In a significant milestone that underscores the UAE's prominence in global healthcare, 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 U.S. 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 recognized 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."
Al Nooryani added that Al Qassimi Hospital’s partnerships with global medical institutions and its specialized training programs for doctors from Europe and the Middle East exemplify the UAE's commitment to healthcare excellence. He credited the UAE’s achievements to the Emirates Health Services’ commitment to equipping the healthcare sector with the latest technology, aligned with the "We the UAE 2031" vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.
Dr. Mohamed Magdi commented, "Al Qassimi Hospital is proud to be at the forefront of using this pioneering technology. Since our first device implantation over ten months ago, we’ve trained more than 200 physicians from across Europe and the Middle East, including Switzerland, Germany, England, France, and Austria. This device marks a transformative step in cardiac care."
The "Aveir VR" pacemaker offers significant advantages over traditional wired pacemakers, as it is inserted through a small entry point in the thigh or neck without requiring surgical incisions. This approach shortens hospital stays to less than 24 hours and boasts a long battery life of 15-20 years, providing a lasting solution for patients.
This achievement reflects the commitment of Emirates Health Services to advancing the UAE's healthcare sector through the adoption of cutting-edge innovations and the development of skilled national talent, solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for medical excellence.