The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) marked a milestone by successfully conducting its first Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR) procedure on May 14, 2026, at the newly established hybrid theatre in the Maryam Basheer Building.
The patient was a 47-year-old individual who had previously undergone a renal transplant and was diagnosed with a high-risk 8.1 cm infrarenal aortic aneurysm. Given the patient’s compromised condition, including a low ejection fraction ranging between 25 and 30 percent, the medical team concluded that conventional open surgery posed excessive risk.
EVAR, a minimally invasive technique, offers an alternative to traditional open vascular surgery. It is particularly advantageous for high-risk patients as it minimizes surgical trauma, reduces blood loss, and shortens recovery periods. During the procedure, the team successfully implanted a stent graft while carefully preserving both the native and transplanted renal arteries.
The operation was a collaborative effort, led by vascular surgery teams from SIUT and the SMBB Institute of Trauma Karachi. It also involved critical support from the cardiothoracic surgery, anaesthesia, and radiology departments. The procedure was overseen by Prof Ziad Sophie, with Dr Fahad Tariq Berlas, Dr Adeel Zafar, Dr Ghulam Ali, Dr Nadeem Ahmed, Dr Areeba Salim, and Dr Irfan Tariq forming the core surgical team.
Hospital representatives emphasized that this achievement represents a significant advancement in expanding SIUT’s capacity to deliver sophisticated vascular care. Notably, the institution continues to provide such complex procedures free of charge, underscoring its commitment to accessible healthcare.
This successful EVAR operation also demonstrates SIUT’s growing expertise in managing high-risk vascular cases through modern, less invasive methods, enhancing treatment options for patients with critical conditions.
