Hôtel-Dieu de France has achieved a new milestone in medical innovation by performing, the first percutaneous implantation of a self-expanding pulmonary valve, deployed without a balloon and positioned directly at the pulmonary site.

The procedure, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Zakhia Saliba and his medical and nursing team, represents a major advance in interventional techniques for congenital cardiology.

Notably, Prof. Zakhia Saliba was also the pioneer behind the world’s first implantation in 2000 in France.

This breakthrough provides new therapeutic options for patients with congenital heart defects who have already undergone multiple surgeries and have significant pulmonary artery dilation. The device offers a less invasive alternative, especially for patients with compromised right ventricular function.

This national first underscores Hôtel-Dieu de France’s ongoing dedication to medical excellence, technological innovation, and the advancement of state-of-the-art interventional techniques, fully aligned with the highest international standards.

On the occasion of the 34th World Day of the Sick, Hôtel-Dieu de France celebrated a Mass on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the N. and H. Obegi Auditorium. The hospital and university community gathered to share a moment of prayer and reflection.

The celebration was presided over by Fr. François Boëdec, Rector of Saint Joseph University and President of the Board of Directors of the Hôtel-Dieu de France. This day, dedicated to the sick, caregivers, and all who serve life, highlighted the spiritual and human dimension of the hospital’s mission.

The Mass drew upon the message of Pope Leo XIV: “The true remedy for the wounds of humanity is a way of life founded on fraternal love, which finds its source in the love of God.” This message served as a reminder that care is rooted in compassion and solidarity.

In his address, Fr. François Boëdec emphasized that love for one’s neighbor must remain at the center of caregiving. He recalled that caring for a patient goes beyond medical action and includes human, spiritual, and moral support. He encouraged everyone to continue their commitment to listening, respecting human dignity, and cultivating a spirit of service.

He added: “Dear brothers and sisters, I believe this Gospel invites us to take care of our gaze. What do we look at? Whom do we look at? How do we look? Weariness, fatigue, boredom, and worries can dull our gaze toward others. Some people may sometimes escape our notice; we no longer even see them. And in a certain way, they cease to exist. Our gaze is also so often absorbed by our phone screens that we spend more time captivated by images that are mostly of little significance, which pull us away from where we need to be—that is, here and now—where we must care, where we must look at the one who is present, waiting for our presence, hoping for a gaze that restores their dignity and shows that they are worthy of attention.”

The event, broadcast live on HDF Channel, provided the hospital’s patients with the opportunity to join in this time of prayer.

The Hôtel-Dieu de France family celebrated a mass in honor of Reverend Father Salim Daccache, S.J., Rector of Saint Joseph University and Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors, in the H. and N. Obégi Auditorium.

This moment of reflection and sharing was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Reverend Rector, on the eve of his retirement, for his thirteen years of commitment, vision, and service to the benefit of both USJ and HDF.

The celebration was followed by a ceremony marking the retirement of seventeen Hospital employees, during which their many years of experience and dedication were recognized and applauded.

On this occasion, speeches were delivered by Mr. Fadi Andréa, President of the Employees’ Union, Mr. Nassib Nasr, General Director of Hôtel-Dieu de France, and Reverend Father Salim Daccache. All highlighted the professionalism and dedication of these essential pillars of the institution’s daily operations.

The ceremony concluded with a friendly gathering around the traditional Christmas log, bringing together the Hôtel-Dieu de France family in an atmosphere of sharing and conviviality.

The Management of Hôtel-Dieu de France organized a meeting with His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, in appreciation of his continuous support, sustained presence alongside healthcare institutions, and active accompaniment of their scientific and medical journey throughout the year.

The meeting was attended by Reverend Father Professor Salim Daccache, S.J., Rector of Saint Joseph University of Beirut and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hôtel-Dieu de France; Reverend Father François Boëdec, S.J., Rector-elect of Saint Joseph University of Beirut; Mr. Nassib Nasr, Director of the Saint Joseph University Hospital Network – Hôtel-Dieu de France; and Dr. Joseph El Helou, Advisor at the Ministry of Public Health, in addition to the directors and heads of departments of Hôtel-Dieu de France.

The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight a year marked by constructive cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health and the USJ-HDF Hospital Network, where this partnership emerged as a key pillar in addressing the challenges facing the healthcare sector, ensuring service continuity, and maintaining the quality of care delivered to patients.

The USJ-HDF Hospital Network renewed its gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency the Minister of Public Health for his sustained efforts, reaffirming its commitment to continuing this joint path in the coming period, with the aim of achieving further accomplishments and greater stability for the healthcare sector in Lebanon.