Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has become the first hospital in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to deploy the Artisse Intrasaccular Flow Modulator, a cutting-edge device for treating wide-necked brain aneurysms. As a designated Centre of Excellence for stroke by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the hospital continues its commitment to advancing minimally invasive neurological care while offering safer, more effective alternatives to traditional brain surgery.

A breakthrough in Aneurysm treatment

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced a novel advancement in neurovascular care with the adoption of the Artisse Intrasaccular Flow Modulator, a specialized implant designed to treat wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. This technology represents a new standard in stroke treatment across the MENA region. Cerebral aneurysms, often referred to in broader terms as strokes, develop when a weakened section of a brain blood vessel expands or balloons. If left untreated, they pose a high risk of rupture and can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening form of brain bleeding. Traditionally, treatment involved invasive open brain surgery. However, new approaches are shifting towards minimally invasive techniques, significantly reducing patient risk and improving long-term outcomes. The Artisse device, unlike older methods which typically require multiple coils or filaments, uses a single intricately designed mesh structure that is deployed directly into the aneurysm. This device fills the aneurysmal sac, blocking blood flow into it and permanently sealing it off from the brain’s circulation. It remains in place for life, eliminating the need for follow-up surgeries. The procedure begins with catheter-based access, typically through the groin or arm, to reach the affected vessel in the brain. Using advanced 3D imaging and angiography, physicians position the device with precision. Depending on the complexity, the procedure can take between two and eight hours. Post-operative follow-ups are critical; imaging is usually conducted at three and six months to ensure full occlusion of the aneurysm. The first patient treated with the Artisse device at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi showed successful aneurysm occlusion in their three-month follow-up, affirming the device’s therapeutic potential.

Leadership in specialized neurological care

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute has long adopted a multidisciplinary model of care, combining the expertise of specialists in neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, and neurology. This approach ensures that patients receive personalized treatment plans, guided by the latest imaging and catheter-based innovations. According to Dr. Khalil Zahra, Staff Physician of Neurosurgery at the Neurological Institute:“The introduction of this novel stroke technology in our region enhances our ability to treat complex aneurysms and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing the latest medical advancements to our patients. This technology, combined with our multidisciplinary approach to patient care, ensures that we continue to provide world-class treatment options for even the most challenging neurological conditions. The successful implementation of the device in its first procedure marks a new era in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, offering our patients a safer, more efficient, and less invasive treatment option.” Dr. Zahra also emphasized the long-term potential:“This technology serves as a springboard for further innovation in our field. Combining our experience with the new technology, we will inform future research initiatives, potentially leading to even more refined treatment methods for complex cerebrovascular conditions. Moreover, as we gather long-term data on patient outcomes, we expect to contribute valuable insights to the global neurosurgical community, further solidifying Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in neurological care and research in the MENA region.”

Recognition and impact across the region

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has formally recognized Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as a Centre of Excellence for stroke care, further reinforcing the hospital’s regional leadership in specialized treatment pathways. Dr. Fayeza Al Yafie, Executive Director of the Healthcare Quality Sector at DoH, commented on the significance of this development:“Centers of Excellence in Abu Dhabi continue to affirm their commitment to enhancing the healthcare system by providing specialized care and utilizing the emirate’s advanced infrastructure. Abu Dhabi’s dynamic regulatory environment encourages research and innovation in the continuous development and attraction of talent, as well as cutting-edge technologies and treatments that contribute to the health and safety of community members. We congratulate Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on this milestone and look forward to working together to position the healthcare system in the emirate among the best and most intelligent globally.” This milestone reflects not only a technological breakthrough but also the outcome of sustained collaboration between Cleveland Clinic and Mubadala Investment Company. Their long-term partnership has enabled a level of care within the UAE that reduces the need for patients to seek complex treatment abroad.

Building a legacy of innovation

Established through a partnership agreement in 2006, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was envisioned as a transformative step in healthcare delivery for the region. The facility officially opened its doors in May 2015, after nearly a decade of meticulous planning. More than 300 physicians and clinical staff worked in collaboration with architects, designers, and planners from around the world to shape the hospital’s advanced care environment. Backed by a bold initiative from the Government of Abu Dhabi, the hospital was designed to expand access to critical and complex care services that were previously unavailable locally. Today, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi operates as part of a global institution that spans:

The official inauguration took place on December 3, 2015, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. By introducing the Artisse Intrasaccular Flow Modulator, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has taken another decisive step toward redefining neurological care in the MENA region, combining cutting-edge science, collaborative care, and a vision for long-term innovation.