Head of Cardiac Surgery and Director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) Professor Feras Khaliel was honored at the inaugural day of the Global Health Exhibition (GHE) with the Health Research Excellence: Applied Innovation Award in recognition for his exceptional contributions to advancing research, enhancing knowledge, and fostering innovation in healthcare.
The award also commemorates Khaliel's successful completion of the world’s first robotic heart transplant on a 16-year-old patient suffering from end-stage (Class IV) heart failure, SPA reported.
According to a KFSHRC press release, the center continues to set itself apart by providing innovative specialized healthcare services, particularly through its robotic heart surgery program that has experienced accelerated success since its establishment in 2019.
In its first year, the program performed 105 robotic heart surgeries, rising to 400 and culminating in its leadership in conducting the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, a pioneering achievement that not only bolsters Saudi Arabia's standing in healthcare but also highlights KFSHRC’s ability to innovate medical practices that enhance treatment outcomes and patient experience.
KFSHRC’s robotic heart surgery program has introduced innovative cardiac procedures, such as robotic multi-valve surgeries and robotic aortic valve replacement. Additionally, it has integrated cutting-edge technologies related to mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems, including ventricular assist devices (VADs), which aid the heart in pumping blood. These devices serve as either a bridge to heart transplantation or a permanent solution for patients who are not eligible for transplants. This has resulted in significantly improved patient outcomes with survival rates of up to 98%, recovery times reduced by 30%, and a reduction in blood transfusions, mechanical ventilation, and hospital stay by over 50% while cutting costs by 40% compared to traditional methods.
The program is renowned for performing robotic surgeries on a wide age range of patients, from 14 to 78 years old, and for its ability to handle complex, high-risk cases, including patients with severe obesity and those requiring repeat surgeries. Notably, the program excels in performing robotic surgeries on heart patients who have undergone three previous operations, a feat in which the KFSHRC has surpassed its counterparts in American hospitals.
