Pediatric Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City

On January 22, 2025, the medical team at SKMC, under the expert guidance of Dr. Rizwan Rehman, Consultant Paediatric and Interventional Cardiologist, achieved a historic milestone by performing the pediatric tricuspid valve insertion catheter procedure in the UAE. This pioneering procedure was carried out on a 14-year-old boy named Mohamed, whose life had been profoundly impacted by a road traffic accident in 2019.

The accident had caused significant damage to Mohamed's tricuspid heart valve, necessitating its replacement. Additionally, he developed a heart rhythm problem that required the implantation of a pacemaker. Over time, Mohamed's heart rhythm normalized, allowing for the pacemaker to be switched off. However, he faced a new challenge as his tricuspid valve progressively narrowed, rendering the valve leaflets immobile and causing severe exercise intolerance and breathlessness.

After thorough discussions and evaluations, the medical team concluded that Mohamed's tricuspid valve required replacement. They proposed an innovative approach to implant a new valve using a keyhole technique within the existing valve, while also removing the pacemaker leads during the same procedure.

In a unique and complex operation, the electrophysiology team from SSMC successfully removed the pacing system from Mohamed's heart. Following this, the SKMC Pediatric Interventional team skillfully implanted a 30.5 mm MyVal within the previous valve. Mohamed's recovery post-procedure was remarkable, and he was discharged home just four days later.

During follow-up visits, it was evident that the new valve was functioning exceptionally well, and Mohamed experienced a significant improvement in his symptoms. His journey is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the medical teams at SKMC and SSMC, and it highlights the advancements in pediatric cardiology that are transforming lives.