Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City (STMC), part of the SEHA network and a subsidiary of PureHealth, has successfully performed a life-saving emergency surgery for an 85-year-old patient admitted with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, one of the most critical and life-threatening vascular emergencies.
The patient arrived at the Emergency Department complaining of severe abdominal pain accompanied by low blood pressure. A contrast-enhanced CT scan was immediately performed, revealing a rupture of the main abdominal aorta, a condition that can cause rapid internal bleeding and carries an extremely high mortality rate if not treated urgently.
The vascular surgery team at SEHA’s STMC was consulted immediately to assess the case. Due to the nature of the rupture, placing an endovascular stent was not possible, leaving high-risk open surgery as the only life-saving option.
Following the procedure, the patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he remained under close monitoring for three days. His condition gradually stabilised, and he continued to recover steadily.
Dr. Sulaiman Al Shamsi, Chief of Vascular Division at SEHA’s STMC, said: “This case highlights the importance of preparation, effective teamwork, and the trust families place in us during life-threatening emergencies. Our teams responded with exceptional speed and precision, ensuring that every decision was guided by patient safety and clinical excellence.”
Dr Nashwan Ahmed, Senior Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at SEHA’s STMC, who led and performed the surgery said: “This was an extremely high-risk case given the patient’s age and the severity of the rupture. Alongside a dedicated team of surgeons and anesthesiologists, we performed a complex open aortic repair in which the ruptured section of the aorta was replaced and reinforced using a synthetic graft, successfully controlling the bleeding and restoring circulation. Rapid diagnosis and strong teamwork were critical to stabilising the patient and performing the surgery safely, and I am proud of how our team worked together under pressure to deliver life-saving care.”
Cases of this nature carry considerable clinical importance, as they emphasize the need for heightened awareness of infrarenal aortic aneurysms and reinforce the crucial role of early diagnosis in preventing catastrophic rupture.
In this instance, the patient arrived with abdominal pain accompanied by mild hypotension. Management was particularly complex due to the patient’s advanced age and the fact that endovascular intervention was not a viable option. The medical team faced a critical dilemma: although open surgery carried substantial risk, withholding treatment would have resulted in an immediate and serious threat to the patient’s life.
Following a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, a decision was made to undertake a high‑risk open surgical intervention. The procedure was carried out successfully with the collaboration of an expert anesthesia team and experienced vascular surgeons. Despite the complexity and risks involved, the patient responded well to the surgery and survived.
This case highlights the essential role of coordinated teamwork, prompt clinical judgment, and readiness in the successful management of life‑threatening vascular emergencies.
This case highlights SEHA’s Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City’s ability to manage complex medical emergencies through advanced surgical capabilities and highly coordinated clinical teams. As part of the SEHA network, it continues to expand access to specialised emergency care for patients in Al Ain and across Abu Dhabi.
