Saudi Arabia’s KFSHRC pioneers AI-driven cardiac care

SAUDI ARABIA— King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh is revolutionising cardiac surgery by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital twin simulations, and real-time data analytics.

This innovative approach is transforming patient care by enhancing clinical outcomes, reducing complications, and meeting global standards of excellence.

Central to this advancement is KFSHRC’s Centre for Healthcare Intelligence (CHI), which employs predictive modeling and sophisticated 3D digital twin technology.

This allows surgical teams to create detailed simulations of each patient’s heart anatomy and practice complex procedures before entering the operating room.

Such AI-driven simulations enable surgeons to plan the best incision paths, evaluate potential risks, and tailor surgical strategies with remarkable precision and safety.

During surgeries, real-time analytics provide continuous support to surgeons, helping them make informed decisions and maintain consistency throughout the procedure.

This technology has also encouraged the use of minimally invasive techniques, which shorten operation times, reduce physical trauma, and accelerate patient recovery.

After surgery, AI remains integral to patient care through personalized monitoring systems that analyze biometric data from wearable or implantable devices.

These systems detect early warning signs of complications and adjust recovery plans dynamically.

Moreover, KFSHRC is piloting remote monitoring technologies to ensure patients receive seamless care after discharge, extending the benefits of hospital treatment into the home.

KFSHRC’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by its extensive use of over 20 AI-powered solutions across various medical specialties.

The hospital collaborates with global health technology leaders to pioneer the next generation of healthcare delivery.

Its robotic cardiac surgery program is among the largest worldwide, performing over 400 complex surgeries annually with a 98% survival rate.

These robotic-assisted procedures reduce pain, hospital stays by more than half, and costs by approximately 40% compared to traditional methods.

Notably, KFSHRC made history by performing the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and the first robotic-assisted implantation of Abbott’s HeartMate 3 artificial heart pump.

These groundbreaking surgeries showcase the hospital’s leadership in medical innovation and its ability to balance bold advancements with patient safety.

For example, a recent robotic-assisted heart pump implantation on a 35-year-old patient resulted in a remarkably swift recovery, with only four days in intensive care and discharge expected within 10 days—far quicker than the usual 63 days for similar cases.

These achievements have earned KFSHRC top rankings, including being named the best academic medical center in the Middle East and Africa and placing 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers.

It was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the region by Brand Finance and featured in Newsweek’s 2025 list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals.

Through its pioneering use of AI, robotics, and digital technologies, KFSHRC is setting a new global benchmark for intelligent, patient-centered cardiac care, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and advancing healthcare innovation worldwide.

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