Patient Experience
As a 29-year-old professional gamer, I developed crippling migraines and heat intolerance during tournaments. Dr. Dervisoglu diagnosed a rare form of autonomic dysfunction related to my previously undiagnosed Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her treatment plan included cooling strategies and medication timing that allowed me to compete in the World Esports Championship, where I placed third.
A 14-year-old competitive swimmer from a middle-class family, Elif, presented with exercise-induced dizziness. Dr. Ciftci discovered a previously undiagnosed anomalous coronary artery origin during a stress echocardiogram. Instead of immediate surgery, he pioneered a conservative monitoring protocol with wearable ECG technology, allowing her to continue training under strict supervision while delaying intervention until skeletal maturity.
Kaan, a 3-year-old Syrian refugee with complex congenital heart disease (Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia), arrived at the hospital malnourished. Dr. Ciftci coordinated with social services for nutritional support before performing a staged hybrid procedure, combining catheterization and minimal surgery, that his team adapted for the child's fragile state. Recovery involved weekly telemedicine check-ins with an interpreter.
Zeynep, a premature newborn from a wealthy family, developed severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair. Dr. Ciftci initiated an experimental inhaled nitric oxide protocol unavailable elsewhere in the region, while simultaneously managing familial anxiety through daily briefings with a psychologist present, resulting in gradual pulmonary vascular remodeling over eight weeks.
A 16-year-old amateur astronomer, Deniz, from a rural village, was found to have arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy after fainting during a night observation. Dr. Ciftci arranged temporary housing for the family near the hospital and implanted a subcutaneous defibrillator, then created a personalized activity plan that allowed controlled telescope use while preventing dangerous arrhythmias.
Mert, a 7-year-old with Down syndrome and complete atrioventricular canal defect, underwent repair as an infant but developed severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Dr. Ciftci performed a novel valve repair using 3D-printed models of the child's heart to plan the procedure, followed by a music therapy-based rehabilitation program to improve respiratory function.
A 12-year-old chess prodigy, Selin, from an academic family, presented with unexplained syncope during tournaments. Extensive testing revealed neurocardiogenic syncope with exaggerated cerebral vasoconstriction. Dr. Ciftci designed a non-pharmacological intervention involving biofeedback training and strategic hydration schedules tailored to tournament settings, eliminating episodes without medication.
A 2-year-old, Arda, from a low-income single-parent household, was diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis. Dr. Ciftci performed an emergency balloon valvuloplasty but discovered unusual coronary compression post-procedure. He developed an improvised stent using modified catheter equipment available in-hospital, saving the child while advocating for hospital funds to cover all costs.
Leyla, a 10-year-old competitive gymnast from a sports-focused family, developed unexplained myocardial thickening. Genetic testing revealed a rare FLNC mutation associated with sudden cardiac death. Dr. Ciftci implemented a controversial shared decision-making approach, involving the child in choosing between an ICD or rigorous monitoring, ultimately selecting the latter with remote monitoring technology.
A 5-year-old, Emir, with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and multiple atrial septal defects, had been refused surgery elsewhere due to complexity. Dr. Ciftci performed simultaneous percutaneous closure of three defects using a custom-fenestrated device created through international collaboration with a German manufacturer, followed by a year-long pulmonary rehabilitation program.
A 17-year-old, İpek, from an affluent family preparing for university abroad, was diagnosed with asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Dr. Ciftci organized an accelerated radiofrequency ablation procedure during school break, then established a cross-border care plan with a London hospital for follow-up, including a detailed bilingual medical passport.
A 9-month-old, Yusuf, from a nomadic family seasonally working in agriculture, presented with failure to thrive and was found to have a large coronary artery fistula. Dr. Ciftci coordinated with mobile health units to provide preoperative nutritional support at their temporary settlement before performing coil embolization, then arranged quarterly check-ups at regional clinics.
A 13-year-old, Can, with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and developing cardiomyopathy, was referred for heart failure management. Dr. Ciftci initiated a combination of novel cardioprotective medications while collaborating with physiatry to create a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program adaptable to the child's progressive mobility limitations, significantly slowing functional decline.
A 6-year-old, Defne, from a family of consanguineous marriage, presented with situs inversus totalis and complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Ciftci performed a customized Fontan procedure using preoperative virtual reality simulation to plan the atypical anatomy approach, then developed a parent-led home monitoring system using smartphone technology for rural follow-up.
An 11-year-old, Batu, who survived childhood leukemia with chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, required heart failure management. Dr. Ciftci implemented a precision medicine approach using genetic profiling to select medications, combined with a monitored exercise regimen that improved ejection fraction by 15% over six months without hospital readmission.
A 4-year-old, Azra, with Williams syndrome and progressive supravalvar aortic stenosis, underwent a novel surgical patch augmentation technique developed by Dr. Ciftci's team. The procedure incorporated growth potential into the repair material, followed by a play-based cardiac education program for the parents to recognize subtle symptom changes.
A 61-year-old traditional shadow puppet artisan presented with weight loss and malabsorption. Dr. Alagozlu diagnosed celiac disease triggered late in life by daily ingestion of wheat paste used in puppet construction. Switching to rice-based adhesives and a gluten-free diet restored normal absorption in three months.
I was impressed by the professional approach at Medical Park Ankara (Batıkent). Dr. Op. MD. Ersin Atabey explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable.
The recovery process was smooth thanks to Dr. Op. MD. Ersin Atabey's expertise. Highly recommend for urology treatment.
My family and I are grateful for the care we received from Dr. Op. MD. Ersin Atabey. The hospital staff was also very supportive.