KFSHRC performs world's first robot-assisted BiVAD implantation
22.07.2025 13:46
At the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, the world's first implantation of two artificial pumps for biventricular support (BiVAD-HMIII) using robotic technology was successfully performed on a patient with advanced heart failure.
This pioneering procedure opens new horizons in circulatory support for patients with complex heart diseases and represents a medical achievement that has led to the patient's recovery within a short period of time after the procedure.
The procedure represents a significant advancement in the treatment of bilateral heart failure, which was traditionally addressed through total sternotomy—a method associated with higher surgical risks and a longer recovery time. However, the cardiac surgery team at KFSHRC, led by Prof. Feras Khaliel, successfully performed the operation through small incisions using remotely controlled, high-precision robotic arms. This reduced blood loss, lowered the risk of infection, and resulted in a faster patient recovery.
The 61-year-old patient was admitted after more than two months of being bedridden with end-stage heart failure that did not respond to medication. He also suffered from several chronic conditions, including diabetes, stroke, and kidney failure. Following a comprehensive clinical examination, the patient was deemed unsuitable for a heart transplant, and robot-assisted implantation of the artificial pumps was considered a vital and unique solution for his condition.
This milestone demonstrates the comprehensive expertise of the various departments at KFSHRC, including cardiac surgery, cardiology, anesthesiology, critical 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 for the secure attachment of mechanical support devices.
The KFSHRC intends to publish the results of this intervention in peer-reviewed medical journals and present them at international cardiology conferences. This will promote the exchange of knowledge and foster innovative partnerships with leading international centers in the field of robot-assisted care and advanced heart failure treatment.
This achievement adds to the KFSHRC's success story in robotic surgery, which includes the world's first fully robot-assisted heart transplant and the world's first robot-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump. With these milestones, the KFSHRC underscores its pioneering role in the introduction of cutting-edge cardiac technologies and the treatment of critical diseases with the highest standards of precision and safety, thereby solidifying its position as a leading academic medical center both regionally and globally.
It is worth noting that for the second year running, the KFSHRC was ranked number one in the Middle East and Africa and number 20 globally in the list of the 250 best academic medical centers in the world, and was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to the Brand Finance ranking 2024. Furthermore, in the same year, it was listed as one of the 250 best hospitals in the world and included in Newsweek magazine's list of "World's Best Smart Hospitals" for 2025.