Saudi hospital performs world's first fully robotic heart transplant in 16-year old patient

Saudi Arabia 's King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center ( KFSHRC ) has performed rather successfully, the world's first fully robotic heart transplant . This procedure, lasting two and a half hours, was carried out on a 16-year-old boy suffering from end-stage heart failure . The patient had requested a less invasive surgery, specifically asking the medical team not to open his chest.


This milestone reflects Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in healthcare but also marks a leap forward in the use of robotics in complex medical procedures.




How robotics transformed heart surgery


According to the Saudi Press Agency, the advanced robotic technology used in this groundbreaking procedure eliminated the necessity for traditional chest-opening techniques , which is what caused all the excitement surrounding it. To minimise physical stress on the body, the medical team performed the entire process through tiny incisions using robotic technology.


This form of minimally invasive surgery offers advantages. The risk of problems was greatly decreased by having robots perform delicate manoeuvres. With this, the patient is anticipated to recover much faster. Robotic surgery is well renowned for reducing post-operative pain and expediting patients' return to their regular lives. These advancements translate into improved long-term results and a speedier recovery time following cardiac transplants .





The weeks of preparation before the historic surgery


The procedure was the outcome of carefully planned preparation. The group worked on a precise strategy for weeks. Before doing the real surgery, they practically performed the procedure seven times over three days. Because of the thorough planning that was done, the process was successful because it guaranteed the highest levels of precision and minimized potential hazards.

By using this novel procedure, the surgeons were able to reach the heart without having to open the chest, which significantly shortened the recuperation period. Patients undergoing conventional heart transplants may have a several-month healing time. This patient's rehabilitation is anticipated to go much more quickly because of robotic technology, as there have been no serious issues to date.