The Middle Eastern Robotic Cardiac Surgery Summit (MRCS) is a one-day specialised scientific meeting hosted by the Heart Center of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh on 16 September 2026. The summit is designed to position Saudi Arabia — with KFSHRC at the forefront — as a regional and global hub for innovation, training and collaboration in robotic cardiac surgery.
Robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery has moved rapidly from a niche capability to a mainstream option for selected patients, offering smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal activity. MRCS brings together cardiac surgeons, interventional and clinical cardiologists, cardiac anaesthetists, intensivists, perfusionists and cardiac nursing teams to review where the evidence currently stands and how robotic programmes can be built and sustained safely.
Programme format
The day blends three complementary components:
- Scientific sessions at the King Salman Auditorium (07:00 – 17:00), covering the latest advances in robotic cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology, evidence-based patient selection and risk stratification, and contemporary strategies for the management of cardiac disease.
- Recorded case demonstrations, giving delegates a step-by-step view of real robotic cases, including set-up, docking, technical pitfalls and peri-operative decision-making.
- A high-fidelity hands-on session (17:20 – 18:50) at the Comparative Medicine Simulation Laboratory, where participants work directly with robotic platforms under supervision.
Learning objectives
- Demonstrate an up-to-date understanding of robotic cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology.
- Apply evidence-based criteria for patient selection and risk stratification.
- Implement effective strategies for the management of cardiac diseases.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among the healthcare professionals involved in cardiac patient care.
- Develop effective patient education strategies.
Who should attend
The summit is aimed at cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, critical care physicians, perfusionists and cardiac nurses, as well as trainees and residents planning a career in cardiovascular care. Capacity is limited to 600 seats and registration closes on 15 September 2026.
Strategic context
MRCS is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030: it showcases innovation in surgical care, strengthens local education and training pathways, builds national workforce capability in advanced cardiac procedures, and creates opportunities for international partnership with leading robotic centres.
CME accreditation
The meeting carries Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) branding; the exact number of accredited CME hours had not been published by the organiser at the time of listing and will be announced closer to the date.
Venue and contact
Scientific sessions: King Salman Auditorium, KFSHRC, Takhassusi Street, Riyadh. Hands-on training: Comparative Medicine Building, Simulation Laboratory. Enquiries: Heart Center of Excellence, +966 11 242 7272 ext. 33867, EC_HC@kfshrc.edu.sa.
