KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) has achieved a historic medical milestone by successfully treating a critically ill patient who remained on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support for nine continuous days and made a full recovery. It marks the first case of its kind in Pakistan’s medical history.
According to NICVD officials, the young patient was admitted in critical condition with severe cardiac and respiratory failure. The medical team decided to initiate both Veno-Arterial (VA) and Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO support systems to assist the heart and lungs simultaneously when all other treatment options had failed. The procedure required constant monitoring and coordination among cardiac surgeons, intensivists, anesthetists, nurses, and perfusion technologists.
Executive Director of NICVD, Professor Nadeem Qamar, congratulated the ECMO team for their relentless efforts and professionalism. He said this was not just a medical success but a national achievement that proves Pakistan has entered the era of advanced critical care medicine. “Our doctors, nurses, and perfusionists worked tirelessly for nine days and nights to sustain a life that seemed impossible to save. This success shows that Pakistan can now perform the most advanced forms of cardiac and respiratory support comparable to global standards,” he said.
Head of the ECMO Program at NICVD, Dr. Abdul Wahid, said the procedure was a complex and delicate process requiring precision and teamwork. “ECMO acts as an external heart-lung system that allows these organs to rest and heal. Every minute of care mattered, and the dedication of our team made this miracle possible,” he added.
NICVD officials also acknowledged the continued support of the Sindh Government, which has enabled the institute to develop state-of-the-art cardiac care facilities and provide free medical treatment to thousands of patients. Professor Qamar praised the government’s vision and commitment, stating that such achievements would not be possible without its backing.
With this breakthrough, NICVD has reinforced its position as a regional leader in cardiac innovation, providing cutting-edge medical care to patients from all walks of life. The institution continues to serve as a symbol of hope, excellence, and compassion in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
