Prof. Feras Khaliel is a renowned cardiac surgeon and global leader in robotic and minimally invasive heart surgery. As Chairman of Cardiac Surgery at KFSH, he has pioneered groundbreaking advancements in heart failure management, transplantation, and artificial heart implantation. He made history by performing the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and the first robotic artificial heart pump implantation, setting new global benchmarks in cardiac surgery. His expertise has led to invitations from leading U.S. and European institutions to train specialists in advanced robotic cardiac procedures.
Beyond his clinical impact, Dr. Khaliel has played a key role in developing heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support programs across the Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa. He is also one of only seven global experts contributing to the Heart Failure and Artificial Heart Guidelines for the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), shaping global standards in cardiac care. With 60+ scientific publications and 300+ international conference presentations, including the 2025 Model of Care Forum, Dr. Khaliel remains at the forefront of surgical innovation, education, and excellence.
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