Muscat: The National Heart and Cardiothoracic Surgery Center at the Royal Hospital has emerged as a leading medical institution in Oman, offering cardiology and cardiac surgery services according to the highest international medical standards since its inauguration in 2015.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the center has made significant strides toward excellence and leadership in cardiac healthcare, establishing itself as a reference medical institution locally, regionally, and internationally. Dr. Najeeb Al-Rawahi, Director of the Center, stated that the center was founded with an ambitious vision aimed at achieving leadership in treating cardiovascular diseases and delivering high-quality healthcare services to citizens and residents of Oman, from fetal stages through adulthood and old age.
Dr. Al-Rawahi highlighted that the center strives to offer a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services for heart diseases, including coronary artery diseases, valve disorders, and congenital defects. It is equipped with the latest medical technologies and devices to ensure the highest level of care. The center aims to be among the top global cardiac treatment facilities by providing specialized services and advanced medical interventions, such as catheter-based valve repair and replacement, treatment of arrhythmias via catheterization, and the dilation of narrowed veins and arteries.
Since opening in 2015, the center has witnessed significant developments, including the expansion and upgrading of services to meet growing patient needs. The number of surgeries has increased, and the facility is now outfitted with state-of-the-art technologies across all cardiac specialties. The cardiac catheterization unit has seen major upgrades, including the introduction of several world-class catheterization procedures. The number of daily catheter sessions increased from five to six, enhancing capacity and reducing patient wait times. The center also operates round-the-clock to manage complex and urgent cases.
From the center's inception to December 2024, Dr. Al-Rawahi confirmed that 9,168 procedures were done, including open-heart surgeries, minimally invasive procedures, and interventional catheterizations. The success rate of these operations ranges from 93 percent to 96 percent, depending on the procedure type. During the same period, the center conducted 49,846 adult catheterization procedures and 7,823 pediatric ones, with success rates ranging from 97 percent to 99 percent, aligning with global standards.
On cutting-edge technologies used in cardiac surgery, Dr. Al-Rawahi emphasized the center's dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest innovations. These include minimally invasive cardiac surgery, modern cardiac catheterization techniques, advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scanning, and remote cardiac monitoring devices. The center has also implemented the electromagnetic pulse field ablation technique and introduced the "Aveir" wireless pacemaker.
Among its landmark achievements is the first heart transplant from a brain-dead donor for a patient with end-stage heart failure, carried out by a multi-disciplinary Omani team. The procedure marked a pivotal milestone in the country's healthcare system.
The center collaborates with international cardiac institutions, including the American Heart Association, and is affiliated with Sultan Qaboos University's medical and nursing colleges. It also works with the Oman Medical Specialty Board, overseeing training programs in adult cardiology, pediatric cardiology, and pediatric intensive care.
Dr. Al-Rawahi reiterated the center's commitment to expanding and enhancing services, with planned upgrades to modernize operating theaters and catheterization laboratories. Efforts are underway to launch new advanced catheterization techniques, increase the number of laboratories, reduce wait times, and expand specialized clinics.
Through advanced infrastructure, qualified staff, and pioneering technology, the National Heart and Cardiothoracic Surgery Center continues to transform its ambitious vision into reality, playing a vital role in elevating cardiac care in Oman and the region. It stands as a regional and international benchmark, committed to preserving human health and serving the Omani community with dedication and excellence.