Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 network, has announced the successful completion of a pioneering robotic rib resection and venolysis procedure for venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) in the UAE. The two-to-three-hour, minimally invasive robotic procedure was performed on a young 22-year-old female patient.
With very few places in the world performing this procedure robotically, this was the first performed by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi using this breakthrough technique. Traditionally, the surgery is done through a large incision in the upper chest which requires extended healing time and visible scarring. Using the robot, three one-centimeter incisions were made on the patient’s back to remove the part of the first rib that was causing a vein compression. This resulted in no visible scars and was virtually pain-free for the patient, without compromising the clinical outcome. The patient was discharged after spending two nights in the hospital.
VTOS is a condition characterized by the compression of the subclavian vein, which carries blood from the arm to the heart. It affects only one to two individuals per 100,000 and often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The condition often occurs in young, active individuals engaged in repetitive arm movements, such as swimmers, baseball players, cricket players, and those involved in cross-fit training or who have a job that requires repetitive motion in the arm and shoulder. It can also occur among women aged 20 to 50. Common symptoms and risk factors associated with the condition that are often ignored by patients include recurrent venous thrombosis, arm pain, and exercise-related thrombosis, as well as arm swelling, discoloration, and limb heaviness.
Dr. Houssam Younes, Staff Physician in the Heart, Vascular, & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi commented, “A person is more likely to get VTOS if they have a naturally narrow passageway for the subclavian vein. Research shows that if a patient receives treatment within the first 14 days of symptoms appearing, the chances of a successful outcome significantly increase. Medication to dissolve blood clots is typically administered as a primary treatment, with surgery being considered in severe cases to widen the area around the subclavian vein.”
Dr. Usman Ahmad, Department Chair of Thoracic Surgery in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, “This minimally invasive technique offered at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi allows for precise and targeted treatment, resulting in improved outcomes and faster recovery times for patients suffering from VTOS. The use of robotic technology has revolutionized the way we approach complex vascular conditions like VTOS. By utilizing this advanced technique, we can provide our patients with superior care, and deliver outcomes that were previously unattainable, allowing us to offer accessible healthcare to the community and wider region.
“Untreated VTOS poses risks due to potential blood clot formation in the subclavian vein. This compression can obstruct blood flow to the arm or hand or lead to a pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs. Individuals participating in regular exercise should be aware of the signs of VTOS and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise, to prevent complications,” Dr. Ahmad advised.
The successful completion of this pioneering procedure underscores Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical advancements and becoming a sought-after destination within the regional medical ecosystem. With state-of-the-art facilities, expertly trained multidisciplinary teams, and a patient-centric approach, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to set new benchmarks in healthcare excellence.
To book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.
