Riyadh: World’s first robotic BiVAD implantation performed at KFSHRC

Minimally invasive robotic surgery as a life-saving option for high-risk patients who cannot undergo transplantation or conventional open heart surgery

[datensicherheit.de, 07|18|2025] The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has announced that the world’s first implantation of two artificial biventricular assist devices (BiVAD-HMIII) using robotic technology has been successfully performed on a patient with advanced cardiac insufficiency. This pioneering procedure opens up new horizons in circulatory support for patients with complex heart disease and represents a medical achievement – which led to the patient’s recovery within a short period of time after the procedure.

photo: KFSHRC

A minimally invasive surgical procedure using robots offers a life-saving option for high-risk patients

Small cuts with remote-controlled, high-precision robot arms

This procedure brings major advances in the treatment of bilateral heart failure, which has traditionally been performed using a full Median sternotomy – a method associated with higher surgical risks and a longer recovery time.

“However, the cardiac surgery team at KFSHRC, led by Professor Feras Khaliel, successfully performed the operation through small incisions using remote-controlled, high-precision robotic arms.“ This reduced blood loss, lowered the risk of infection and led to a faster recovery for the patient.

Robot-assisted implantation of artificial pumps as the only solution

“The 61-year-old patient was admitted after being bedridden for over two months with end-stage heart failure that was not responding to drug therapy and also suffered from several chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke and kidney failure.“

After a comprehensive clinical examination, this patient was deemed “not suitable for a heart transplant“ and the robotic implantation of the artificial pumps was considered a vital and unique solution to his medical condition.

Results of this robot assisted OP to be communicated to the professional community

This milestone demonstrates the extensive expertise of the various KFSHRC departments, including cardiac surgery, cardiology, anaesthesia, intensive care, biomedical engineering and advanced life support. “The procedure was meticulously planned and benefited from 3D imaging technologies, real-time surgical navigation and innovative solutions to securely attach the mechanical support devices.“

The KFSHRC now intends to publish the results of this procedure in peer-reviewed medical journals and present them at cardiology conferences worldwide. The aim is to promote the exchange of knowledge and establish innovative partnerships with leading international centres in the field of robotic care and advanced treatment of heart failure.

KFSHRC – a success story in the field of robotic surgery

“This achievement is part of KFSHRC’s success story in the field of robotic surgery, which includes the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and the world’s first robot-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump.“

With these milestones, the KFSHRC underlines its pioneering role in the introduction of state-of-the-art cardiac technologies and the treatment of critical diseases with the highest precision and safety standards, thus consolidating its position as a leading academic medical centre both in the region and worldwide.

KFSHRC one of the 250 best hospitals in the world

Notably, KFSHRC was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa for the second consecutive year and 20th in the world in the list of the 250 best academic medical centres in the world and was recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to the Brand Finance Ranking 2024.

It was also listed as one of the 250 best hospitals in the world in the same year and was included in the “Newsweek“ Magazine’s “World’s Best Smart Hospitals list“ for 2025.

Further information on the topic:

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
KFSH&RC is a leading healthcare, research, and education institution recognized throughout Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Established in 1975, the hospital is committed to providing world-class medical care and continuously advancing healthcare standards within the Kingdom. / About Us

BDC Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgie e.V., J. F. Gummert & R. Schramm, 11|01|2021
Herzchirurgie / Herztransplantation und mechanische Kreislaufunterstützung – der aktuelle Stand

WIKIPEDIA
Median sternotomy

ResearchGate
Feras H Khaliel / MD, Ph.D.Chief Cardiac Surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre

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