In a groundbreaking achievement, Saudi surgeons at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center have successfully performed the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant. The operation, carried out on a 16-year-old patient, marks a major milestone in the advancement of medical technology.

Led by the hospital’s Director of Cardiac Surgery and Robotics, the surgical team completed the complex procedure in just 2.5 hours. In preparation for the transplant, the team conducted seven virtual simulations over the course of three days, ensuring the highest precision for the operation.

The use of robotic technology allowed the surgeons to perform the transplant with minimally invasive techniques, avoiding the need for an open chest surgery. This method significantly reduces recovery time, lowers the risk of complications, and enhances the patient’s overall experience post-surgery.

Doctors at the hospital expressed optimism that this innovation will revolutionize heart transplant procedures, paving the way for quicker recoveries and improved outcomes in future surgeries. This success puts Saudi Arabia at the forefront of medical advancements, opening new possibilities in the field of robotic surgery.