World’s first complete robotic heart transplant performed in Saudi Arabia

The first complete robotic heart transplant surgery in the world was successfully performed in Saudi Arabia. The surgery lasted for almost three hours and was carried by a medical team led by Saudi cardiac surgeon Dr. Firas Khalil.

World first robotic heart transplant in King Faisal Hospital

The successful heart transplant was performed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, a leading healthcare, research, and education institution recognized throughout Saudi Arabia. The patient, under the age of sixteen, was suffering from stage IV heart failure, the most advanced stage of the condition.

It is worth noting that the transplant took nearly three hours and was performed by Dr. Firas Khalil, a Saudi cardiac surgeon, along with specialized medical team.

^{The innovative methodology was tested virtually seven times over three days to verify its effectiveness. (Shutterstock)}

Prior to the surgery, the medical team spent weeks preparing, including theoretical planning to ensure surgery accuracy, devising a surgical methodology to reach the heart, and complete the transplantation process for the patient without cutting the rib cage. The innovative methodology was tested virtually seven times over three days to verify its effectiveness.

Remarkable achievement

This successful hear transplant marks a remarkable achievement in heart surgery, representing a significant shift in surgical practices. The patient benefits from a shorter recovery period, minimal pain, and reduced complications. Robotic surgery not only facilitates a quicker recovery but also enables the patient to resume daily activities sooner and enhances overall health.

It is noteworthy that King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 20th globally, on the Brand Finance Global list of the top 250 academic healthcare institutions for the second consecutive year. Additionally, the hospital is listed among the top 250 hospitals worldwide, according to Newsweek magazine.