The Specialized Hospital completes the world's first robotic surgery with 7 cardiac interventions
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has achieved a historic medical milestone, the first of its kind globally, after its medical team successfully performed a highly complex robotic heart surgery on a patient in her seventies. This procedure was distinguished by the integration of seven different, delicate surgical interventions into a single operation, representing a significant leap forward in the field of minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Details of the unique medical achievement
The patient suffered from a complex medical condition involving seven overlapping congenital heart defects, a significant challenge in conventional medicine. Instead of resorting to traditional surgeries requiring a full chest incision and multiple treatment stages, the surgical team was able to treat all these conditions through a single robotic surgical procedure.
The seven interventions included: mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, treatment of cardiac electrical disturbances using the "Maze" procedure, pulmonary vein cauterization, atrial appendage ligation, incision of the interatrial septum to create a vascular pathway, as well as reconstruction of complex venous anatomy using two patches through very small incisions.
The robotic technology revolution in surgery
This success represents a significant departure from traditional open surgery, as robotic technology has allowed surgeons unprecedented precision and control in handling delicate heart tissue. The importance of this approach lies in sparing the patient the risks of a full chest incision and reducing the likelihood of bleeding and complications, which directly contributed to her recovery and discharge from the hospital in just eight days—a record time considering the complexity of the procedure.
Integration of expertise and global standing
This event is significant because it combines two surgical approaches rarely seen together: treating acquired heart disease in adults and repairing complex congenital defects. This challenge required dual expertise and a superior ability to standardize treatment protocols, reflecting the high level of competence of the medical staff at the Specialist Hospital.
This achievement further solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position on the map of modern medicine, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance specialized healthcare. It is worth noting that King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre continues to lead the medical landscape, having been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th globally among the top 250 academic healthcare institutions for 2026. Furthermore, it was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the region for 2024 and among the world's best smart hospitals for 2025, according to Newsweek magazine.
