Abu Dhabi, UAE: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of PureHealth, recently achieved a groundbreaking interventional milestone by performing Abu Dhabi’s first pulse field ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation. 

Atrial fibrillation, a very complex heart condition characterised by a rapid and irregular heartbeat, was successfully treated in two intricate cases at SSMC. The patients presented with palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pains, which persisted, despite traditional medical treatment.

Following a thorough evaluation by SSMC’s multidisciplinary team, careful consideration was given to either escalating doses of antiarrhythmic medications or using the novel pulse field ablation approach. In both cases, the team chose to proceed with the latter. The decision was taken based on the current limitations of conventional medications and the potential risks associated with increased medical therapy.

The pioneering surgery was led by Dr. Omar Alfalasi, a leading consultant in cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology, and vice chair of Cardiology and director of the Electrophysiology service, who served as the proctor. He was joined by Dr. Mario Njeim, consultant cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist at SSMC, with the support of Dr. Yousef Alattar, chair of the Cardiology division and consultant cardiologist.

Commenting on the procedure, Dr. Alfalasi said: “It was a privilege to lead this advanced procedure using the latest innovations and technologies available for atrial fibrillation. The adoption of this safe, effective and innovative approach underscores our dedication to providing the highest standards of heart rhythm care for our patients.” 

Prior to the introduction of pulse field ablation, traditional treatments like radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation were widely used. Although effective, these methods posed risks of collateral damage due to their thermal energy. In contrast, the pulse field ablation technology completely eliminates these risks, with no reported cases of damage to the lungs, oesophagus, nerves or other surrounding tissues. As a further benefit, this refined technique reduces procedural time, thereby minimising the risk of complications and enhancing patient comfort by decreasing surgery duration. 

As a transformation-oriented organisation, SSMC has repeatedly stated its commitment to adopting state-of-the-art technologies and innovative procedures to advance patient care. Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, acting chief medical officer at SSMC, praised the exceptional work of Dr. Alfalasi, Dr. Njeim and the multidisciplinary team, stating: “This latest achievement heralds a new era in atrial fibrillation treatment, and we are extremely proud to be able to offer our patients such specialised treatments. 

“SSMC is driving life-changing advancements and applying leading-edge innovations to improve the overall patient experience and set new benchmarks in medical care and treatment, across the UAE and beyond.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
Salma Chalak  
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City  
Tel: +971 58 982 9525   
E: schalak@ssmc.ae  

Fadya Al Kathairi  
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City  
Tel: +971 50 332 4933   
E: falkathairi@ssmc.ae

Afaf El-Sharkawy
9Yards Communications
Tel: +971 56 414 2843    
E: afaf.elsharkawy@9yards.ae

About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE offering the highest standards of medical expertise for the treatment of serious and complex conditions. Established in 2019, SSMC has 660 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, including a hybrid operating room and a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit. Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 46 specialties, bringing advanced and trusted quality care closer to the UAE and the wider region.

For more information on Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City or to book an appointment, please visit: ssmc.ae.
 
About PureHealth
By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world. PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind.
PureHealth’s network comprises: 

SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE

Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) - Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services

Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE’s leading health insurer

The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE

Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation

PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region  

One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers

The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment

Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US

Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK 

PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE’s largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care

To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae