Karachi: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a Turkish cardiovascular surgeon, Prof Ugursay Kiziltepe, led and supervised a marathon 16-hour-long operation at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), successfully performing Pakistan’s first-ever “Total Arch Replacement with the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique” on a 16-year-old boy from Khairpur.
The complex surgery, regarded among the most technically demanding in cardiovascular medicine, marks a new milestone in Pakistan’s medical history. Performed entirely free of cost under the Sindh government’s health programme, the procedure demonstrated NICVD’s growing capability to perform advanced cardiac operations that were once restricted to only a handful of specialized centers in the world.
The historic operation was conducted under the guidance of Prof Ugursay Kiziltepe, an internationally acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon from Türkiye, who was specially invited to collaborate with NICVD’s surgical team. Working alongside him were Dr Khuzaima Tariq and Prof Asad Bilal Awan from NICVD, Dr Fahad from the Trauma Centre Karachi, and Consultant Anesthesiologist Prof Amin M. Khuwaja of NICVD. Together, the team executed a procedure that demanded precise coordination, endurance, and meticulous planning.
Prof Kiziltepe expressed admiration for NICVD’s team, describing the collaboration as an example of professional excellence and shared commitment to patient care. “It was an honor to work with the skilled and dedicated team at NICVD. This surgery, the first-ever successful Total Arch Replacement with the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique performed in Pakistan, required utmost precision, coordination, and endurance,” he said.
“It represents a landmark in the nation’s medical capabilities and demonstrates NICVD’s readiness to perform advanced and rare cardiovascular procedures that were previously limited to only a few specialized centers globally.”
Cardiac surgeon Dr Khuzaima Tariq said the success of this complex operation reflects the institute’s surgical depth and preparedness. “Being part of Pakistan’s first successful Total Arch Replacement with the Modified Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique is a tremendous milestone for both NICVD and our country. This procedure is among the most technically demanding in cardiovascular surgery, requiring replacement of the aortic arch without undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) along with the deployment of TEVAR. Its success reflects exceptional surgical expertise, meticulous planning, and outstanding teamwork,” he said.
Prof Asad Bilal Awan said performing the Total Arch Replacement with the Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique is a rare accomplishment, even in some of the most advanced medical centers around the world. “The teamwork between international and local specialists was instrumental in achieving this success,” he added.
Dr Muhammad Fahad, Cardiovascular Surgeon at Trauma Centre Karachi, who was also part of the operating team, described the experience as a remarkable display of medical collaboration and endurance. “It was an honor to contribute to this historic surgery alongside NICVD’s outstanding team and Prof Ugursay Kiziltepe. The level of coordination, skill, and focus maintained throughout the 16-hour operation reflects the true spirit of medical collaboration and Pakistan’s growing expertise in complex cardiac care.”
Prof Amin M. Khuwaja, Consultant Anesthesiologist, emphasized the challenges of maintaining the patient’s stability during such a lengthy and high-risk procedure. “A 16-hour operation of this magnitude poses tremendous anesthetic challenges. Our coordinated approach ensured the patient’s safety throughout the process, and we are delighted with the recovery progress,” he noted.
The young patient, who had been suffering from a life-threatening aortic condition, is now recovering well and showing positive post-operative signs. The entire surgery, which would have cost around Rs 6 million in private healthcare settings, was provided completely free of cost, thanks to the Sindh government’s continued support for public health institutions and cardiac care initiatives.
NICVD Executive Director Prof Tahir Saghir called the success a proud moment for Pakistan’s healthcare system and a reflection of the institute’s world-class standards. “This remarkable success is a proud moment for Pakistan’s healthcare sector and a testament to NICVD’s legacy of excellence,” he said.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sindh, particularly Chief Minister Sindh and Health Minister Sindh, for their visionary leadership and unwavering support. Their commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring free, quality cardiac care has made such groundbreaking achievements possible at NICVD.”
Prof Saghir praised the entire surgical team for their dedication, professionalism, and collaboration with the Turkish expert. “I congratulate Prof Ugursay Kiziltepe and our entire team including surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and nursing staff for their outstanding dedication and teamwork. Such achievements reaffirm NICVD’s mission of providing world-class, free-of-cost cardiac treatment to every patient across the country, ensuring that no one is deprived of quality healthcare due to financial constraints.”
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