Kuwait has completed its 18th Heart Transplant, treating an 18-year-old patient with a serious congenital heart condition. The Ministry of Health announced the procedure took place at the Salman Al-Dabbous Cardiac Center on Monday.
The young patient had a heart defect present from birth. Over time, the condition caused advanced heart muscle failure and severe symptoms that affected everyday activities. Consequently, doctors determined that transplantation offered the necessary treatment option.
When a donor heart became available, specialists began assessing its suitability for the recipient. They conducted medical examinations to confirm compatibility before proceeding with the operation. The transplant team then carried out the procedure at the specialist cardiac center.
Dr Badr Al-Ayyad, head of the Cardiology Department and Heart Failure and Transplant Unit, discussed the operation’s significance. He credited the successful outcome to close cooperation among medical professionals and specialist teams.
Al-Ayyad described the procedure as an important development for Kuwait’s national transplant programme. Furthermore, he said the programme aims to expand advanced treatment options for people experiencing severe heart failure.
The surgical team included Dr Abdullah Al-Hudaib and Dr Mohammad Al-Ayyar. Dr Khaled Al-Otaibi from Saudi Arabia also joined the operation. Meanwhile, Al-Ayyad supervised the medical and immunological aspects of the patient’s treatment.
The operation required coordination across several medical specialties and supporting departments. In particular, the organ procurement team played an essential role in preparing for the transplant. Dr Saja Sorour led that team, which coordinated with the specialists responsible for the procedure.
Al-Ayyad explained that successful transplantation depends on cooperation throughout every stage of patient care. This includes organ procurement, transplant surgery, anesthesia and intensive care. Nursing and technical teams also provide essential support during the process.
He expressed appreciation to the donor and the donor’s family for their contribution. Organ donation, he noted, can offer renewed hope to patients waiting for suitable transplants. Their decision also helps medical teams provide life-saving treatment to people with advanced conditions.
The 18th Heart Transplant highlights the continued development of Kuwait’s specialist cardiac services. It also demonstrates the importance of trained professionals working together across complex medical procedures.
Al-Ayyad said continued investment in the programme and stronger cooperation between specialties could benefit more patients. Accordingly, the ministry aims to further develop the service and expand access to transplantation in Kuwait.
