KFSHRC Pioneering Robotic Heart Surgery - Ranked Among the Top 5 Global Centres

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) continues to distinguish itself in the medical field with its state-of-the-art healthcare services, particularly through its advanced robotic heart surgery program. Launched in 2019, this program has seen remarkable growth and success. In its inaugural year, the hospital performed 105 robotic heart surgeries. By 2023, this number had surged to 400 procedures, positioning KFSHRC as a global leader. A landmark achievement came with the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, cementing Saudi Arabia's leadership in innovative healthcare practices. This success not only highlights KFSHRC’s capability to push the boundaries of medical technology but also enhances patient outcomes and experience, ranking it among the top five global programs for complex robotic multi-valve heart surgeries.

Innovations in Cardiac Surgery Techniques

KFSHRC’s robotic heart surgery program is at the forefront of cardiac innovations, introducing groundbreaking procedures such as robotic multi-valve surgeries and robotic aortic valve replacements. Furthermore, the program integrates advanced technologies in mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems, including the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs). These devices assist the heart in pumping blood, providing crucial support either as a bridge to heart transplants or as a long-term solution for patients who are ineligible for transplants. These advancements have led to significantly improved patient outcomes, including survival rates of up to 98%, a 30% reduction in recovery time, and over 50% reductions in blood transfusions, mechanical ventilation, and hospital stays. These innovations also result in a 40% reduction in costs compared to traditional methods.

Addressing Complex and High-Risk Cases

The success of KFSHRC’s robotic heart surgery program extends to its ability to handle a wide range of patients, from those as young as 14 to those as old as 78. The hospital excels in treating complex, high-risk cases, including patients with severe obesity and those requiring multiple surgeries. In particular, the program stands out for its success in performing robotic surgeries on patients who have already undergone three or more previous heart surgeries. This achievement has put KFSHRC ahead of its American counterparts, demonstrating its expertise in tackling some of the most challenging cardiac conditions.

Recognition and Global Rankings

KFSHRC’s continued excellence has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. For the second consecutive year, the hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres. It has also been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Furthermore, the hospital was named among the world’s best 250 hospitals and featured in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine, further solidifying its position as a leader in global healthcare.