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 (Tarfet) 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 charge under the Sindh government’s health programme, the procedure demonstrated the NICVD’s growing capability to perform advanced cardiac operations that were once restricted to only a handful of specialised centres in the world.
The historic operation was conducted under the guidance of Prof Kiziltepe, an internationally acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon from Türkiye, who was specially invited to collaborate with the NICVD’s surgical team.
Working alongside him were Dr Khuzaima Tariq and Prof Asad Bilal Awan from the NICVD, Dr Muhammad Fahad from the Trauma Centre Karachi, and consultant anaesthesiologist Prof Amin M Khuwaja of the NICVD. Together, the team executed a procedure that demanded precise coordination, endurance and meticulous planning.
Prof Kiziltepe expressed admiration for the NICVD’s team, describing the collaboration as an example of professional excellence and shared commitment to patient care. “It was an honour to work with the skilled and dedicated team at the NICVD. This surgery, the first-ever successful Tarfet technique performed in Pakistan, required the utmost precision, coordination and endurance.”
He said that it represents a landmark in the nation’s medical capabilities, and demonstrates the NICVD’s readiness to perform advanced and rare cardiovascular procedures that were previously limited to only a few specialised centres globally.
Cardiac surgeon Dr Tariq said that 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 the NICVD and our country.”
He said that this procedure is among the most technically demanding in cardiovascular surgery, requiring replacement of the aortic arch without undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, along with the deployment of thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Its success reflects exceptional surgical expertise, meticulous planning and outstanding teamwork, he added.
Prof Awan said that performing the Tarfet technique is a rare accomplishment, even in some of the most advanced medical centres around the world. “The teamwork between international and local specialists was instrumental in achieving this success.”
Cardiovascular surgeon Dr Fahad, who was also part of the operating team, described the experience as a remarkable display of medical collaboration and endurance. “It was an honour to contribute to this historic surgery alongside the NICVD’s outstanding team and Prof Kiziltepe.”
He said that 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 Khuwaja emphasised 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 anaesthetic challenges. Our coordinated approach ensured the patient’s safety throughout the process, and we are delighted with the recovery progress.”
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 Rs6 million in private healthcare settings, was provided completely free of charge, thanks to the provincial 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 the NICVD’s legacy of excellence.”
Prof Saghir thanked the provincial government, particularly the chief minister and the health minister, 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 the NICVD.”
He praised the entire surgical team for their dedication, professionalism and collaboration with the Turkish expert. “I congratulate Prof Kiziltepe and our entire team, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, perfusionists and the nursing staff, for their outstanding dedication and teamwork.”
He said that such achievements reaffirm the NICVD’s mission of providing world-class, free-of-charge cardiac treatment to every patient across the country, ensuring that no one is deprived of quality health care due to financial constraints.