UAE doctors perform first pediatric heart biopsy after transplant

Doctors in Abu Dhabi have completed the UAE's first cardiac biopsy on a pediatric heart transplant patient. The procedure at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) marks a major step forward in keeping families close to home for complex medical care.

The four-year-old patient received her heart transplant abroad in 2023. Now she can get follow-up care in Abu Dhabi instead of traveling overseas. The biopsy checks how well her new heart is working and whether her body is accepting it.

How did it work?

Two specialists worked together on the procedure:

• Dr Rizwan Rehman from SKMC
• Dr Joshua Philip Kanter from Children's National Hospital in Washington DC

Dr Kanter came to Abu Dhabi through the Department of Health's Visiting Physicians Programme. This program brings international experts to the emirate to perform advanced procedures and train local doctors.

The biopsy involved taking a small tissue sample from the transplanted heart to check its condition. This type of follow-up is essential for transplant patients to monitor for rejection or other complications.

Why does it matter?

Before this procedure, UAE families with children needing specialized heart care often had to travel abroad. This meant:

• High costs for travel and accommodation
• Time away from support networks
• Stress for both patients and families
• Delays in getting urgent care

Now families can access this level of care locally. The four-year-old's mother said she "always prayed" her daughter could be treated inside the country. "Today, that prayer was answered," she added.

The procedure also shows SKMC is building expertise in complex pediatric heart cases. All the necessary diagnostic tests and assessments can now be done locally.

The context

This achievement builds on a long partnership between SKMC and Children's National Hospital. The relationship spans decades and focuses on advancing pediatric care in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi's Visiting Physicians Programme has been busy this year. Since January 2025, the emirate has welcomed 47 international specialists who have:

• Performed 270 advanced surgical procedures
• Treated 2,200 patients with rare and complex conditions
• Provided consultations across various specialties

The program aims to make Abu Dhabi a regional hub for specialized healthcare. By bringing international expertise to local hospitals, patients get world-class treatment without leaving the country.

SKMC is positioning itself as a center of excellence for pediatric cardiac surgery. This latest milestone adds to the hospital's growing capabilities in handling complex transplant cases.