SEHA's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Achieves Milestone With ECPR ECMO Procedure In Emergency Care

SEHA, part of PureHealth, has successfully executed an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) on a 39-year-old man at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). This achievement highlights SEHA's commitment to using advanced medical technologies for patient-focused care, setting new benchmarks in emergency medicine.

The patient arrived at SKMC with worsening breathlessness and severe hypoxia. His oxygen saturation was alarmingly low at 60 percent, and his heart rate was over 150 beats per minute. A bedside ECHO indicated right ventricular heart strain, suggesting a massive pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition.

A CT scan confirmed the presence of a massive saddle pulmonary embolism. Shortly after the scan, the patient experienced cardiac arrest. ECPR was initiated within 15 minutes, which played a crucial role in his recovery. This procedure involves starting ECMO urgently when traditional CPR fails during cardiac arrest.

Following ECMO initiation, the patient underwent a successful mechanical thrombectomy in the interventional radiology suite. He was discharged nine days later, having made a full recovery. This case underscores the importance of timely and coordinated medical intervention by over 20 healthcare professionals at SKMC.

Dr Ismail Mohamed Al Ramahi, Division Chief of Emergency Medicine at SKMC, stated: "This case represents a significant breakthrough in emergency medical care in the UAE and exemplifies SEHA’s commitment to enhancing healthcare through cutting-edge medical interventions and coordinated care. We are proud of the exceptional teamwork and rapid response that enabled us to successfully perform ECPR in the emergency department."

Dr Mohammed Shalaby, Adult ECMO programme director at SKMC, added: "Witnessing your dream materialise is indeed the ultimate joy. Implementing ECPR in the emergency department signifies the culmination of immense dedication and the creation of a resilient ECMO program, showcasing a dedication to enhancing critical care and preserving lives."

Innovative Healthcare Solutions

This case not only demonstrates SEHA's expertise in handling acute medical emergencies but also highlights its dedication to integrating innovative techniques to save lives. PureHealth's investment in technology across its subsidiaries ensures that residents in Abu Dhabi receive top-tier healthcare services.

The successful outcome reflects SEHA’s mission to transform healthcare by maintaining high standards of patient care and improving community health outcomes. The coordinated efforts of dedicated professionals have set an example for future emergency interventions.

With inputs from WAM