Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Marks Over 600 Neurosurgeries In 2024's First Half

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute has achieved significant milestones this year, performing over 600 neurosurgeries and treating more than 32,000 patients in its outpatient clinics during the first half of 2024. The institute offers 15 subspecialties, including the Neurovascular Medicine Programme and Stroke Centre, Parkinson’s Disease and Research Centre, and the Epilepsy Programme.

The hospital is pioneering in the UAE by performing both stereotactic encephalography (SEEG) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgeries for epilepsy. SEEG is a minimally invasive technique that identifies the origins of hard-to-treat focal epileptic seizures. DBS surgery helps control and reduce seizure recurrence. Dr. Mohamad Ayman Haykal, a staff physician at the Neurological Institute, stated, "Epilepsy surgery has been around for a long time, and although its efficacy is well established, it remains one of the most underutilised treatments, particularly in the region, due to a lack of technology and expertise. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we aim to bridge this gap by introducing advanced treatments like SEEG and DBS, enabling patients to lead better-quality lives."

Dr. Eugene Achi highlighted the importance of a comprehensive team approach in treating epilepsy. He noted that nearly half of epilepsy patients experience mood disorders and memory problems, necessitating the involvement of psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists. For surgical treatment of focal epilepsy, where seizures originate from a specific brain area, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and epileptologists play crucial roles. "What sets Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi apart is our ability to bring together these leading experts, who collaborate closely to ensure the best outcomes," he said.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is also leading in stroke treatment with its use of the ARTIS Icono system for advanced stroke interventional procedures. Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud explained their efficient stroke response pathway: "At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we’ve developed an efficient and standardised stroke response pathway that ensures rapid diagnosis and treatment." Upon a stroke patient’s arrival at their emergency room, a multidisciplinary team is immediately mobilised.

This approach has allowed them to surpass global benchmarks with a median tPA administration time of just 35 minutes compared to the standard 60 minutes. They are also pioneering new protocols for previously untreatable cases such as wake-up strokes and patients with poor imaging. Dr. Victoria added that they admit about 1,000 ischemic stroke cases and 200 intracranial haemorrhages annually.

Movement Disorder Programme

Since launching its movement disorder programme in 2020, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has performed over 75 DBS surgeries. Initially started for Parkinson’s disease treatment, they now offer DBS surgery for epilepsy, chronic pain, and tremors as well. Dr. Florian Roser commented on their progress: "Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s programme is now one of the largest for movement disorders in the country."

The institute's multidisciplinary approach drives innovation and advances treatment options significantly. The use of DBS exemplifies how they are pushing forward with new medical solutions.

In summary, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to set high standards in neurological care through advanced treatments and innovative approaches across various subspecialties.

With inputs from WAM