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

Professor Feras Khaliel, who leads Cardiac Surgery and the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), received the Health Research Excellence: Applied Innovation Award. This accolade, presented on the first day of the Global Health Exhibition (GHE), acknowledges his significant contributions to healthcare research and innovation.

The award also celebrates Khaliel's groundbreaking achievement in completing the world's first robotic heart transplant on a 16-year-old with end-stage heart failure. This milestone marks a shift in heart transplant surgery by using minimal surgical intervention, which reduces pain and recovery time while lowering complication risks.

KFSHRC's robotic heart surgery program has rapidly advanced since its inception in 2019. In its initial year, it performed 105 surgeries, which 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 underscores KFSHRC’s innovative medical practices that improve treatment outcomes and patient experiences.

The program has introduced advanced cardiac procedures like robotic multi-valve surgeries and robotic aortic valve replacement. It has also incorporated technologies related to mechanical circulatory support systems, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs). These devices help the heart pump blood and serve as either a bridge to transplantation or a permanent solution for non-transplant candidates.

These innovations have significantly enhanced patient outcomes, achieving survival rates 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 have been cut by 40% compared to traditional methods.

The program is renowned for handling complex cases across a wide age range of patients from 14 to 78 years old. It excels in managing high-risk cases, including those involving severe obesity or requiring repeat surgeries. Notably, KFSHRC surpasses American hospitals in performing robotic surgeries on patients who have undergone three previous operations.

Global Recognition and Impact

As a Platinum Healthcare Sponsor at GHE, KFSHRC highlights its robotic heart surgery program's transformative impact. The program applies cutting-edge 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 by providing innovative specialized healthcare services through its successful robotic heart surgery program. This initiative has set new standards in medical practice by enhancing treatment outcomes and improving patient experiences significantly.

With inputs from SPA