Innovative 3D Printing Technology Aids Complex Heart Surgery In Abu Dhabi

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, collaborated with NYU Abu Dhabi to utilise advanced 3D printing technology for a complex heart surgery on Mian Mohamed Shabbie, a 41-year-old patient with a rare cardiovascular anomaly. This innovative approach allowed for precise pre-surgical planning and simulation.

The technology developed by NYU Abu Dhabi’s Core Technology Platform is versatile, applicable in fields like cardiovascular and neurological cases. It involves three stages: 3D image reconstruction, 3D slicing, and 3D printing. These stages create a detailed model from diagnostic imaging data, allowing surgeons to examine and plan surgeries with high accuracy.

Dr. Houssam Younes, Department Chair for Vascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained the rarity of Shabbie's condition. "Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare cardiovascular abnormality, even more so when combined with a right-sided aortic arch, as seen in only 0.03% of people worldwide," he said. This condition often goes undetected due to its asymptomatic nature or symptoms resembling other conditions.

Shabbie was referred to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in critical condition due to complications from a congenital defect in his aorta. His aorta had an unusual right-sided arch with a giant aneurysm known as Kommerell's diverticulum. This rare type of aneurysm involves one of the main branches of the aorta with a bulge at its origin.

Dr. Yazan Aljabery, Cardiac Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, highlighted the surgical challenges posed by Shabbie's condition. "Correcting a case of Kommerell's diverticulum when the aorta arches left is relatively straightforward because the deformity is accessible and visible," he explained. "However, when the vessel arches right, as in this case, the defect is obscured by other large vessels, making surgical interventions particularly challenging."

Centre of Excellence

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been recognised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) as a Centre of Excellence for Adult Cardiac Surgery. This designation acknowledges their comprehensive range of integrated cardiac surgery and structural heart disease interventions provided by some of the world's most reputable cardiovascular experts.

The use of 3D-printed models in such complex cases enhances surgical safety and allows for more precise and tailored procedures. The technology helps understand unique challenges and minimises risks during surgery.

Ongoing research by multidisciplinary teams at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi aims to demonstrate that this technology is not limited to cardiovascular or neurological applications but can also be valuable in other medical fields involving complex anatomical structures.

The collaboration between Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and NYU Abu Dhabi showcases how advanced technology can significantly improve surgical outcomes. By leveraging 3D printing technology, they provide patients with safer and more effective treatment options.

With inputs from WAM