Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care presents pioneering heart and lung procedures at Arab Health 2018

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–       Procedures performed in response to an increase in heart and lung health conditions in the Middle East
–       Almost 40% of deaths in the Middle East can be attributed to cardiovascular disease; and 30,000 people a year are predicted to get lung cancer in the region by 2020

Dubai, UAE, 28 January 2018 – At this year’s Arab Health 2018, the UK’s largest specialist heart and lung centre, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care (RB&HH) will demonstrate two of its specialist surgeries – the ground-breaking Ozaki procedure and a VATSlobectomy to treat large tumours of the lung. Both surgeries will be performed in response to growing global health concerns surrounding heart and lung disease. Each procedure will highlight how innovative techniques can have life-changing benefits for those living in the region. Arab Health 2018 is taking place at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre between 29thJanuary – 1st February 2018.

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The new Ozaki procedure – originating from Japan – will be showcased by Mr Cesare Quarto – Consultant Cardiac Surgeon. Almost 40% of deaths in the Middle East are caused by cardio vascular valve disease (CVD) and 38% of deaths are attributed to CVDs in the UAE. According to World Health Organization (WHO), up to 50% of people who die from CVDs in some Gulf countries die before the age of 60 due to poor diet, and lack of exercise.  Using this new procedure RB&HH experts hope to revolutionise the way surgery is carried out for patients with a life-threatening aortic heart valve disease. If left untreated a poorly-performing aortic valve can seriously reduce a patient’s quality of life and eventually lead to heart failure and death.

The aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When its function is impaired, for example, through aortic stenosis (narrowing of the valve), aortic valve regurgitation (a leaking valve), or because of a congenital heart defect, surgery is usually required to replace it and restore normal function.

Instead of replacing the damaged aortic valve entirely with a mechanical implant made from synthetic materials RB&HH experts carrying out the Ozaki procedure use tissue from an animal, which are implanted with stented bioprostheses, to reconstruct the valve. The advantage of biological implants made from animal tissue is that patients do not require blood-thinning drug therapies. Due to the durability of this technique and its natural physiology it prevents calcification and it is longer lasting than replacing the valve entirely.

On average the reconstructed valve will need replacement after eight to fifteen years, depending on the patient’s age. It is particularly beneficial for patients under the age of 60, for whom a valve replacement would commonly last no longer than eight years.

“This is an exciting time for patients in the Middle East in need of aortic valve surgery. As a specialist centre for adults, patients with congenital heart disease and acquired cardiac problems, we are always striving to provide patients with the very best and most advanced treatment options. We are pleased to be offering viable options for patients in the Middle East to increase quality of life and prevent heart failure and death,” said Mr Cesare Quarto – Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at RB&HH Specialist Care.

The second procedure being performed at Arab Health for the first time by RB&HH is the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. The revolutionary keyhole surgery uses small incisions to treat people who have large tumours of the lung and require complex surgical reconstruction of the remaining airways. VATS lobectomy allows the surgeon to reduce the length of the incision than previously done in a traditional lobectomy. During the surgery, lobes of the diseased lungs and lymph node clearance are removed. This combined with oncological input for drug treatment, patients are given a chance of life-saving treatment. This new treatment option for the Middle East comes at a time when according to a recent study, 30,000 people a year in the Middle East are predicted to get lung cancer by 2020.

RB&HH has a long history of ground-breaking medical innovations that have increased treatment options and improved the lives of patients with complex heart and lung conditions from all over the world. RB&HH has a strong and long-established relationship with the gulf region working closely with a number of health authorities including the Dubai Health Authority and The Ministry of Health. The Trust also operates a visiting doctor programme with a number of key hospitals across the Middle East region in order to help better clinical outcomes and strengthen their relationships with the region’s health providers.

Commenting on this, Ms Emma Beddow, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at RB&HH said: “RB&HH and hospitals in the Middle East region aim to not only ensure patients receive the best care while visiting the UK for treatment but that the continuation of care is transferred back in country. It is fundamental to share our knowledge in order for patients to receive excellent care wherever they are to really make a difference.”

During Arab Health 2018, RB&HH will demonstrate two technically demanding surgical operations. The Ozaki procedure for reconstruction of diseased aortic value function will be performed by Mr Cesare Quarto on Monday, 29th and Tuesday, 30th January 2018 from 2pm. The VATS lobectomy will be performed by Ms Emma Beddow on Wednesday 31st January 2018 from 2pm on the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) Stand (UK Pavilion, Hall 7, H7C30.) Ms Beddow will also present two updates on lung cancer at the Arab Health Congress from 10.45am on Thursday 1st February 2018.

Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals are renowned for their expertise, standards of care and research breakthroughs. RB&HH Specialist Care works closely with hospitals, specialist medical centres and other health providers across the Middle East to promote clinical excellence and exchange of international expertise.

RB&HH Specialist Care provide patients with rapid access to state-of-the-art diagnostics facilities in the Harley Street medical area and advanced in-patient treatment facilities in their private wards situated within the main hospital buildings at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals. The hospitals’ dedicated concierge services and International Liaison Officers provide support to overseas patients and their families, paying particular attention to their cultural, religious and language needs.

**Please note, Thumbay Group, Gulf Medical University, and HEALTH magazine are not liable nor responsible for the facts, figures, and overall content of the press releases on our portal.

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