Pakistan’s first hybrid vascular theatre enables cutting-edge limb-saving procedures

Pakistan’s first hybrid vascular theatre enables cutting-edge limb-saving procedures

KARACHI: Every year, tens of thousands of Pakistanis lose limbs to complications from diabetes, chronic ulcers, and traumatic injuries — a problem that has long burdened patients and the healthcare system alike. According to recent estimates, nearly 10–15% of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers, and a significant portion of these cases ultimately lead to amputation due to delayed or inadequate vascular intervention. In trauma cases, delayed access to advanced vascular care can mean the difference between survival and permanent disability. Addressing this critical gap, the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBB Institute of Trauma), Karachi, has inaugurated Pakistan’s first vascular hybrid suite, a state-of-the-art facility that integrates open surgery with minimally invasive, image-guided procedures — offering new hope for limb preservation and survival in high-risk patients.

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The facility, named “V-Tech: The Hybrid Vascular Suite,” was inaugurated by Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health and Population Welfare Department, Government of Sindh, and Chairperson, Board of Governors, SMBB Institute of Trauma. The suite combines advanced imaging with traditional surgical capabilities, allowing doctors to perform complex vascular procedures more quickly, accurately, and safely, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Pechuho highlighted the transformative potential of the suite. She noted that the high burden of diabetes and chronic ulcers in Sindh has historically contributed to a high rate of avoidable amputations.

“With this hybrid vascular suite, we can now offer timely revascularization and minimally invasive treatments that prevent permanent disability and save lives,” she said, emphasizing that this advancement marks a major step forward in modernizing Pakistan’s surgical care.

The suite is designed to address a wide spectrum of conditions, including peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot complications, traumatic vascular injuries, and complex bleeding disorders. By integrating imaging and surgical capabilities in a single operating room, the hybrid theatre enables interdisciplinary collaboration, faster decision-making, and more precise interventions — factors that can drastically reduce recovery times and long-term disability.

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In addition to expanding treatment capacity, Dr. Pechuho announced measures to strengthen the healthcare workforce, including a new anesthesia training program at Civil Hospital Karachi to fill existing gaps. She also highlighted plans for two additional trauma centers in Karachi, which will further improve access to emergency and surgical care in the city.

Experts believe the launch of Pakistan’s first vascular hybrid theatre is more than just an infrastructure milestone — it signals a paradigm shift in how complex vascular and trauma cases are managed in the country. With the V-Tech suite, SMBB Institute of Trauma is set to become a national hub for advanced vascular care, specialized training, and research, ultimately reducing disability, lowering amputation rates, and improving survival outcomes across Sindh and beyond.

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