19 September 2024, Thu |
8:35 PM
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) has made medical history by successfully performing the world’s first complete robotic heart transplant. The groundbreaking surgery was conducted on a 16-year-old patient suffering from stage four heart failure, overcoming significant medical complexities. This remarkable achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s status as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Led by renowned Saudi cardiac surgeon, Dr. Feras Khaliel, the two-and-a-half-hour surgery involved weeks of meticulous planning. To ensure precision and safety, a virtual simulation of the procedure was carried out seven times over three days. The innovative approach allowed the team to replace the patient’s heart without making an incision in the chest, significantly reducing pain, recovery time, and potential complications.
Dr. Khaliel emphasized the critical role of teamwork and coordination, assembling a specialized medical team to ensure the operation’s success. Each member was thoroughly briefed on every aspect of the surgery, focusing on patient safety and optimal outcomes.
This milestone represents a significant shift in heart transplant surgery. Traditional open-heart procedures are being replaced by advanced robotic techniques, improving recovery times, reducing risks, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
KFSHRC’s achievement aligns with its ongoing commitment to medical innovation, enhancing patient experiences, and operational efficiency. As a leading training center for robotic organ transplant surgeries, the hospital continues to contribute to the global medical community, training professionals worldwide in cutting-edge techniques.
Ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa, and 20th globally, KFSHRC has also been recognized as the highest-valued healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance in 2024. Additionally, Newsweek listed the institution among the top 250 hospitals globally.
