Ajman, UAE: Thumbay University Hospital has achieved a major clinical milestone with the successful performance of its first Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery, marking the formal launch of advanced cardiac surgical services at the academic medical centre.
The landmark procedure was carried out on a 51-year-old patient, Mr Syed Omer, who was diagnosed with severe ischaemic coronary artery disease, including critical left main coronary artery stenosis, a high-risk condition that significantly compromises blood flow to the heart. The patient also had diabetes mellitus, necessitating meticulous peri-operative planning and advanced cardiac care.
Off-pump bypass using beating-heart technique
The surgery involved a double-vessel bypass performed using the off-pump (beating heart) technique, in which the heart continues to beat during the procedure without the use of a heart–lung machine. This advanced approach is known to reduce surgical stress, minimise complications, and support faster early recovery in selected patients.
The highly specialised cardiac surgery team, led by Dr Khaled Farrag, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, successfully placed two grafts to bypass the blocked coronary arteries, restoring adequate blood supply to the heart muscle. The patient has since recovered well, returned home, and is continuing normal life under remote medical supervision.
A milestone in academic healthcare delivery
Speaking on the achievement, Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President – Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group, described the surgery as a defining moment for the institution.
“This first successful bypass surgery at Thumbay University Hospital is not just a medical achievement; it marks the beginning of a new era of advanced cardiac care within our academic healthcare ecosystem. Every major hospital remembers its first open-heart case. For us, this reflects the depth of our clinical expertise, the strength of our infrastructure, and our commitment to delivering complex, life-saving care closer to the community,” he said.
He further noted that a university hospital must lead not only in education and research, but also in clinical excellence and patient outcomes.
Strengthening advanced cardiac care services
The successful CABG confirms the hospital’s readiness to manage complex and high-risk cardiac conditions, including advanced coronary artery disease. The cardiac programme at Thumbay University Hospital is supported by state-of-the-art operation theatres, advanced critical care units, comprehensive cardiac diagnostics, and an integrated emergency and rehabilitation pathway.
For patients, this milestone ensures access to advanced heart surgery within a university hospital environment, guided by evidence-based protocols, continuous academic oversight, and a multidisciplinary team approach.
Looking ahead
With the successful completion of its first bypass surgery, Thumbay University Hospital officially enters the domain of advanced cardiac surgery, strengthening its position as a growing academic medical centre delivering high-end clinical services aligned with international standards.
The hospital plans to expand its cardiac surgery portfolio in the coming months, with additional complex procedures and specialised programmes aimed at meeting the rising demand for comprehensive heart care in the region.