A team of doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) performed a complex aortic valve replacement surgery to save the life of a 31-year-old Pakistani man with a rare genetic heart condition.

The 31-Year-Old Pakistani man received life-saving heart surgery in Abu Dhabi

Muhammad Aakif suffered from three heart conditions: genetic aortic valve disease, bicuspid aortic valve disease, and congestive heart failure. The only way to restore his full heart function and help him lead a normal life was to replace his aortic valve.

Bicuspid aortic valve disease is a condition in which the aortic valve has two cusps (flaps) instead of the usual three. This can lead to a number of problems, including narrowing of the valve opening, regurgitation (leakage) of blood through the valve, and aneurysm (enlargement) of the aorta.

Aakif had no prior symptoms of his heart condition, but in December 2022 he began to experience shortness of breath and severe swelling in his legs. Doctors in his hometown of Karachi diagnosed him with aortic valve disease and recommended that he seek treatment at CCAD, which is known for its advanced expertise and innovative technology in treating complex heart diseases.

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Aakif and his family traveled to Abu Dhabi, but by the time they arrived, his heart function had severely deteriorated. His ejection fraction, which is a measure of how well the heart is pumping blood, was down to 15%, significantly lower than the normal range of 50 to 70%. In addition, his heart had enlarged by 50% due to a leaking aortic valve.

Aakif’s family was worried about his life-threatening condition, but the doctors at CCAD were confident that they could help him. They performed a complex aortic valve replacement surgery, which was a success. Aakif is now recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery.

This is a great story about how teamwork and advanced medical care can save lives. We are grateful to the doctors and staff at CCAD for their expertise and compassion. We also wish Aakif a speedy recovery and a healthy future.