What if the future of heart surgery has already arrived? In an outstanding medical breakthrough, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has etched its name in history by performing the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump. This revolutionary procedure, involving the HeartMate 3 pump developed by Abbott, has reshaped the landscape of cardiac care. This remarkable offers a lifeline to patients battling with critical heart failure.
Surgeons at KFSHRC conducted the groundbreaking surgery on a 35-year-old man who had spent 120 days in the hospital due to critical heart failure. With his condition severely compromising kidney and lung functions, the situation had grown threatening. However, thanks to the precision and innovation of robotic-assisted surgery, the patient is now on a promising way to recovery, edging closer to reuniting with his loved ones.
A Game-Changing Surgery
The surgery was spearheaded by Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of cardiac surgery and director of KFSHRC’s Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. Unlike traditional methods, which often come with longer recovery periods and higher complication risks, this robotic-assisted approach delivered great benefits.
The patient spent just four days in the intensive care unit (ICU)—a sharp contrast to the typical 26-day ICU stay associated with conventional techniques. Furthermore, while standard procedures often require a hospital stay of about 63 days, this patient is expected to be discharged in just 10 days.
Dr. Khaliel highlighted the precision and reliability of this method, noting the absence of infections or excessive bleeding during and after the surgery. “The patient was thrilled by the minimal scarring, a testament to the advanced capabilities of robotic technology,” he shared.
Pioneering Medical Innovation
This achievement is part of a broader legacy of medical achievements at KFSHRC. The hospital has already performed the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and robotic liver transplantation, strongly marking its position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Dr. Bjorn Zoega, deputy CEO of KFSHRC, stated that this accomplishment reflects a balance between bold innovation and stringent safety measures, elevating global healthcare standards. “This is a milestone not just for KFSHRC but for the entire medical community,” he remarked, adding that it reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a torchbearer in cutting-edge medical advancements.
Technology Transforming Healthcare
The success of this robotic-assisted procedure underscores the transformative power of technology in healthcare. These innovations offer exceptional precision, drastically reducing risks and recovery times. For critical procedures like artificial heart pump implantation, this level of accuracy can mean the difference between life and death.
Keith Boettiger, Vice President of Abbott’s heart failure division, celebrated the collaboration with KFSHRC. “Partnering with KFSHRC on this groundbreaking initiative exemplifies how health technology can enhance lives and outcomes. This achievement aligns perfectly with Abbott’s mission to help people live fuller, healthier lives,” he said.
Revolutionizing Patient Care
While the technological advancements are remarkable, the real success lies in how they transform patients’ lives. For the 35-year-old man, this surgery is nothing short of life-changing. Once facing a tragic heart pain, he is now preparing to return home—proof of how state-of-the-art medical care can offer new hope.
Dr. Khaliel emphasized the holistic impact of this approach, noting that the patient was overjoyed by his rapid recovery and minimal scarring. This focus on both physical and emotional well-being highlights KFSHRC’s commitment to patient-centered care.
A Global Healthcare Leader
This milestone adds to KFSHRC’s impressive credentials:
- Top in the Middle East and Africa: Ranked first among academic medical centers in the region (2024 Brand Finance rankings).
- 20th Globally: Among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers.
- World-Class Recognition: Featured in Newsweek’s “World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025” list.
These accolades underscore KFSHRC’s role as a leader in integrating technology with healthcare, setting benchmarks for institutions worldwide.
A New Era for Global Healthcare
The success of this robotic-assisted artificial heart pump implantation isn’t just a triumph for Saudi Arabia—it’s a monumental step for global medicine. By blending advanced robotics with exceptional medical expertise, KFSHRC has demonstrated the boundless possibilities of modern healthcare.
This achievement serves as a beacon for other medical institutions, proving that innovation, precision, and a commitment to excellence can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
A Future of Endless Possibilities
For KFSHRC, this is only the beginning. With a relentless focus on pushing the boundaries of medical science, the hospital redefines global healthcare standards.
“This moment is one of the pride not just for KFSHRC but for the entire field of healthcare,” Dr. Zoega said. Indeed, the future of medicine is already here, reshaping lives with every groundbreaking procedure.
