King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh successfully performed the world's first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump (HeartMate 3) in January 2025. This groundbreaking procedure marks a significant advancement in medical technology and patient care in the Middle East.
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man with advanced heart failure, who had been hospitalized for 120 days and was also suffering from kidney and lung complications. Led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, the patient's recovery was swift, requiring only four days in intensive care, significantly less than the 26-day average for traditional methods. He was discharged within 10 days, compared to the usual 63 days for conventional interventions.
This achievement underscores the hospital's commitment to innovation and solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in medical advancements. The hospital has previously achieved global recognition for robotic heart and liver transplants. The success reflects the integration of advanced technologies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.