Dubai: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually and nearly 32% of all global deaths.[1] In the UAE, heart attacks and strokes contribute to approximately 41% of deaths, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis, advanced cardiac care, and specialised treatment options.[2]

Against this backdrop, Aster Hospital, Al Qusais has successfully performed one of the UAE's most technically demanding heart bypass surgeries on a 55-year-old Indian resident, completing 11 artery to  artery connections during a five-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG x5) procedure performed on a beating heart.

The procedure Total Arterial-Anaortic Revascularization, used the patient’s own arteries to restore blood flow to the heart without touching the aorta - the body’s largest blood vessel. Unlike traditional bypass surgery, which may use veins from the leg, this technique uses only arterial grafts, which can offer better long-term results for suitable patients and help reduce risks of stroke associated with handling of aorta

The surgical team completed 11 anastomosis (surgical connections between bypass grafts and coronary arteries & between bypass conducts) during this five-vessel bypass procedure. The unusually high number of intricate connections significantly increased the technical complexity of the surgery and required meticulous planning, precision, and surgical expertise.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Sandeep Srivastava, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and Dr. Shipra Srivastava, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais.

Mr. Santokh Singh Ajit Singh, a 55-year-old Indian resident of the UAE, visited Aster Hospital after experiencing chest pain radiating to both shoulders for nearly six days. A coronary angiogram performed on 25 May 2026 revealed severe blockages in multiple arteries supplying blood to the heart.

Following a detailed evaluation, the cardiac team diagnosed him with advanced coronary artery disease with angina, a condition in which fatty deposits build up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing them critically and compromising the blood flow. He was also found to have hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), one of the  major risk factors contributing to his condition.

The patient underwent five-vessel bypass surgery (CABG x5) on 2 June 2026. This highly complex operation lasted approximately eight hours because of the extensive coronary artery disease, the need for multiple arterial grafts to arterial graft anastomosis and coronary anastomosis, requiring completion of 11 Arterial corrections in various forms.

The surgery was performed without stopping the heart, throughout the procedure. The surgeons used three arteries from the patient's own body - the Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA), Right Internal Mammary Artery (RIMA), and Left Radial Artery from the forearm—to create new pathways for blood circulation.

This advanced surgical technique uses the patient's own arteries to restore blood flow to the heart. In this case, the surgical team created five new bypasses and made 11 precise connections to ensure seamless blood flow to all the blocked areas of the heart. The procedure also involved creating multiple new blood flow pathways and carefully removing severe blockages and reconstructing the affected arteries to improve circulation. Performing these highly complex steps required exceptional surgical expertise in a state-of-the-art cardiac surgery unit.

During surgery, the team found several coronary arteries with long segments of severe blockage. To restore blood flow, they performed coronary endarterectomy to remove hardened plaque, followed by arterial patch reconstruction to repair and widen the affected blood vessels to ensure unobstructed blood flow.

He remained stable after the procedure and had an uneventful recovery.

Dr. Sandeep Srivastava, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, said "This was one of the most technically demanding bypass surgeries we have performed due to the patient's extensive coronary artery disease. We completed a five-vessel bypass on a beating heart with 11 different forms of arterial connections using patient's own arteries, while also removing plaque and reconstructing severely diseased vessels. Successfully performing such a complex procedure without stopping the heart or manipulating the aorta reflects the advanced cardiac expertise now available at Aster Hospital Al Qusais."

Dr. Shipra Srivastava, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, added "Modern heart surgery is focused on delivering safer procedures with better long-term outcomes. By performing the surgery on a beating heart and avoiding manipulation of the aorta, we minimised potential complications of stroke while achieving complete restoration of blood flow. This case demonstrates that patients with even the most complex coronary artery disease can access advanced cardiac care and excellent outcomes here in Dubai."

Mr. Santokh Singh Ajit Singh, the patient, said "When I learned I needed such a complex heart surgery, I was naturally anxious. The doctors explained every step of the treatment, which gave me confidence and reassurance. I am grateful to Dr. Sandeep Srivastava, Dr. Shipra Srivastava, and the entire team at Aster Hospital Al Qusais for their expertise and compassionate care. I am recovering well and thankful to have received such advanced treatment here in Dubai."

Since launching its cardiac surgery programme in November 2024, Aster Hospital, Al Qusais has successfully performed 500+ cardiac surgeries, reflecting its growing expertise in managing complex cardiovascular disease. Cases such as this demonstrate the hospital's ability to deliver highly specialised cardiac surgical procedures in Dubai, enabling patients with advanced coronary artery disease to access world-class treatment closer to home.