Karachi, Pakistan — April 2025
FAJR Scientific has proudly completed a groundbreaking interventional cardiology mission in collaboration with the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) in Karachi. Together, FAJR and SIUT delivered life-saving, non-surgical heart procedures to both children and adults with complex congenital heart conditions—achieving several historic medical firsts in the region and globally.

1. First Harmony Valve Implantation in Pakistan

During the mission, FAJR’s cardiology team successfully implanted the first Harmony valve ever placed in Pakistan, providing a minimally invasive solution for patients with right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. This breakthrough offers an alternative to open-heart surgery, significantly reducing recovery time and improving patient outcomes.

2. First Modified Harmony Valve Implantation in the World

In an extraordinary global milestone, the team performed the first-ever implantation of a modified Harmony valve. This customized approach expands the possibilities of pediatric and adult cardiac care in humanitarian and low-resource settings.

10 Complex Cases Treated Without Surgery

Over the course of the mission, 10 patients received advanced, catheter-based interventions. These non-surgical procedures corrected critical heart valve and vessel defects while the heart was still beating—eliminating the need for open-heart surgery and demonstrating the highest level of precision and collaboration.

“The FAJR-SIUT collaboration and mission has been incredibly successful. Dr.Sarah Badran is an outstanding team leader. Alhamdulillah, we implanted the first Harmony valve in Pakistan, and the first modified Harmony valve in the world. We corrected the problem in the patient’s heart while it was beating. To put this in context—it would be like an orthopedic surgeon repairing a patient’s leg while the patient is running.”
— Dr. Sameer Khan, FAJR Scientific

Rooted in Partnership and Built for Impact

FAJR’s work in Pakistan reflects our larger commitment to expanding access to specialized healthcare in underserved regions through long-term partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building. Our deepest thanks go to the SIUT team for their collaboration—and to Medtronic, whose generous donation of Harmony valves and specialized equipment made these life-saving procedures possible.