Saudi Arabia’s KFSHRC performs the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has made history by performing the world's first fully robotic heart transplant. The groundbreaking procedure, completed on a 16-year-old patient with end-stage heart failure, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to innovation in healthcare and highlighting KFSHRC's pioneering role in advancing medical practices that enhance patient care.

How does it work?

The fully robotic heart transplant at KFSHRC was a meticulously planned and executed operation that lasted two and a half hours. Led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, Head of Cardiac Surgery and Director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, the medical team began by crafting a detailed theoretical plan to ensure precision and minimize risks. To avoid opening the patient's chest, the team developed a unique surgical approach that allowed them to access the heart and perform the transplant using robotic technology. In preparation, they conducted virtual simulations of the procedure seven times over three consecutive days to perfect the technique.

After obtaining approval from the hospital's medical committee and the patient's family, Dr. Khaliel formed a medical team that prioritized coordination and harmony. Each team member's role was carefully defined in a pre-surgery briefing to ensure the operation's success and the patient's safety.

Why does it matter?

This achievement marks a significant shift in the field of heart transplantation. Unlike traditional procedures that require opening the chest and involve long recovery periods, robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive, reducing pain, lowering the risk of complications, and significantly shortening recovery time.

As H.E. Dr. Majid Al Fayyad, CEO of KFSHRC, noted, "The success of the world's first robotic heart transplant marks a transformative leap, not only for our institution but also for Saudi Arabia's journey toward global leadership in specialized medicine."

This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

The context

This groundbreaking procedure is part of KFSHRC's broader commitment to medical innovation and leadership in specialized healthcare. The hospital is dedicated to using advanced technology and resources to enhance treatment outcomes, patient experiences, and overall operational efficiency. As a premier training center for robotic organ transplant surgeries, KFSHRC collaborates with medical institutions worldwide to share expertise and improve global practices in minimally invasive surgeries.

Furthermore, KFSHRC's achievements are recognized globally, having been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa and 20th worldwide for two consecutive years. It was also recognized as 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. These accolades underline the hospital's commitment to maintaining high standards and continuing to push the boundaries of medical science.