King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has made history by performing the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant. This groundbreaking procedure, conducted on a 16-year-old patient with end-stage heart failure, showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to healthcare innovation and highlights KFSHRC’s role as a leader in advancing medical practices to improve patient care.
A Revolutionary Procedure
The fully robotic heart transplant at KFSHRC was meticulously planned and executed over two and a half hours. Dr. Feras Khaliel, Head of Cardiac Surgery and Director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, led the team. They devised a unique surgical approach that allowed them to access the heart without opening the patient’s chest, using advanced robotic technology. To perfect the procedure, the medical team conducted seven virtual simulations over three days before the actual surgery.
The operation was carried out with careful coordination among the team, with each member’s role clearly defined in a pre-surgery briefing. After obtaining approval from the medical committee and the patient’s family, the team successfully performed the transplant, ensuring precision and minimizing risks.
Why It Matters
This robotic-assisted heart transplant marks a significant shift in cardiac surgery. Unlike traditional heart transplants, which involve opening the chest and long recovery times, robotic surgery is minimally invasive. This reduces pain, lowers the risk of complications, and shortens recovery, improving the patient’s overall experience.
H.E. Dr. Majid Al Fayyad, CEO of KFSHRC, said, “The success of this world-first robotic heart transplant is a transformative leap, not only for our hospital but also for Saudi Arabia’s goal to lead globally in specialized medicine.” This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which promotes innovation in healthcare to enhance quality of life.
KFSHRC’s Commitment to Innovation
The robotic heart transplant is part of KFSHRC’s broader commitment to medical innovation. The hospital is at the forefront of using advanced technologies to enhance treatment outcomes and operational efficiency. As a leading center for robotic organ transplant surgeries, KFSHRC collaborates with medical institutions worldwide, sharing expertise to improve global practices in minimally invasive surgeries.
KFSHRC’s achievements have garnered international recognition, with the hospital ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa and 20th worldwide for two consecutive years. It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East in 2024 by Brand Finance and ranked among the world’s top 250 hospitals by Newsweek magazine.
source: dh arab