Al Qassimi Hospital Sharjah achieves new milestone

‘Fantom Encore’ stents not only preserve the natural physiology of blood vessels but also expand the range of treatment options’

The cardiology team at Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, part of Emirates Health Services (EHS), has accomplished a significant medical milestone by successfully implanting the advanced biodegradable ‘Fantom Encore’ stent in a 55-year-old patient, who was experiencing chest pain and stable angina. The procedure was entirely successful, and the patient was discharged in excellent health.

The procedure was performed by the hospital’s medical team, led by Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, CEO of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, and Dr. Ahmed Khashaba, Professor of Cardiology and Consultant in Therapeutic Catheterization.

This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant step toward the reintroduction of biodegradable stents as an advanced treatment option for arterial conditions post-treatment. These stents outperform traditional metal stents by improving long-term outcomes and preserving the natural functions of blood vessels.

Developed by B. Braun using advanced technology, the ‘Fantom Encore’ stent represents the third generation of bioabsorbable stents, offering several distinctive features, including enhanced visibility during procedures and ease of placement.

Its innovative design facilitates the natural healing of blood vessels and allows the stent to dissolve safely over time, as against permanent stents that remain within the vessels. This advancement marks a significant step forward in the field of cardiac care.

Dr. Arif Al Nooryani explained that the ‘Fantom Encore’ stent incorporates the amino acid tyrosine, which enhances its effectiveness and ensures safe biodegradation. It is easy to implant and highly efficient in treating blood vessels, gradually dissolving while maintaining the natural movement and functions of the vessels.

He said, “We are pleased to see this technology reintroduced here after a hiatus, as we believe it will bring about a significant transformation in cardiac care by maintaining the normal functions of blood vessels post-treatment.”

Dr. Ahmed Khashaba emphasised that the innovative technology represents a transformative development for patients, offering enhanced clarity in X-ray and intravascular imaging, rapid absorption, and availability in various sizes.

hese features enable tailored treatments for diverse cases. He said, “‘Fantom Encore’ stents not only preserve the natural physiology of blood vessels but also expand the range of treatment options, addressing a broader spectrum of cases. This advanced technology will significantly enhance the quality of cardiac care we provide to our patients.”

Second- and third-generation stents, such as the ‘Fantom Encore’, present innovative solutions to the limitations of earlier technologies by offering improved visibility and more effective treatment. These advancements facilitate easier placement, promote enhanced vascular recovery, and improve long-term outcomes, thereby supporting the broader adoption of this advanced technology in clinical practice.

This accomplishment by Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah underscores Emirates Health Services’ commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver world-class healthcare solutions.

Recently, Dr. Mohamed Magdi, Consultant and Head of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Department at Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, performed Europe’s first implantation of a single-chamber, wireless cardiac pacemaker “Aveir VR” at Bern University Hospital in Switzerland.

Dr. Magdi was specially invited to lead the procedure due to his expertise with this device where the UAE became the second country after the US to adopt this revolutionary technology, reinforcing its position as a global hub for medical innovation.

Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, Director of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, highlighted the importance of this achievement stating: “We are proud to see our expertise recognised on an international scale, with our specialists leading Europe’s first wireless pacemaker implantation. This success demonstrates the UAE’s leadership in medical innovation and showcases our team’s ability to advance cutting-edge treatment techniques.”