KUWAIT: The health ministry announced on Monday the successful performance of two heart transplant surgeries by medical teams at the Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center, bringing the total number of heart transplants in Kuwait to 13 since the launch of the national heart transplant program. The ministry said the achievement reflects the solid capacity of the national health system to handle highly complex and delicate medical interventions.
The ministry added that this milestone strengthens Kuwait’s position among countries capable of providing advanced heart transplant services, improving quality of life for patients with end-stage heart failure and highlighting investment in medical expertise and advanced healthcare infrastructure.
It noted that the progress is a clear indicator of the rapid development of the local heart transplant program, providing a vital treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure and reinforcing medical self-sufficiency. The success also confirms the readiness of national teams to perform high-risk, precision surgeries as part of building a robust national organ transplant system.
Consultant cardiac surgeon at the Salman Al-Dabbous Center, Dr Riyad Tarazi, praised the achievement, noting that 2025 alone witnessed eight successful heart transplants, compared to one case in 2019, one in 2021, one in 2023 and two in 2024, in coordination with the organ procurement program — reflecting continuous growth in the center’s clinical and technical expertise.
Dr Tarazi added that the center has successfully implanted left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in 84 cases. These devices support patients with severe heart failure unresponsive to conventional treatment, either as a bridge until a donor heart becomes available or as long-term therapy for some patients. He also noted that medical teams have successfully implanted IMPELLA 5.5 heart support devices in 20 cases. This precise mechanical device provides temporary cardiac support in cases of acute circulatory collapse or during complex interventions to stabilize blood circulation until heart function improves.
The statement emphasized the health ministry’s continued commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s national medical footprint in heart and organ transplantation, affirming steady progress toward delivering high-quality healthcare services led by specialized national cadres and strategic investments in human capital and medical infrastructure. — KUNA
