KFSHRC's Professor Feras Khaliel Honoured For Pioneering World’s First Fully Robotic Heart Transplant Surgery

Professor Feras Khaliel, leading the Cardiac Surgery and Robotics Program at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), received the Health Research Excellence: Applied Innovation Award. This accolade was presented during the Global Health Exhibition (GHE) to honour his significant contributions to healthcare research and innovation. His work includes the groundbreaking robotic heart transplant on a 16-year-old with severe heart failure.

The robotic heart transplant marks a pivotal shift in surgical practices by reducing surgical intervention. This approach decreases pain, shortens recovery, and lowers complication risks. KFSHRC's press release highlights their commitment to innovative healthcare services, particularly through their successful robotic heart surgery program initiated in 2019.

In its inaugural year, KFSHRC's program performed 105 robotic heart surgeries. This number increased to 400, culminating in the world's first fully robotic heart transplant. This achievement not only elevates Saudi Arabia's healthcare status but also showcases KFSHRC’s ability to innovate medical practices for better patient outcomes.

The program has introduced advanced cardiac procedures like robotic multi-valve surgeries and aortic valve replacements. It also incorporates cutting-edge technologies for mechanical circulatory support systems, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs). These devices help the heart pump blood and can be a bridge to transplantation or a permanent solution for some patients.

These innovations have led to improved patient outcomes with survival rates reaching up to 98%. Recovery times have decreased by 30%, while blood transfusions, mechanical ventilation, and hospital stays have been reduced by over 50%. Additionally, costs are cut by 40% compared to traditional methods.

The program is notable for performing surgeries on patients aged 14 to 78 years old, handling complex cases including those with severe obesity or requiring repeat surgeries. The KFSHRC excels in conducting robotic surgeries on patients who have undergone three previous operations, surpassing American hospitals in this area.

KFSHRC's Role at GHE

As a Platinum Healthcare Sponsor at GHE, KFSHRC showcased its transformative robotic heart surgery program. This program applies the latest technologies and stands out as a unique offering in the Middle East. Globally, it ranks among the top five programs for complex robotic multi-valve heart surgeries.

KFSHRC continues to distinguish itself through its innovative healthcare services. The centre's success in robotic heart surgery underscores its leadership in advancing medical practices that enhance treatment outcomes and improve patient experiences.

With inputs from SPA