Director of Ain Shams Stroke Unit: Successful Cerebral Catheterization for 4 Highly Complex Cases
Dr. Ahmed El-Bassiouni, Professor of Neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, and Head of the Stroke Unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals, confirmed that a series of visits has been conducted to several African countries to transfer Egypt’s pioneering experience in stroke treatment, as part of Egypt’s efforts to support African nations and protect patients from the risks and complications of stroke.
Dr. El-Bassiouni stated that the first visit was to Nairobi, Kenya, where a high-level training program was launched to train physicians on the latest international treatment protocols for ischemic strokes and cerebrovascular accidents.
He added that a large number of physicians were trained during the recent visit to Nairobi on the most up-to-date global protocols for stroke management. He also noted that the first highly complex cerebral catheterization procedures of their kind in East Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa were successfully performed.
The Professor of Neurology explained that four extremely critical and life-threatening cases underwent complex cerebral catheterization procedures. These patients are currently under close medical follow-up until full recovery and have been enrolled in comprehensive rehabilitation programs following their interventions.
Training Kenyan Physicians on the Latest Global Treatment Protocols
Dr. El-Bassiouni noted that several Kenyan physicians had previously attended numerous workshops in Egypt, delivered by leading specialists. He emphasized that the scientific and practical expertise gained by Kenyan doctors during their training in Egypt over the past years is now being actively implemented in their home country.
He further highlighted Egypt’s strong national strategy to support medical tourism, whether by exporting healthcare expertise abroad or by receiving international patients in Egypt for treatment according to the latest evidence-based medical guidelines. He explained that performing these advanced procedures for Kenyan patients, alongside enhanced training programs, will open new hope for treating thousands of stroke cases across Central and East Africa — not only in Kenya.
Dr. El-Bassiouni affirmed Egypt’s leading role in disseminating medical knowledge and transferring scientific and clinical expertise to Arab and African nations. He also revealed that the Stroke Unit at Ain Shams University is in the process of being listed on Egypt’s official medical tourism platform, in support of national efforts to expand high-quality healthcare services for African patients.
He pointed out that the Stroke Unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals plays a major leadership role in stroke care in Egypt, bringing together highly distinguished scientific expertise and representing a strong research hub capable of introducing the latest advancements in this specialty. All services provided to patients are offered free of charge.
He stated that there are approximately 250,000 new stroke cases annually, noting that stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the third leading cause of death. He added that the unit was established in 2023 and inaugurated through civil society efforts, with a current market value of approximately EGP 200 million. It has been equipped with the latest global technologies for stroke and clot treatment, emphasizing that the university and medical faculty have provided full financial and institutional support.
Dr. El-Bassiouni stressed that all services are provided free of charge, with a level of care comparable to that offered in the United States and Europe. He noted that no pain compares to seeing a parent or family member lose the ability to speak or move due to stroke — a tragedy that is even more devastating when the patient is a young adult in the prime of life.
Egypt Possesses a World-Class Device for Treating Cerebral Clots
Dr. El-Bassiouni explained that the Stroke Unit at Ain Shams University is unique and is considered the largest and most advanced in the Middle East and Africa in terms of global-standard equipment. The unit houses a hybrid catheterization system capable of performing CT imaging during cerebral catheterization procedures. It is also equipped with artificial intelligence technologies and qualified to perform robotic-assisted surgeries.
He added that the unit includes an advanced ultrasound department, featuring high-end diagnostic devices that enable precise diagnosis, rapid treatment, and prevention of complications. For the first time in the Middle East and Africa, the unit also includes a dedicated intensive care unit exclusively for stroke patients.
The Professor of Neurology noted that the Stroke Unit includes the largest functional rehabilitation center for post-stroke recovery, providing comprehensive rehabilitation services. The unit also offers clot-dissolving therapy free of charge and plays a significant role in scientific research to achieve deeper understanding and more effective treatment of complex stroke cases.
He confirmed that all stroke, cerebral catheterization, and clot treatment services are provided free of charge at the unit. Although the cost of such procedures ranges from EGP 250,000 to EGP 1 million per case, patients do not bear any financial burden. Emergency and reception services operate 24/7, with fully prepared medical and nursing teams available at all times.
