Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Artificial intelligence and advanced technology are redefining stroke care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), one of the emirate’s centres of excellence for stroke, is leveraging the latest innovations to accelerate diagnosis and treatment.
With its rapid brain scans, cutting-edge platforms, and a highly coordinated team, CCAD is setting the “gold standard” when it comes to handling cases of stroke, according to Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud, a staff physician at the Neurology Department of CCAD’s Neurological Institute.
One of the institute’s most transformative tool is RapidAI, “an artificial intelligence system that processes brain scans with extraordinary speed and accuracy”, Dr. Mifsud told Aletihad.
“It helps our physicians quickly determine which patients are candidates for life-saving interventions such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy.”
This tool is particularly significant given that, in cases of stroke, “every second truly counts”.
The hospital also uses the Artis Icono system, a sophisticated neuro-interventional platform that ensures precision in procedures such as clot removal.
“Our entire stroke pathway - from ambulance arrival to emergency imaging, treatment, and recovery planning - is built for integration and speed. This model of care is unique in the region and is increasingly becoming the gold standard,” she added.
Dr. Seby John, another staff physician at the Neurology Department, told Aletihad that the hospital’s success also lies in its highly coordinated team.
“From the moment a patient arrives at the emergency department, a highly trained multidisciplinary team activates stroke-specific protocols. This includes emergency physicians, neurologists, neurointerventionalists, radiologists, anesthetists, and stroke-trained nurses - all working together in real time,” Dr. John said.
Once stabilised, patients transition into an integrated rehabilitation phase.
“A second team, including rehabilitation physicians, therapists, nurses, and case managers, develops an individualised care plan,” he added.
This is a life-saving approach, the specialist said. “It improves recovery, reduces complications, and helps patients regain independence with confidence and dignity.”
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Vision
Advancing its capabilities and keeping pace with healthcare innovations are part of CCAD’s broader strategy in support of Abu Dhabi’s long-term goals.
“Our designation (as a Stroke Centre of Excellence) is a testament to our rigorous standards across clinical outcomes, patient safety, experience, innovation, and caregiver competency,” said Dr. Mifsud.
The goal is to ensure not only a patient’s survival but meaningful recovery, she said.
“This long-term perspective – of reducing risk, restoring function, and supporting quality of life – is at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s patient-first healthcare vision.”
In the Year of Community, CCAD is prioritising stroke awareness, highlighting that once it strikes, every second counts – and any delay “could make the difference between recovery and long-term disability”.
CCAD treats approximately 1,100 stroke cases annually and nearly 40% of these patients are under the age of 50, Dr. Misfud said.
“This statistic underscores the increasing impact of stroke on younger populations in the UAE,” she said.
Many of the common risk factors are largely preventable with a shift to healthier lifestyles, she added.
“Among the most critical are uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these factors are lifestyle-driven and, with awareness and regular medical follow-up, can be effectively controlled or reversed.”
When a stroke occurs, immediate action is critical; hence, CCAD has been reaching out to the community with a clear goal: To help the public recognise the early signs of stroke.
The hospital has presented the BE FAST acronym, a simple guide to help people identify symptoms: Balance issues, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.
“We have partnered with Ma’an and the Department of Community Development to reach people where they are: schools, malls, and workplaces,” said Dr. John.
“We support the UAE’s national strategy for neurological care and stroke prevention through advanced care, national data efforts, medical education, and public campaigns. These combined efforts help shape a more proactive and coordinated approach to stroke care across the country.”
