King Faisal Hospital in Kigali has marked a groundbreaking milestone in East African healthcare by acquiring the ZEISS KINEVO 900S, the most advanced robotic surgical microscope in the region.
This cutting-edge system is set to redefine how intricate brain and spinal surgeries are performed, putting Rwanda at the forefront of surgical precision and training.
The ZEISS KINEVO 900S combines robotic-assisted technology, 3D imaging, and sophisticated visualization tools to enhance surgical accuracy and reduce risks during highly delicate procedures.
Dr. David Hakizimana, a leading neurosurgeon at King Faisal, noted that the system’s intelligent automation allows the microscope to follow surgical instruments and maintain image stability without manual intervention.
“This function helps us stay focused on the operation itself. It saves valuable time and minimizes the potential for mistakes,” he explained.
Delivered by Rwanda Medical Supply, this is the only fully equipped system of its kind in East Africa.
Its arrival is being hailed as a major advancement not only for King Faisal Hospital but for the entire Rwandan medical landscape. Rwanda Medical Supply underscored the achievement on social media, declaring it a “game-changer” for both patient outcomes and the future of surgical training.
One of the key features of the KINEVO 900S is its built-in fluorescence imaging, a tool that enables surgeons to clearly distinguish tumors from healthy tissue and blood vessels in real time.
This innovation significantly improves tumor removal outcomes while helping preserve vital brain functions.
“Sometimes, tumors are difficult to tell apart from normal brain tissue. This technology allows us to see those differences clearly, giving us greater precision and safety,” said Hakizimana.
Another standout feature is the QEVO endoscope, an ultra-compact, integrated camera that expands the field of view into deep or obscured areas unreachable with traditional equipment. This function broadens the surgeon’s visual access, enabling more complete and less invasive procedures.
The system is equipped for medical education and telemedicine, projecting high-resolution 3D visuals on large screens and enabling live-streaming of surgeries.
This makes it possible for medical students and junior doctors to observe complex procedures in real time, from within the hospital or remotely.
Hakizimana emphasized that this technology is not just for King Faisal Hospital. It represents a broader opportunity for national capacity-building.
Through tele-surgical consultations, experienced surgeons can guide teams at regional and district hospitals, enhancing surgical capabilities across Rwanda and neighboring countries.
The introduction of the ZEISS KINEVO 900S not only showcases Rwanda’s commitment to healthcare innovation but also strengthens its position as a regional hub for medical excellence.
As the only institution in East Africa currently equipped with this advanced system, King Faisal Hospital is setting a new standard in neurosurgery and training that could reshape the future of medical care in the region.
