In one of the rare medical cases recorded in the world and the first in the Middle East, a medical team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research centre (KFSH&RC) was able to perform a successful caesarean surgery without complications for a 32-year-old woman who lives on an artificial pump assisting the heart as a bridge until a donor becomes available for a heart transplant.
The mother had been suffering from severe weakness in her heart muscles, which necessitated the implantation of an artificial auxiliary pump. When it was discovered that she was pregnant, she was referred to KFSH&RC for treatment, and the team promptly set a date for her to give birth to avoid any complications that could arise, including managing the artificial heart pump's performance as required by each stage's needs.
From the moment she arrived at the hospital, the patient was given the highest level of care by a multidisciplinary medical team of seven specialties. They monitored her closely and ensured she was healthy enough to undergo a caesarean surgery in the 32nd week of pregnancy. After the procedure was completed without complications, the mother was transferred to intensive care to continue monitoring her condition. Meanwhile, the baby was placed under the supervision of the neonatal intensive care team.
It is vital to note that physicians usually advise against pregnancy in patients who have received an artificial heart-assisting pump implant due to the potential complications for both the mother and the foetus, including pump malfunctions that could endanger their lives. Therefore, it is remarkable that the KFSH&RC medical team was able to perform this successful surgery and ensure the safe delivery of a healthy baby.
This achievement is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and tireless efforts of the KFSH&RC team. The success of this surgery underscores the hospital's commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare services and advancing medical research and education.
About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre:
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is a leading tertiary & quaternary healthcare provider in the Middle East. KFSH&RC's mission is to provide the highest level of specialised healthcare in an integrated educational and research setting.
KFSH&RC has a rich history of providing high-quality clinical services, including leading-edge treatments in oncology, transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, neurosciences, and genetics.
A globally recognised healthcare provider, KFSH&RC ranked 1st in paediatric Liver and Kidney Transplants (<18 years old) compared with centres in the UK and the USA while maintaining graft survival rates comparable to the US organ transplant centres. In 2022, KFSH&RC was ranked among the top healthcare providers across the globe by Newsweek.
Guided by the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, KFSH&RC is undertaking a Transformation towards a financially sustainable, independent, not-for-profit foundation. KFSH&RC has been internationally recognised for its continuous achievements in patient experiences and outcomes by accreditations from the HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence, CHiME Most Wired, JCI, CAP, ISO 22301 & 27001, to list a few.
For media inquiries, please contact: KFSHRC@mcsaatchi.com
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