The Cardiology Unit at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital has successfully completed seven intricate coronary artery bypass procedures, marking a significant achievement in the treatment of advanced heart conditions.
These complex cases involved chronic and calcified artery blockages and were performed by the hospital’s specialized cardiology team in collaboration with Dr. Hossam Nour, a consultant in cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases known for his expertise in complex catheterization procedures in Bahrain.
The operations were conducted under the supervision of Professor Dr. Mohammed Zubaid, Head of the Cardiology Unit.
Dr. Fahad Al-Hajri, Consultant Cardiologist and Therapeutic Catheterization Specialist at the hospital, explained that the procedures were carried out as part of a dedicated workshop focusing on calcified and chronic arterial blockages.
“We successfully opened blocked arteries in seven patients, significantly improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This leads to a better quality of life and relief from symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath,” he said.
Dr. Al-Hajri emphasized the complexity of the procedures, noting that conventional methods typically approach the artery from the front.
However, in chronic total occlusion (CTO) cases, entry through the front is often not possible, requiring an advanced technique of accessing the artery from the back — a method that carries greater risk but, in their experience, has yielded a high success rate.
He pointed to the high prevalence of risk factors in Kuwait, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking, as primary contributors to chronic arterial blockages. While some cases can be managed with medication, persistent symptoms may necessitate interventional catheterization using both conventional and advanced techniques.
Dr. Abdullah Ismail, Consultant of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiac Catheterization, stated that the Cardiology Unit was honored to host Dr. Nour. “His visit aimed to enhance collaboration and share expertise by participating in some of the most challenging procedures at our unit,” he said.
He added that this initiative reflects the Cardiology Unit’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of cardiovascular care, investing in continuous medical education, and expanding the skills of its interventional cardiology team. Given the widespread nature of such complex cases in Kuwait, the hospital is dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatment and expertise.
Meanwhile, Cardiology Consultant Dr. Ali Al-Sulaimi noted that approximately 25% of cardiac patients in Kuwait suffer from chronic calcified artery obstructions — among the highest rates globally. He attributed this to the high incidence of underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and kidney failure in the region.
Dr. Al-Sulaimi affirmed that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital will continue to welcome international experts to foster knowledge exchange and enhance local medical capabilities.
