entirely or she at least needed to it turn up to recommended levels. Ms Sheehy, who became visibly upset while giving evidence, said she found the fact that she had to adjust the flow 'very upsetting'. While Prof Colm O'Donnell, a consultant neonatologist and expert witness who reviewed the case for the coroner, said he could not definitively say whether or not the Neopuff gas flow was turned on, it was his opinion that it was. He cited several staff being in attendance before Ms Sheehy arrived, saying they reported checking the equipment before Aaron's delivery. He also noted that although Aaron did not breathe spontaneously, his heart rate increased from less than 60bpm to over 100bpm, which indicated the machine had some effect. Prof O'Donnell said Aaron's lungs were 'very poorly compliant', adding that it would have been 'extremely difficult' to aerate his lungs during mask ventilation as opposed to intubation, which the inquest heard was not achieved until 21 minutes after his birth. While sooner intubation would have allowed for an immediate and better supply of oxygen, he did not believe this, or a proper fitting mask from the beginning, would have changed the outcome. Ms Sheehy disclosed concerns to the hospital's interim director of midwifery, Maureen Revilles, after learning of Aaron's death, which took place at the Coombe hospital on May 9th. Ms Revilles, who said she expected Ms Sheehy to be a witness at Aaron's initial inquest due to the disclosure, insisted that she said she had to turn on the machine. This was later 'revised' to her having to turn up the flow, she said. Evidence concerning Ms Sheehy's concerns was not made available to coroner Dr Myra Cullinane at the time of the original inquest, which returned a narrative verdict. The evidence was secured by his mother, Claire Cullen, through Freedom of Information requests, prompting a fresh inquiry. An inquest verdict is due to be returned on Thursday.
Associated Press
18-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Gradient Denervation Technologies Announces Acceptance into FDA's Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program for Development of its Pulmonary Artery Denervation System
PARIS, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gradient Denervation Technologies announced today that it has been accepted into the Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP) Pilot from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the development of its novel technology intended to treat patients with pulmonary hypertension and associated heart failure. The TAP Pilot acceptance follows the Company's recent announcement that the FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the Gradient Denervation System. The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) launched the TAP Pilot to help expedite patient access to safe and effective, innovative medical devices. To help accelerate development of Gradient's Denervation System, the TAP Pilot will allow the company to have early and frequent interactions with FDA as well as obtain strategic advice from providers, associations, payors and patient organizations. The Gradient Denervation System is a novel technology intended to treat patients with Group 2 pulmonary hypertension due to left-sided heart disease. Treatment is accomplished by ablating nerves around the pulmonary artery using therapeutic ultrasound energy in a minimally invasive, percutaneous procedure. The straightforward catheter platform was designed specifically for the pulmonary artery anatomy and leverages known interventional techniques. The treatment goal is to down-regulate the sympathetic activity in the pulmonary vascular tree to reduce vascular resistance and decrease pulmonary pressures. 'We're excited to be included in the TAP Pilot as the program will help streamline collaboration with FDA – from initiating our pivotal clinical study to accelerating access to this breakthrough therapy upon approval,' said Martin Grasse, Chief Executive Officer at Gradient Denervation Technologies. 'There are no approved drug or device therapies in the United States for this group of pulmonary hypertension patients, which reinforces the need to expedite access to new innovative therapies. We expect that guidance from TAP Pilot advisors will be immensely valuable in developing a targeted therapy intended to improve outcomes and quality of life for these underserved patients.' About Gradient Denervation Technologies Gradient Denervation Technologies is a Paris-based medical device company developing a minimally invasive, ultrasound-based device for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Gradient leverages intellectual property developed at Stanford University. The Gradient Denervation System is for investigational use only and is not approved for commercial use. For more information, please visit: Media Contact [email protected]
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Our son, 12, cried out ‘mum, help' before he suddenly died – he'd gone to ‘rest in bed' just hours before
A SCHOOLBOY, who told his parents he was going to "rest in bed" after suffering with a cough and temperature, suddenly died "out of nowhere". Tomas Remeikis, 12, had been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension as a child after doctors discovered a hole in his heart. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the lungs, and in children can stem from various underlying conditions, including congenital heart defects, lung diseases, and genetic factors. But despite his diagnosis, Tomas lived a healthy life for many years - cycling to school every day and attending taekwondo classes twice a week. It wasn't until May 26 this year that Tomas, who was born in Manchester but moved to Southport two years ago, fell ill. Despite being rushed to hospital, he tragically died. When Tomas was a young child he often experienced shortness of breath and tiredness - two symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. His dad, Andrius Remeikis, told Liverpool Echo: "He was just ill all the time but we thought it was chest infections. Then his mum went to see her parents when he was about two and half, three years old, and he was walking with his granddad on a little scooter. "Tomas used to stop to catch breath and his granddad became a bit suspicious. He said, he shouldn't be so tired." Pulmonary hypertension can lead to serious complications like heart failure, which can be fatal. When Tomas' hole in his heart was discovered, he underwent urgent surgery, which was successful. He was then required to take medication every day and also received regular checkups at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Understanding blood clots Following the surgery, once or twice a year Tomas would feel dizzy. But nothing would show up in tests and he otherwise appeared stable. Around a week before his death, Tomas started feeling poorly with a cough and a temperature, but soon felt better. However, he fell ill again on the Bank Holiday Monday in May. Andrius said: "I had just made breakfast and he wasn't feeling well. I asked the same questions about his lungs and heart but he just had a cough. "He said, I'll go rest in bed for a bit. In the afternoon he got up again and I made him some tea. I asked how he was feeling and he said, maybe a bit better. "Then it just all happened all of a sudden. I was with my wife and we decided to go to the hospital. She started getting his trousers out and then she shouted at me, saying, his lips are getting blue. He shouted, 'mum, help' and we called the ambulance. Then he lost consciousness." An ambulance arrived to take Tomas to hospital, but his family aren't exactly sure when or why he died. While a post-mortem has said it looks like his heart failed, the cause of death will be determined by an inquest. Tomas' family has asked for donations to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, who supported him throughout his life. His heart will be donated to them for medical research. Andrius said: "Tomas was kind, friendly, loving and outgoing. He really got along with everyone that he came in contact with. Anyone who spent time with him loved him." Warning signs of pulmonary hypertension PULMONARY hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs (pulmonary arteries). It's a serious condition that can damage the right side of the heart. The changes in the pulmonary arteries that lead to pulmonary hypertension can be caused by: various conditions that cause problems with the smaller branches of the pulmonary arteries (PAH) conditions that affect the left side of the heart lung diseases or a shortage of oxygen in the body (hypoxia) blood clots that cause narrowing or a blockage in the pulmonary arteries Symptoms include: shortness of breath tiredness feeling faint or dizzy chest pain (angina) a racing heartbeat (palpitations) swelling (oedema) in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy (abdomen) If you have any symptoms you should see a GP. If you get sudden chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes, or you have heart palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling faint call 999 or go to A&E. These could be a sign of another condition such as a blood clot in your lungs or a serious heart problem. Source: NHS
