Revolutionizing Cardiac Care: The World's First Fully Robotic Heart Transplant at KFSHRC

A groundbreaking achievement has taken place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a heart team successfully completed the world's first fully robotic heart transplant.

A groundbreaking achievement has taken place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a heart team successfully completed the world's first fully robotic heart transplant.

The remarkable procedure, which lasted approximately two and a half hours, was performed on a16-year-old patient suffering from end-stage heart failure. Notably, the patient specifically requested that the surgical team refrain from opening his chest.

Leading the transplant was Dr. Feras Khaliel, MD, PhD, who, along with his team, underwent rigorous preparation, conducting practice sessions seven times over three days.

According to KFSHRC, the use of advanced robotic technologies in cardiac procedures presents significant advantages, including notably reduced recovery times. These robotic approaches are less invasive, even for complex surgeries like heart transplants, allowing patients to return to their daily routines more quickly. 

Additionally, robotic heart transplants have the potential to lower complications and enhance the overall quality of life for patients.

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Khaliel shared insights about the pioneering surgical technique:

Interviewer: Dr. Khaliel, what motivated your team to pursue a fully robotic heart transplant?

Dr. Khaliel: Our primary goal has always been to enhance patient outcomes. We knew that robotic techniques could offer less invasive options, resulting in quicker recovery times and fewer complications. By utilizing these advanced technologies, we can provide patients with innovative solutions that transform their surgical experience.

Interviewer: Can you speak to the challenges faced during this groundbreaking procedure?

Dr. Khaliel: Absolutely. While robotic surgery has numerous benefits, it also requires an extensive amount of practice and teamwork. We prepared meticulously, running through simulations multiple times. Each team member played an integral role, and our collective expertise was crucial in ensuring a successful outcome.

Interviewer: How do you foresee the future of robotic surgeries evolving in cardiac care?

Dr. Khaliel: The future looks extremely promising. As technology advances, we anticipate even greater precision and improved capabilities in robotic surgery. Our hope is to standardize these techniques as routine options for patients, making complex procedures much safer and more efficient.

Majid Al Fayyad, CEO of KFSHRC, expressed pride in this accomplishment, drawing parallels between this milestone and the very first heart transplants conducted in the 1960s. “This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our visionary leadership, who have prioritized the development of the healthcare sector, paving the way for a transformative leap in healthcare services,” he stated.

The patient is currently recovering well, with no significant complications reported. In the United States, robotic heart surgeries have shown promising statistics, with studies indicating that over 9,000 robotic cardiac procedures were performed in 2021 alone.