Saving Lives, One Heart at a Time: Oman’s National Cardiac Center Sets Global Standards
The National Heart and Cardiac Surgery Center, located at the Royal Hospital in Muscat, has emerged as a regional leader in cardiac healthcare since its inauguration in 2015. Known for providing state-of-the-art heart treatments and surgeries, the center plays a vital role in elevating the Sultanate of Oman’s medical reputation both regionally and globally.
A Vision for Excellence in Cardiac Medicine
Founded with the vision to offer world-class cardiovascular care, the center provides comprehensive services for patients of all ages—from unborn infants to elderly citizens. According to Dr. Najib bin Zahran Al-Rawahi, the center’s director, its mission is to deliver high-quality heart care using the latest technologies while nurturing highly qualified national medical talent.
Cutting-Edge Facilities and Services
The center is fully equipped with advanced diagnostic, interventional, and surgical technologies for treating:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart valve disorders
- Congenital heart defects
- Atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias
Key services include:
- Minimally invasive heart surgeries
- Catheter-based interventions
- 24/7 emergency heart procedures
- Pediatric and adult cardiology programs
With a robust infrastructure and top-tier equipment, the center is designed to handle high-risk and complex cardiac cases, contributing to significant reductions in waiting times and mortality rates.
Impressive Milestones and Success Rates
Since its opening, the center has recorded:
- Over 9,100 heart surgeries
- Nearly 50,000 adult cardiac catheterizations
- Over 7,800 pediatric procedures
- Success rates of 93–99%, matching global standards
One of its most notable achievements is performing Oman’s first heart transplant from a brain-dead donor—an operation that marked a new era in cardiac medicine in the Sultanate.
Adoption of the Latest Cardiac Technologies
The center leads in adopting next-generation cardiac technologies such as:
- Wireless pacemakers (Aveir)
- Electromagnetic pulse therapy for atrial arrhythmia
- Remote heart monitoring systems
- Cryoablation and heat-based catheter ablations
- 3D heart imaging using MRI and CT scans
These innovations help improve accuracy in diagnosis, reduce post-operative recovery times, and enhance long-term patient outcomes.
Strong Focus on Training, Research, and Partnerships
As a recognized training center by Sultan Qaboos University and the Oman Medical Specialty Board, the center supports medical education in:
- Adult cardiology
- Pediatric cardiology
- Pediatric intensive care
It also collaborates with international bodies like the American Heart Association to provide advanced life-saving training and research development.
Community Outreach and Heart Health Awareness
To mark a decade of service, the center launched the national campaign: “One Nation, One Heartbeat”, focusing on:
- Raising awareness about heart disease
- Promoting early screening
- Offering community-based educational programs
- Connecting patients with specialized care
The campaign travels across all governorates, bridging healthcare gaps and emphasizing preventive cardiology.
Future Plans: Expansion and Specialization
Looking ahead, the center plans to:
- Expand catheterization and surgical units
- Launch specialized clinics for genetic heart conditions and advanced heart failure
- Boost research in cardiology and patient care models
- Shorten waiting times through increased operational capacity
Why the National Heart and Cardiac Surgery Center Matters
As heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, having a world-class center like this in Oman provides hope and healing to thousands. The National Heart and Cardiac Surgery Center continues to raise the bar in cardiovascular healthcare, offering innovative, patient-focused, and accessible heart care that rivals the best in the world.
