(Sports Corresponsdent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Makes History with First-Ever Free Advanced Heart Surgery
Nov 12, 2025
In a groundbreaking achievement for Pakistan’s healthcare sector, surgeons at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) have successfully performed the country’s first-ever total arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk (Tarfet) technique — a complex cardiac surgery carried out completely free of cost on a 16-year-old boy from Khairpur.
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This 16-hour-long operation, regarded as one of the most advanced procedures in cardiovascular medicine, marks a historic leap forward for Pakistan’s medical capabilities. The surgery was led by Prof. Ugursay Kiziltepe, an internationally acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon from Türkiye, in collaboration with NICVD’s expert surgical team.
A Landmark in Free Cardiac Care
The procedure was performed under the Sindh government’s free healthcare initiative, reaffirming its commitment to providing state-of-the-art cardiac treatment to all citizens, regardless of financial background.
“It was an honour to work with the highly skilled team at NICVD,” said Prof. Kiziltepe. “This operation demanded precision, endurance, and teamwork — and it stands as a milestone in Pakistan’s growing medical expertise.”
The Team Behind the Success
Joining Prof. Kiziltepe were Dr. Khuzaima Tariq and Prof. Asad Bilal Awan from NICVD, Dr. Muhammad Fahad from the Trauma Centre Karachi, and Consultant Anaesthesiologist Prof. Amin M. Khuwaja. Their combined experience and coordination ensured the smooth execution of this rare and high-risk surgery.
Dr. Tariq hailed the event as a defining moment for Pakistan’s medical community, explaining that this technique replaces the aortic arch without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest — blending thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with surgical precision, a feat achieved only in top-tier international cardiac centres.
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Prof. Awan highlighted the significance of the collaboration between Turkish and Pakistani specialists, calling it a reflection of international medical partnership and innovation.
Dr. Fahad described the procedure as a “testament to endurance and teamwork,” while Prof. Khuwaja shared that maintaining patient stability during the 16-hour surgery was one of the toughest challenges — one that the team overcame through exceptional coordination.
Patient Recovery and Cost Impact
The young patient, who suffered from a severe and life-threatening aortic condition, is now recovering well and showing strong post-operative progress. The complex surgery, valued at nearly Rs6 million in private hospitals, was provided free of charge through the Sindh government’s ongoing support for NICVD’s free cardiac care program.
NICVD Executive Director Prof. Tahir Saghir praised the achievement as a proud milestone for Pakistan’s public healthcare system.
“This incredible success is proof of NICVD’s world-class medical standards and the Sindh government’s vision for free, quality heart care for every citizen,” said Prof. Saghir.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and Health Minister of Sindh for their continued backing in strengthening healthcare facilities and congratulated Prof. Kiziltepe and the entire NICVD team for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork.
Prof. Saghir reaffirmed that NICVD remains committed to providing international-standard cardiac treatment completely free of cost, ensuring that no patient is denied life-saving care due to financial limitations.
