In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors in Saudi Arabia have successfully performed the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump. The procedure was carried out at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, showcasing the nation’s advanced medical capabilities.
The patient, a 35-year-old man suffering from severe heart failure, had been hospitalized for four months due to the deterioration of his heart, kidney, and lung functions. Doctors used a device called the HeartMate 3 LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device), developed by Abbott, to save his life. This device helps the heart pump blood to the rest of the body and is connected to an external controller and battery pack through a small incision in the skin.
The procedure, led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, who directs the hospital’s Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, was a significant success. Unlike traditional surgeries that typically require an average of 26 days in the intensive care unit, this robotic-assisted operation allowed the patient to spend only four days in critical care. The recovery period is also expected to be much shorter, with the patient likely to be discharged in just 10 days instead of the usual 63 days needed after conventional methods.
Dr. Khaliel emphasized the precision and safety of robotic surgery, highlighting the absence of bleeding or infections during or after the procedure. He also noted the minimal scarring, which left the patient amazed by the advanced technology used in his treatment.
This successful operation marks another milestone for KFSHRC, which has a rich history of achievements in robotic surgeries, including the world’s first fully robotic liver and heart transplants. These accomplishments reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in innovative healthcare, setting new standards in medical technology and patient care.
The success of this operation not only fulfills the patient’s wish to return home to his family but also demonstrates the potential of robotic-assisted surgeries in transforming the future of healthcare worldwide.
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