King Saud Medical City team performs complex heart surgery on critical patient

A specialized medical team at King Saud Medical City, part of the First Riyadh Health Cluster and led by Dr. Nasser Al-Juraid, has successfully performed a complex heart surgery on a 24-year-old patient. The procedure involved removing the damaged parts of the tricuspid valve and a large inflammatory mass, followed by replacing the valve with a biological prosthesis after the patient suffered from severe endocarditis.

The surgical intervention came after a complicated treatment journey that required the patient to remain in intensive care for an extended period due to multiple injuries and fractures, in addition to type 1 diabetes, hereditary factor VII deficiency, limited mobility, and the presence of a tracheostomy.

The case was further complicated by several health issues, most notably endocarditis related to multiple vascular access lines, as well as acute kidney dysfunction and a significant drop in platelet count. This necessitated comprehensive medical management before surgery, including continuous blood purification therapy, coagulation factor support, and platelet transfusions according to a specialized protocol developed by the hematology team.

During the operation, Dr. Nasser Al-Juraid and the surgical team removed the affected parts of the tricuspid valve leaflets and the large inflammatory mass, cleaned the infected area of the valve ring, and replaced the valve with a size 31 biological prosthesis. They also placed a permanent epicardial pacing wire and prepared the patient for a future permanent pacemaker implantation if needed.

The surgery was successful, and the medical team was able to wean the patient off the ventilator on the same night. The patient's condition continued to improve in the postoperative period.

The patient showed significant improvement in vital signs, with platelet counts returning to normal levels and kidney function improving alongside increased urine output. The team also successfully closed the tracheostomy, and the patient is now able to speak clearly, breathe, and eat normally. He is currently continuing antibiotic therapy and an intensive rehabilitation program in preparation for full recovery and discharge from the hospital.

This achievement reflects the high level of multidisciplinary integration at King Saud Medical City, with collaboration among cardiology, cardiac surgery, anesthesia, intensive care, hematology, nephrology, nursing, and cardiac rehabilitation teams, enabling the management of this highly complex medical and surgical case and providing comprehensive care to the patient.

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This success highlights the advanced capabilities and qualified medical staff at King Saud Medical City, part of the First Riyadh Health Cluster, in handling complex cases within an integrated healthcare system that prioritizes patient safety and quality of care.