Saudi Robots Revolutionize Heart Transplants—Cutting Costs in Half
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Email:editor@newsobahrain.com
When Dr. Feras Khaliel and his team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh conducted the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, it made global headlines.
However, the news coverage didn’t reveal that it was not only the first fully robotic heart transplant but that it slashed costs by 40% compared to Western countries without compromising quality, placing Saudi Arabia at the top position in medical tourism.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune, Dr. Khaliel and KFSHRC officials revealed how their innovative approach, the Khaliel Technique, revolutionizes cardiac care and makes world-class heart transplants more accessible.
“Our robotic cardiac surgery programme reduces costs by up to 40% due to the minimally invasive nature, cutting hospital stays by over 50% and lowering complications,” they said.
Leap in Medical Efficiency
Hospital stays for robotic surgeries now average 6.8 days, with drastically reduced blood transfusion needs, saving around USD16,808 per patient.
The transplant, which took a mere 2.5 hours, represents a leap in medical efficiency, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for advanced healthcare under Vision 2030.
With KFSHRC already seeing a surge in international referrals, the hospital is ready to cater to global demand, making Saudi Arabia a new epicenter for medical innovation.
“Last year alone, we saw a 10.2% increase in international referrals and a 9.1% rise in patient acceptances, and we treated 451 medical tourism patients from various countries, which reflects our growing capacity to cater to international demand.
This aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in healthcare innovation and excellence, allowing us to meet global demand while maintaining the highest standards of care,” KFSHRC officials said.
Preparing for a Miracle
Dr. Khaliel’s team spent months perfecting the technique, going through extensive simulations before the historic surgery.
Their experience with over 1,195 robotic-assisted procedures ensured the highest precision, placing them among the top five cardiac programs globally.
Shedding light on the multiple rounds of simulations and virtual rehearsals done by his team, Dr. Khaliel said, “We conducted the procedure seven times over three consecutive days to refine every aspect and ensure precision.
Additionally, each team member’s role was clearly defined through meticulous briefings, ensuring optimal coordination for patient safety.
The focus on teamwork and the advanced technology allowed us to replace traditional invasive methods with a minimally invasive approach, ultimately enhancing patient recovery and quality of life.”
This medical marvel is not just a testament to KFSHRC’s cutting-edge infrastructure but a beacon for patients seeking quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost – right here in the GCC.
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