First patient in Pakistan recovers after nine days on ECMO support at NICVD Karachi

NICVD Karachi achieves Pakistan’s first successful recovery after prolonged ECMO support

KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) has set a new benchmark in Pakistan’s medical history by successfully treating the first patient to recover after remaining on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) support for nine continuous days. This exceptional achievement highlights NICVD’s clinical excellence, technological advancement, and its unwavering commitment to saving lives through world-class cardiac care.

Following a complex cardiac surgery, a young patient’s heart and lungs stopped functioning, prompting the expert team at NICVD to initiate ECMO — a specialized form of life support used in critical cardiac and respiratory failure. In this rare and complex case, the NICVD team skillfully utilized both VA ECMO (Veno-Arterial) and VV ECMO (Veno-Venous) simultaneously to stabilize the patient and restore full organ recovery.

Led by Dr. Ali Raza Mangi, the dedicated ECMO team worked around the clock to ensure the young patient’s survival. Their expertise and teamwork exemplify NICVD’s leadership in advanced cardiac interventions and intensive care excellence.

Remarkably, the patient — a resident of Karachi — received the entire treatment completely free of cost, underscoring NICVD’s commitment to providing equitable and accessible healthcare for all, supported by the Government of Sindh.

This milestone reflects not only the strength of NICVD’s medical infrastructure but also the government’s continued investment in public healthcare innovation. Through ongoing development and specialized training, NICVD continues to expand its capabilities in cardiac care, offering cutting-edge treatment that rivals international standards.

This historic success is a moment of pride for the entire nation, affirming that advanced cardiac procedures, once only possible abroad, are now available in Pakistan. NICVD Karachi remains at the forefront of cardiac excellence, providing free, lifesaving services and reaffirming Pakistan’s growing presence in global medical innovation.

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