First procedure in the UAE for rare lung disease treatment allows doctor to restore breathing

Dr. Sara Al Matari, a 44-year-old physician who had suffered from shortness of breath even during simple daily activities for almost eleven years, is now breathing normally. She became the first patient in the UAE to undergo an innovative procedure for treating a rare lung disease at Medicare Hospital in Sharjah.

Nature of the Disease and Previous Treatment

Her condition was caused by Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)—a rare form of pulmonary hypertension that arises from the blockage of arteries in the lungs by chronic thrombi. This disease forces the heart to strain excessively to pump blood and, without treatment, can lead to progressive heart failure.

Despite Dr. Sara undergoing major open-heart surgery in 2017 and traveling to the UK for pulmonary thromboendovascular angioplasty, her problems persisted. Residual blockages in small vessels deep in the lungs continued to cause breathing difficulties even with minimal physical exertion.

New Minimally Invasive Procedure

Recently, a multidisciplinary team at Medicare Hospital in Sharjah performed the country's first Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) procedure. This minimally invasive technique offers new hope to patients with this severe ailment. Unlike traditional surgery, BPA is performed through a tiny incision in the leg using a catheter and a miniature balloon directed into the blocked pulmonary arteries to restore blood flow, eliminating the need for major surgery.

Dr. AB Gopalamurugan, the interventional cardiologist who led this breakthrough, explained the significance of the procedure: 'Given her medical history and previous surgeries, another major procedure would have carried significant risk. That is why we determined that BPA was the most suitable treatment option.'

Intervention Results and Recommendations

The procedure was completed successfully and without complications. During the intervention, doctors recorded an immediate drop in lung pressure while the patient remained conscious. Within one day, she was able to walk and was soon discharged.

Dr. Jishan Madathil emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, noting that CTEPH is often misdiagnosed because symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue can be mistaken for asthma or poor fitness. He stated that timely referral and early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Sara notes a noticeable improvement: 'It has become easier to breathe, and I feel more optimistic about the future. Although several more months will be needed for a full assessment of long-term improvement, I already feel the changes.'

For specialists, this success means more than just the recovery of one patient. Previously, patients needing such specialized treatment had to travel abroad, such as to the UK or the United States. Now, future patients have the opportunity to receive help closer to home.

www.khaleejtimes.comJuly 8, 13:10

Nurse from UAE stabilized woman's condition aboard Dubai-India flight at 35,000 feet

During a flight from Dubai to Tiruvannanthapuram on July 1, Indian expatriate Pooja Rajakumaran, who was planning a short vacation, had to respond to an emergency call from the crew. After takeoff, an announcement was made in the cabin requesting a doctor or nurse.

Response to the Emergency

Without hesitation, Pooja went to the crew. As a nurse, she acted instinctively because, as she noted, 'when someone needs help, you go.' Her attention was drawn to a passenger who was recovering from breast removal surgery and undergoing physiotherapy in Dubai.

The passenger, using a wheelchair, was semi-conscious. Pooja noticed that she had a weak pulse, severe dizziness, and her hands were cold and trembling. Realizing the critical state, she decided not to waste a second.

Medical Assistance During Flight

For most of the flight, Pooja remained by the woman's side, constantly checking her pulse and talking to her to keep her conscious and stabilize her condition. Despite the lack of a hospital bed, monitors, or a team of specialists in the narrow aisle of the plane, she used knowledge gained from working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at RAK Hospital.

She manually monitored the pulse, gave the woman water for hydration, and gently massaged her hands to improve circulation and warm her up. Pooja emphasized that maintaining her own calm helped soothe those around her. Later, a senior crew member asked her about the need to inform the captain about a possible diversion.

Diagnosis and Continuation of Flight

After re-examining her, Pooja determined that the passenger's condition was gradually improving: her pulse was leveling out, and her body was warming up. In her opinion, this was caused by severe physical exhaustion and anxiety, not a life-threatening situation. Based on this assessment, the flight continued to its destination. Pooja noted that the crew remained calm, immediately providing water and a blanket, and trusted her judgment, while the passengers behaved cooperatively.

Challenges of Field Medicine

Although Pooja cares for critically ill newborns daily, she believes that treating patients at an altitude of 35,000 feet presents a completely different set of challenges. In the NICU, she has medical staff, oxygen, and medication, whereas on the plane, only her skills, hands, and ability to make decisions remain. Furthermore, the limited space requires help in maintaining calm among the crew and passengers.

Before landing, Pooja checked on the passenger one last time, who was smiling by then. The woman thanked her, saying she felt much better. Pooja considered observing the safe landing a reward. She is convinced that any healthcare worker must be prepared to meet such a challenge, as preparation allows one to handle such moments, and sometimes mere presence can prevent panic.