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Cardiology and Heart Surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Only heart transplant centre in the Gulf region, ranked No. 1 in Saudi Arabia for cardiology by Newsweek 2026, treating heart failure, valve disease, and congenital heart conditions

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
98% survival rate across 400 robotic cardiac surgeries and blood transfusions reduced by over 50%

Why Choose KFSH&RC for Cardiology and Heart Surgery in Saudi Arabia

Highest robotic cardiac volume outside the USA and the only heart transplant centre in the Gulf since 1989
Ranked No. 1 in Saudi Arabia and 2nd in the Middle East for cardiology (Newsweek 2026). Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, electrophysiologists and paediatric cardiac specialists collaborate to give best possible outcomes
  • Only heart transplant centre in the Gulf since 1989.
  • Highest robotic cardiac volume outside the USA.
  • 20,000+ non-invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures annually.
  • Robotic cardiac surgery cuts mechanical ventilation time by over 50%.
  • Remote follow-up via AlTakhassusi App after returning home.
  • International patients from 17 countries treated.

Cardiology and Heart Surgery Treatment Technology at KFSH&RC

The technology used affects how large the incision needs to be, how long you spend in ICU, and how quickly you recover enough to fly home
  • Da Vinci Robotic Cardiac System
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
  • HeartMate 3 Ventricular Assist Device
  • Biplane Cardiac Angiography Suite
  • 3D Echocardiography System
  • Extravascular ICD (EV-ICD)
  • Leadless Dual-Chamber Pacemaker
  • Emergency Department Cardiac Cath Lab

Cardiology and Heart Surgery at KFSH&RC for International Patients

Each cardiac case is assessed by a multidisciplinary team who review your imaging and clinical history before confirming a treatment plan
Heart Transplant The only heart transplant programme in the Gulf since 1989; performed the world's first fully robotic heart transplant in 2024, with the patient discharged in 8 days. Inquire
Robotic Cardiac Surgery 400 robotic cardiac surgeries with 98% survival rate; the only centre globally performing robotic cardiac surgery on children under 18 and 3rd redo patients. Inquire
Heart Valve Replacement Robotic and catheter-based valve repair for mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves; TAVI and TEER available for high-risk patients who cannot undergo open surgery. Inquire
VAD and Heart Failure World's first robotic HeartMate 3 implantation; patient spent 4 days in ICU versus a 26-day conventional average; most patients discharged in 10 days. Inquire
Congenital Heart Surgery 25,000+ operations and the region's first congenital heart defects registry, with a dedicated adult congenital heart clinic. Inquire
Coronary Bypass Surgery CABG Robotic and conventional CABG; first use of the Cardiostim Flowmeter for graft measurement in Saudi Arabia. Inquire
Electrophysiology Complex ablation, leadless dual-chamber pacemakers, and extravascular ICDs for atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, and rhythm disorders. Inquire
Structural Heart and Emergency Cath Lab Emergency Cath Lab inside the Emergency Department cuts door-to-balloon time by 50%; TAVI, TEER, and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion available. Inquire

Care Journey for International Patients

Your treatment journey made simple and stress-free in 5 easy steps
  • 1
    Online inquiry & medical files upload Share your medical reports for review. It takes less than a minute.
  • 2
    Doctor review & treatment plan Within 24hrs you will receive treatment options & a preliminary plan before travel.
  • 3
    Travel coordination We arrange your visa, flights, and accommodation.
  • 4
    Treatment phase Full care under a dedicated case manager.
  • 5
    Start your treatment Begin treatment with full support from our care team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Our support team is here to guide you through each step of your treatment journey with personal care and attention.
Can KFSH&RC review my cardiac reports and echocardiogram before I travel?
Yes. The International Patient Care Centre reviews your cardiac imaging, echocardiogram results, catheterisation reports, and clinical history remotely before you commit to travel. You receive a written clinical assessment before any travel arrangements are made. Submit your reports and imaging via WhatsApp at +1 718 550 0880 or email [email protected].
How do I contact the international patient support team for cardiology and heart surgery at KFSH&RC?
Cardiology consultations, heart surgery second opinions, and treatment coordination at KFSH&RC in Saudi Arabia are managed through the International Patient Care Centre. - WhatsApp: +1 718 550 0880 - Telephone: +1 718 550 0880 - Email: [email protected] The team is available 24/7 and can arrange remote echocardiogram reviews, online consultations, in-person cardiology appointments, and full coordination with your assigned cardiac specialist.
How long do I need to stay in Saudi Arabia for heart surgery?

Stay length depends on your procedure, your condition and how you recover. Your coordinator gives you a written itinerary with the expected stay for your case before you book flights.

The international patient team books accommodation near the hospital at no cost for the booking service, with options to suit your preference and budget, including space for a caregiver.

Is KFSH&RC the only hospital in the Gulf offering heart transplantation?

Yes. KFSH&RC's Heart Centre is the only heart transplant centre in the Gulf region, operating since 1989.

In September 2024, it performed the world's first fully robotic heart transplant, and the patient was discharged within 8 days.

Patients from the GCC and beyond who need a heart transplant are assessed remotely before travel.

What makes KFSH&RC's robotic cardiac surgery programme globally significant?
The programme holds the highest robotic cardiac volume outside the United States, ranks top-5 globally for complex multi-valve procedures, and has performed 400 robotic cardiac surgeries with a 98% survival rate since 2019. It is the only programme globally performing robotic cardiac surgery on children under 18 and on patients requiring a third cardiac redo. The programme has been featured on CNN and cited in international medical journals for redefining cardiac surgery outcomes.
Which heart conditions do international patients travel to KFSH&RC for?

KFSH&RC's Heart Centre treats end-stage heart failure (transplant), complex valve disease (surgical or robotic repair), congenital heart defects in children and adolescents, and severe heart failure needing a ventricular assist device.

It also specialises in high risk repeat open heart surgery in adults, children and newborns.

Patients travelling from outside the GCC receive a Medical Referral Letter for their Saudi visa application, help with flights and accommodation, and Arabic and English coordination.

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