Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, has earned the recognition from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) as a Centre of Excellence for its efforts in treating patients requiring cardiac catheterisation procedures. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) following a rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in its state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is also recognised as a Centre of Excellence for adult cardiac surgery as accredited by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi.
Percutaneous coronary intervention, commonly known as coronary angioplasty, is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.
The hospital has also been recognised by the ACC for its commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. This designation is awarded to international hospitals that consistently demonstrate excellence through comprehensive process improvement, disease and procedure-specific accreditation, professional excellence, and community engagement.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (HVTI) continues to set new benchmarks in advanced cardiac care in the region. In 2024, HVTI performed 839 procedures, including 574 cardiac surgeries and 265 structural heart interventions, showcasing its expertise in treating complex heart conditions. Since 2015, the institute has successfully completed 500 TAVI procedures, reflecting its leadership in minimally invasive heart treatments. The institute’s Coronary Artery Disease Program further unites multidisciplinary experts including cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons to provide comprehensive, individualised care for patients. Renowned for its leadership in robotically assisted and hybrid surgeries, HVTI is recognised as one of the world’s leading centres and leads Cleveland Clinic’s facilities in the US for robotically assisted heart surgery.
Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “This accreditation is a powerful testament to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s dedication to advancing healthcare excellence. It reflects our relentless drive to combine cutting-edge innovation, world-class expertise, and a patient-first philosophy to redefine the standards of care in the region. This milestone not only highlights the exceptional work of our Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute but also reinforces our commitment to leading the way in transforming cardiovascular care for patients in the UAE and beyond. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine, we remain steadfast in our mission to improve lives and deliver unparalleled care."
Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, Chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board, said: “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its commitment to providing patients in UAE and from across the world with excellent heart care. The hospital has proven to be a forward-thinking institution with goals to advance the cause of sustainable quality improvement. ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi with Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI.”
Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, a rigorous onsite review, and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of cath lab patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organised a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to improved patient outcomes.
Dr Ronney Shantouf, Director of the Cardiac Catheterisation Lab, Co-Director of the Complex Coronary Program, and Co-Director of the Invasive Coronary Spasm and Microvascular Dysfunction Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “This accreditation is a proud moment for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and reflects our dedication to providing the highest standards of cardiac care. Advances in cardiac catheterisation procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention, have transformed the way we treat complex heart conditions, offering patients safer and less invasive options with faster recovery times. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we combine state-of-the-art technology with a highly skilled team to ensure each patient receives tailored, life-saving care. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for our patients."
Hospitals that have proven exceptional competency in cardiac catheterisation follow strict processes to ensure quality and patient safety. During the procedure, they carefully manage steps like sedation, infection control, radiation safety, and time out procedures to ensure everything is fully coordinated. They also need to master the appropriate transfer to a cath recovery unit to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions and follow-up information.
