Saudi Arabia’s KFSHRC performs the world’s first robotic-assisted artificial heart pump implantation

It's a groundbreaking first for the medical world. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has achieved what many thought impossible — the world's first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump, HeartMate 3, developed by Abbott. This remarkable feat showcases the ingenuity of modern medicine and offers a lifeline to patients facing the brink of despair, like a 35-year-old man with advanced heart failure who's now on the road to recovery.

How did it work?

Using state-of-the-art robotic technology, surgeons implanted the HeartMate 3 — a device designed to support the heart's pumping function. Precision tools and robotic arms took the lead, guided by the expert hand of Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of cardiac surgery and director of the hospital's Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. Unlike traditional methods that leave patients battling prolonged ICU stays and lengthy recoveries, this technique slashed the patient's ICU time to just four days. And here's the kicker: the patient is expected to leave the hospital within 10 days — a far cry from the usual two months.

Dr. Khaliel highlighted the seamless precision of this approach, saying, "The patient was amazed at the minimal scarring, reflecting the advanced capabilities of robotic technology."

The process ensures better outcomes and minimizes complications like infections and bleeding.

Why does it matter?

This isn't just a win for KFSHRC; it's a game-changer for healthcare. Robotic-assisted surgeries redefine the standards of safety and recovery, offering patients new hope with less downtime.

Dr. Bjorn Zoega, deputy CEO of KFSHRC, put it perfectly: "This milestone demonstrates our ability to balance bold innovation with strict safety measures, delivering cutting-edge medical solutions that redefine the possibilities in healthcare."

The implications ripple far beyond Saudi Arabia, solidifying the Kingdom's reputation as a global leader in medical innovation.

Keith Boettiger, Abbott's VP for heart failure business, emphasized the transformative potential, noting, "This achievement aligns with Abbott's commitment to empowering people to live healthier, fuller lives."

The context

KFSHRC's latest triumph isn't a one-off — it's part of a legacy of firsts. From the world's first fully robotic heart transplant to robotic liver transplants, the hospital has consistently pushed the envelope. It's no wonder KFSHRC has earned accolades like being ranked first in the Middle East and Africa among Academic Medical Centers and 20th globally. It's also the region's most valuable healthcare brand, as per the 2024 Brand Finance rankings.

These achievements aren't just trophies on a shelf. They're evidence of KFSHRC's commitment to advancing specialized healthcare, blazing trails that others will follow. The success of this robotic-assisted artificial heart pump implantation is another bold chapter in their story — one that leaves us all eager to see what comes next.