World’s First Robotic Heart Transplant Saves Teen in 2.5-Hour Procedure
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) has made medical history by successfully performing the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant on a 16-year-old patient suffering from stage four heart failure. The groundbreaking procedure, led by prominent Saudi cardiac surgeon Dr. Feras Khaliel, marks a significant milestone in the field of heart transplantation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
The two-and-a-half-hour surgery, which utilized robotic technology to replace the heart without requiring an incision in the chest, was the result of weeks of meticulous planning and preparation. A virtual simulation of the surgery was performed seven times over three days to ensure its success. This innovative approach offers a departure from traditional open-heart transplants, resulting in reduced pain, quicker recovery times, and fewer post-surgical complications.
Dr. Khaliel, who led a specialized medical team, emphasized the importance of teamwork and coordination in ensuring the operation’s success. Every member of the surgical team was thoroughly briefed on the procedure to safeguard the patient’s well-being and maximize the chances of a positive outcome.
KFSHRC hospital has established itself as a hub for robotic organ transplant surgeries and actively collaborates with international medical institutions to advance minimally invasive procedures worldwide. Its accomplishments have garnered global recognition. The hospital ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa and 20th globally among the top 250 academic healthcare institutions. In addition, Brand Finance recently named it the highest-valued healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and Newsweek has included it among the top 250 hospitals worldwide.
Category: Technology & Devices
