Saudi Arabia sets new global benchmark with robotic-assisted heart surgery
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre previously achieved global recognition for robotic heart and liver transplants
Credit: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
ISTANBUL
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh successfully performed a robotic-assisted implantation of Abbott's HeartMate 3 artificial heart pump, the hospital said in a statement on Wednesday.
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old patient suffering from advanced heart failure, accompanied by kidney and lung complications.
Following a 120-day hospitalization, the patient’s recovery progressed remarkably quickly, requiring only four days in intensive care and anticipating discharge within 10 days -- significantly faster than the standard recovery time for similar procedures.
"This milestone demonstrates our ability to balance bold innovation with strict safety measures, delivering cutting-edge medical solutions that redefine the possibilities in healthcare," said Dr. Bjorn Zoega, also the deputy CEO of KFSHRC.
He added that this achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in medical innovation.
Dr. Feras Khaliel, the head of cardiac surgery and director of the center's Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, led the operation.
He emphasized the precision and safety of robotic-assisted procedures, noting that the patient had no infections, bleeding, or other complications.
"The patient was amazed at the minimal scarring, reflecting the advanced capabilities of robotic technology," he said.
The HeartMate 3, designed to support patients with advanced heart failure, was implanted with robotic assistance to reduce surgical trauma and recovery time.
Keith Boettiger, the vice president of Abbott’s heart failure business, praised the collaboration with the hospital.
"This procedure underscores how innovation in health technology can significantly improve quality of life," he said.
KFSHRC’s robotic-assisted procedures are part of its broader efforts to integrate advanced technologies into healthcare.
The institution has previously achieved global recognition for robotic heart and liver transplants and is consistently ranked among the top hospitals worldwide.
It secured the top spot in the Middle East and Africa and ranked 20th globally among the top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year. It was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in the 2024 Brand Finance rankings.
