Al Qassimi Hospital in association with the UAE Heart Association recently held the 3rd Bifurcation Symposium at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, under the patronage of Minister of Health H.E. Abdul Rahman Al Owais and H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Serkal, Health Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals Sector.  Representatives from more than 30 countries gathered in Dubai to discuss the latest developments in coronary artery disease treatments and cardiac catheterization operations to treat bifurcation stenting. The participants included over 200 cardiologists, consultants from GCC countries, and experts from European nations, the United States, and other territories.

In his opening speech, H.E. Dr. Arif Alnooyani, CEO and Head of the Cardiology Department of Al Qassimi Hospital, noted that numerous international organizations and healthcare experts come to Dubai due to its ability to successfully host prestigious medical conferences. He commended the Ministry of Health and the UAE Heart Association for being at the forefront of promoting medical research and continuous education in the field via specialized medical conferences, among others. During the event, the high-level attendees took a closer look at the Al Qassimi Hospital Cardiology Department’s heart transplant cases and successful heart surgeries. Working papers were also presented, while training workshops were held to highlight the treatment of bifurcation coronary artery disease. The participants included hospital staff and representatives from the European Heart Association.

H.E. Dr. Alnooyani highlighted the ongoing efforts of his Department to implement standard international medical protocols as part of its procedures. The move has resulted in a high number of successful cases of diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization. He also took the opportunity to share with the attendees the hospital’s successful experiences in finding alternatives for drug-eluting stents in the treatment of narrowed coronary arteries.  He emphasized the need for more specialized training programs for medical staff, especially regarding modern treatment methods and proper diagnosis of heart diseases.

He revealed that the GCC region treats more than 350,000 heart patients annually. According to the latest statistics issued by UAE- and other GCC-based health organizations, the mortality rate due to heart diseases in the Emirates is approximately 25 per cent. This underscored the need for renowned international cardiologists to constantly update the industry about innovative heart treatments through medical conferences. 

The 3rd Bifurcation Symposium follows a successful second edition which saw the attendance of more than 400 international doctors. The previous edition focused on sub-coronary arteries, cardiac electrophysiology, and robotic atrial fibrillation ablation.