When Abdul Fazl, born with complex congenital heart disease and duct-dependent circulation, began deteriorating rapidly, his family faced a terrifying reality: without urgent intervention, he would not survive. Advised to seek surgery abroad, they were left with no options as his condition worsened. His oxygen levels plummeted, and his skin turned cyanotic—a deep blue hue indicating his body's desperate need for oxygen. Heartbroken and fearful, the family sought help for their tiny child at FMIC.
In this critical moment, Dr. Waleed and Dr. Sabir made a bold decision that changed everything. With no time to lose, they chose to perform a procedure never before attempted in Afghanistan: PDA stenting. This lifesaving intervention was the only way to keep blood flowing to the infant's lungs, offering him a chance at survival. Despite the enormous challenge of performing such a complex procedure on a 3-kilogram neonate, the doctors knew it was his only hope.
The Pioneering Procedure
Abdul Fazl was admitted, and over two meticulously planned sessions, the team successfully performed PDA and collateral stenting. It was a delicate, groundbreaking milestone for the country. As soon as this procedure was complete, the results were immediate and astonishing—the baby's oxygen levels rose sharply, his cyanotic skin turned pink, and his breathing stabilized. He was kept in the hospital for two days under close observation, and to everyone's relief, his condition steadily improved.
A Family's Astonishment and Joy
The transformation in the baby's condition was nothing short of a miracle. His father and aunt, who had anxiously awaited news during the procedure, were overwhelmed with emotion when they saw the baby's skin turn pink for the first time. They couldn't believe the rapid improvement and expressed their immense gratitude to Dr. Sabir Safi and Dr. Waleed Safi, the medical team, for saving his life.
