For the First Time in the Middle East: Al Qassimi Hospital Utilizes 'Smart Headband' for Remote Heart and Artery Surgeries

04 October 2023

Al Qassimi Hospital, one of EHS’ medical facilities, has introduced innovative medical technology for the treatment of heart diseases. This breakthrough involves the use of a "Smart Headband" for performing catheterization procedures and treating arterial diseases. This remarkable medical achievement is the first of its kind in the Middle East region.

The new technology relies on a smart headband that features a camera and a headset. Through this headband, communication with any doctor or surgical expert around the world is made possible. The camera captures surgical procedures in high-definition and exceptional clarity, broadcasting them live and in real-time. Meanwhile, the headset enables communication with the remotely located doctor, allowing them to see exactly what the operating doctor sees in the operating room. This immersive experience allows the remote doctor to provide guidance, share knowledge, and perform surgical interventions safely and precisely, leveraging diverse expertise and crossing geographical boundaries. This reflects Emirates Health Services’ commitment to advancing and excelling in medicine and healthcare, solidifying its position as a leading center for innovative medical applications and advanced medical technology on both local and global levels.

Dr. Arif Al Nooryani, Chief Executive Officer of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, highlighted the growing importance of innovative medical advancements and improving patients’ lives with the integration of modern technologies in healthcare services. “As organizations worldwide are continuously turning to smart solutions and embracing new and creative ideas in response to the global changes, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts have led to more effective and efficient treatments, aligning with EHS’ vision and strategies to enhance the healthcare sector and improve patient care quality”, he says.

Dr. Al Nooryani emphasized the significance of adopting medical innovations to enhance diagnosis and treatment, expressing confidence that these technologies will elevate EHS as a leading healthcare center offering advanced medical services and technologies in the region.

Highlighting the hospital's commitment to utilizing advanced technologies to enhance patient care and improve surgical outcomes, Dr. Al Nooryani explained that Al Qassimi Hospital, in collaboration with the specialized company responsible for manufacturing the smart headband technology, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first healthcare facility to successfully perform a surgical procedure using the smart headband. One such procedure involved the implantation of a device called "The Guardian" into the atrial pocket of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. The hospital recently showcased its innovative approach by live streaming a chronic occlusion procedure performed by Dr. George Cyanus at the Swiss Heart Conference. Additionally, the hospital conducted another successful surgical procedure using the smart headband, this time for valve implantation.

Regarding the advantages of the smart headband technology, Dr. Al Nooryani emphasizes its ability to save time, effort, and costs while enhancing surgical precision. The technology eliminates the need for specialized doctors and experts to travel and physically be present during surgeries to oversee them in person. Instead, the smart headband enables their virtual presence, allowing for remote supervision and enhancing the expertise available during surgeries.

Furthermore, the smart headband technology not only saves time, effort, and costs while enhancing surgical precision, but it also enables direct participation in medical conferences. Al Qassimi Hospital's pioneering efforts in live-streaming surgical procedures during conferences and exhibitions highlight the importance of scientific conferences in fostering knowledge exchange among academics, researchers, and experts across various fields. By sharing experiences, discussing research findings, and acquiring essential knowledge, these conferences play a crucial role in improving the quality of healthcare services.

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