Saudi Hospital Performs First Robotic Heart Pump Implant

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has achieved a historic milestone by performing the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of the HeartMate 3 artificial heart pump, developed by Abbott. The groundbreaking surgery was conducted on a 35-year-old man with advanced heart failure, who had been hospitalized for 120 days and experienced kidney and lung function deterioration. The patient spent only four days in the intensive care unit, significantly less than the average of 26 days for traditional procedures, and is expected to be discharged within 10 days rather than the usual 63 days. Dr. Feras Khaliel, who led the procedure, highlighted the precision and safety of robotic surgery, noting the absence of infections or bleeding. This innovative approach reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in medical technology and underscores KFSHRC's commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions. The achievement follows KFSHRC's history of major medical advancements, including the first fully robotic heart transplantation.