University Medical Center (UMC) — Heart Center

University Medical Center (UMC) is a university-affiliated hospital in Astana, Kazakhstan. Founded in 2011, the center operates as a corporate foundation under Nazarbayev University. The institution manages several specialized departments. These include the Heart Center, the Diagnostic Center, and the Motherhood and Childhood Center. The medical team consists of 12 physicians who work within an integrated academic and clinical framework.

Accreditations and Clinical Achievements

UMC holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, confirming compliance with global patient safety standards. The hospital also maintains ISO-accredited laboratories. It has received the highest category of National accreditation in Kazakhstan. Its training infrastructure is linked with the Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, supporting complex clinical research and residency programs.

Heart Center and Cardiac Surgery

The Heart Center is a major hub for cardiology and cardiac surgery for adults and children. Specialists perform advanced interventions for heart valve diseases and rhythm disorders. The center provides leadless dual-chamber cardiac pacing using the AVEIR AR system. This eliminates the need for traditional pacing leads.Surgeons also specialize in complex procedures for heart failure and congenital defects:

• Pediatric heart transplantation for patients as young as 15 years old
• Transcatheter mitral valve repair using the mitral clip edge-to-edge technique
• Implantation of donor organs using the ALEM device for ex-situ organ preservation
• Interventional cardiology for transcatheter mitral regurgitation treatment

More than 25 doctors at the center have completed certification courses for modern transcatheter heart valve techniques.

Pediatric Oncology and Hematology

UMC provides specialized care for children under 18 with malignant tumors and blood disorders. Oncology Departments #3 and #4 offer a combined 52 beds for pediatric cancer treatment. The hospital follows international protocols for high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.The pediatric oncology team treats several conditions:

• Acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemias
• Histiocytosis and acquired aplastic anemias
• Malignant neoplasms of the skeletal bones and soft tissues
• Coagulation disorders and hemorrhagic diatheses

Specialists perform autologous, allogeneic, and haploidentical bone marrow transplants. Long-term post-transplant monitoring follows each procedure.

Diagnostic Technologies

The center operates dedicated rooms for high-resolution imaging and molecular diagnostics. The Diagnostic Center uses PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography) for precise tumor staging and monitoring. Laboratories provide immunohistochemical and cytogenetic testing to identify specific tumor markers.Available diagnostic equipment includes:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT)
• Angiography systems for interventional cardiac procedures
• Echocardiography (Echo) and bone scintigraphy
• Ultrasound (USG) and X-ray radiography

Diagnostic imaging also supports proctology services. These include laser vaporization of hemorrhoidal nodes and surgical treatment of rectal fistulas.

International Patient Services

UMC offers online consultations for patients who need a medical opinion before traveling. The hospital grounds include a Patient Hotel for companions and patients recovering from surgery. This facility supports those preparing for hospitalization or undergoing long-term rehabilitation. A Simulation Center trains staff in acute cardiovascular crisis management.