PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC-MTI) has successfully performed what it says is Pakistan’s first endoscopic cardiac surgery, marking a major development in minimally invasive heart treatment in the country.

According to the institute, the procedure was carried out on a 37-year-old patient for the treatment of a heart valve condition and a hole in the heart using advanced camera-assisted surgical techniques without opening the chest.

Doctors at PIC said the endoscopic cardiac surgery was performed through small incisions using specialised cameras and modern surgical equipment, allowing surgeons to complete the complex procedure with less physical trauma to the patient.

The hospital said the minimally invasive approach can help reduce pain, blood loss and recovery time compared to conventional open-heart surgery.

Dr. Mujeeb Dawar, Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at PIC, said the procedure reflects the institution’s efforts to introduce advanced cardiac treatment technologies in Pakistan. He credited the success to coordinated teamwork among the medical staff.

Dean PIC Professor Dr. Shahkar Ahmad Shah described the surgery as another major milestone for the institute and said preparations are also underway to launch a heart transplant programme in the future.

PIC said it will continue expanding advanced cardiac care services for patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country.