Simon Saade, a fourteen-year-old residing in Qatar, was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) of his foot at birth, making his life a constant struggle. AVM is a condition where blood vessels become abnormally tangled, leading to potential health complications such as bleeding and lack of oxygen in surrounding tissues. Simon’s case was rare as the AVM was located on the plantar surface of his foot, affecting his ability to walk properly. Despite undergoing corrective procedures abroad during his early childhood, Simon’s condition did not improve, and he had to rely on crutches for mobility, along with carrying a backpack filled with medical supplies to handle potential bleeding episodes.
Upon recommendation, the Saade family sought treatment at Sidra Medicine, a specialized women’s and children’s hospital in Qatar. The Interventional Radiology Department at Sidra Medicine devised a personalized treatment plan for Simon, which included several sessions of embolization to manage his AVM symptoms and reduce the risk of bleeding. Endovascular Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure, was used to close the abnormal blood vessels in Simon’s ankle, aiming to shrink the AVM by blocking blood flow to the area. This innovative approach allowed Simon to go home the next day without the need for long hospital stays, promising a quick and effective recovery without the usual side effects of traditional surgeries.
Following the embolization at Sidra Medicine, Simon required vascular corrective surgery, which could only be performed abroad. The IR team at Sidra Medicine facilitated this process by creating a 3D printed model of Simon’s foot to guide the specialist surgeon in France during the corrective surgery. After the corrective surgery, Simon underwent plastic surgery at Sidra Medicine to address a skin defect left from the previous procedure. By coordinating efforts between the surgeons in France and Qatar, optimal results were achieved, enabling Simon to be free of further invasive procedures and ensuring a successful recovery.
Despite facing numerous procedures over the years, Simon’s recovery after each embolization was swift and virtually painless. He regained his ability to walk without crutches, engaging in activities typical of a teenager. Bernard, Simon’s father, expressed gratitude for the care received at Sidra Medicine, emphasizing the team’s dedication and personalized treatment plan for his son. Five years later, Simon is now a university student, no longer hindered by pain while walking, showcasing the success of the innovative treatment approach at Sidra Medicine through interventional radiology.
Through championing minimally invasive procedures, Sidra Medicine aims to lessen the physical burden on patients and enable quicker recovery times. The collaboration between the medical team and the Saade family played a crucial role in formulating Simon’s personalized treatment plan, ensuring his successful recovery and improved quality of life. The Saade family’s trust in Sidra Medicine and the team’s unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes highlight the hospital’s dedication to providing exceptional care for its patients.
