Media Release
Sharjah, Nove 26: A 52-year-old Emirati national, Thuwein Ahmed was rushed to the emergency department of Zulekha Hospital, here, after experiencing sudden shortness of breath with palpitations, weakness and dizziness. Initial investigations confirmed a condition called Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which is a sudden blockage in the main arteries of both lungs. The cause is usually a blood clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lung.
Standard treatment with blood-thinning medications was given to Ahmed for three days in the ICU to keep the clots from getting any bigger, stop new clots from forming and remove any existing clots. His condition did not improve with medication and his blood oxygen level remained low. Specialist cardiologist immediately consulted Dr Fekry El Deeb, senior consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Zulekha Hospital for further treatment. “Normally we find a blockage in one of the main pulmonary arteries but this patient had large, multiple clots on both right and left arteries in the lungs that couldn’t be treated by medication alone. PE can be life-threatening in such cases and cause permanent damage to the lungs and other organs in the body from not getting enough oxygen,” commented Dr El Deeb.
Dr El Deeb used a novel technique, called Pulmonary Thrombus Aspiration that effectively drew out all the blood clots without the need to do open chest surgery. Introducing a special catheter, through the leg vein via a small opening of 2mm, he accessed the site of the clot and with the help of an outside pump, drew out all the clots in both arteries. The procedure lasted for about one hour, immediately restoring the blood flow normally into both right and left pulmonary arteries. The patient’s blood oxygen level normalized and his symptoms improved instantly.
Pulmonary Embolism is the third most common cardiovascular disorder after myocardial infarction and stroke and is considered the leading cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients.
Speaking of the risks of such embolisms, Dr El Deeb said, “People with cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, surgery, and some inherited disorders are at increased risk of PE. Other risk factors include people who have severe symptoms of COVID-19, long periods of bed rest or inactivity, smoking, overweight, pregnancy and estrogen supplements.“
Ahmed was transferred the next day from ICU to the regular ward before being discharged home. During his follow up visit, his blood oxygen levels and ECG have been normal. He has been advised to continue prophylactic medications for some time until his risk factors are controlled.
Preventing the formation of blood clots can help prevent PE. Some of the measures to keep in mind include adapting heart-healthy eating, exercise, quitting smoking, moving one’s legs when sitting for long periods of time and moving around as soon as possible after surgery or being confined to a bed.
About Zulekha Healthcare Group www.zulekhahospitals.com
Zulekha Healthcare Group is a superbrand and among the forerunners in UAE healthcare. Today, the Zulekha Healthcare Group includes two multidisciplinary hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah, as well as four UAE medical centres and three pharmacies providing specialized treatments in over 30 disciplines. The group also has a multidisciplinary hospital in India - Alexis. Zulekha Hospital has received extensive recognition for its commitment towards quality care and sustainable business practices, and recently received the prestigious Dubai Quality Award for the second time in four years, underlying a commitment to providing high quality healthcare to patients and society.