Gazi Yasargil, hailed as the "Neurosurgeon of the Century (1950–2000)" by the journal Neurosurgery in 1999, passed away at the age of 99, the Turkish Health Ministry announced Wednesday.

Türkiye’s Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu expressed profound sadness in a post on X, stating: “Throughout his life, which spanned nearly a century, he devoted himself to science and accomplished countless achievements that continue to inspire us all. We will do everything we can to honor his legacy.”

Born in 1925 in Diyarbakir, Türkiye, Yasargil revolutionized neurosurgery by pioneering microneurosurgery, a technique that allowed unprecedented precision in operating on delicate brain structures. His innovations, including the surgical microscope and microsurgical instruments, have become global standards in neurosurgical procedures.

Yasargil’s contributions include the “Yasargil clip,” an aneurysm clip used to clamp ballooned blood vessels during intracranial surgeries, and the “Leyla retractor,” a device named after his daughter that gently retracts brain tissue to access surgical sites. He also developed the “floating microscope” system, enhancing visualization and precision during microsurgical operations.

Yasargil’s legacy continues to shape modern neurosurgery, with his tools and techniques saving countless lives worldwide. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions will inspire future generations of surgeons. (ILKHA)