20 year old Ahlam was born in Qatar with a congenital heart defect (CHD) known as Tetralogy of Fallot, this is a hole between the lower chambers of the heart and an obstruction between the heart and the lungs, with a defective pulmonic valve.
To treat her condition, Ahlam had to endure several procedures, including major open-heart surgery, as an infant. As she grew older, Ahlam experienced more complications including a leaky valve that resulted in a significant enlargement of her heart.
Ahlam was a patient at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and in 2016 was transferred to a joint care program between HMC and Sidra Medicine under the supervision of Prof. Ziyad M. Hijazi, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Director of the Sidra Medicine Cardiac Program.
Prof. Hijazi is an interventional cardiologist and pioneering specialist in treating congenital and structural heart disease in both children and adults. His major area of interest is in the development of techniques, catheters, devices and valves to help treat or cure congenital and structural cardiac disease without open-heart surgery.
Commenting on Ahlam’s procedure and care, Prof. Hijazi said, “I had been following Ahlam’s case closely and at first it seemed like the only option available to her was another open-heart surgery. However, in March of this year, we received permission to use the Venus P-Valve implant in Qatar as part of a clinical trial that involves several centers across Europe and Asia. I discussed the option with her and her family, who were quick to embrace it. In April 2017, Ahlam became our first p-valve implantation patient in Qatar.”
Ahlam’s operation took place at Hamad General Hospital and was performed jointly by Prof. Hijazi and Dr. Qi-Ling Cao from Sidra Medicine, and Dr. Hesham Al-Saloos, an interventional cardiologist from HMC. “Ahlam’s operation was completed in just under three hours, requiring only three days recovery. She was happily out and about and came back to see me for a check-up within the week! It was truly remarkable!” continued Prof. Hijazi.
Now, six months after the operation and in support of World Heart Day – 29 September 2017 – Ahlam shares how her life has progressed and the small victories she gets to enjoy every day: “Given that I have been going to hospitals and for check-ups all my life, I was scared – thinking I would need another open-heart surgery! I was keen to try this new procedure because of the medical complications that resulted from a surgery I had as a child. The complications made it quite difficult to do even simple tasks. The new procedure was fast and all it took was a small incision to insert the replacement valve.”
“I am very grateful to the care and treatment that Dr. Hijazi and his team provided to me and my family. They reassured us every step of the way. We really appreciated how he and his team addressed all my doubts in a way that made me more comfortable and calm by the time the surgery was scheduled.”
“After the new procedure, I was able to go back to leading a normal life quite quickly! My heart beat is also at a normal rate. Now, I enjoy simple things such as carrying my bag and going up or down the stairs. Small things that I was unable to do before, I can now do comfortably and confidently. Most importantly, I can finally sleep well.”
The Venus P-Valve is a new valve that is seeking to address the needs of a large majority of CHD patients who are unable to benefit from existing minimally-invasive valve implantations and have to undergo open-heart surgery. Prof. Hijazi is the Global Principal Investigator leading a consortium of international cardiac interventionists to evaluate the valve. To read more about the valve and Prof. Hijazi’s initial progress in bringing the innovation to Qatar, please click here.
Ahlam has a very positive message for other children and adults with CHD: “The first advice I have – is to break the barrier of fear. Fear will only take your health backwards. I believe that technology has advanced to such an extent that medical procedures have become easier and more efficient. While questions remain, it is critical to discuss your concerns with your doctor and let them address all your doubts – particularly when it comes to new procedures.”
“It was an honor for me to be the first patient to undergo this surgery in Qatar. I was comforted by the excellent care I received from the wonderful doctors and nurses at Sidra Medicine and HMC. By having the procedure and the aftercare in Qatar, it took away the stress and financial burden of having to consider a trip overseas to get the best treatment! I received the same level of professionalism and care here at Sidra Medicine. With the way my family and I were taken care of, I truly hope Sidra Medicine continues to provide the highest standard of care as some of the best international hospitals in the world.”