On September 12, 2024, Saudi Arabia made medical history with the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, successfully performed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre. The groundbreaking surgery was led by Dr. Firas Khalil, a cardiac surgery consultant, and his team.
The procedure, which lasted three hours, was conducted on a 16-year-old patient suffering from end-stage heart failure.
The innovative operation was notable for its minimally invasive approach, where the surgeons completed the transplant without opening the chest cavity. The team meticulously planned the surgery over several weeks and conducted virtual simulations to ensure accuracy and reduce risks.
Dr. Khalil highlighted the benefits of robotic technology, including reduced pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications. This achievement sets a new standard in cardiac care and is expected to revolutionize future transplant surgeries worldwide.
