Bengaluru, Dec 9 (UNI) Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, has achieved a major milestone in cardiac care by successfully performing a rare and complex robotic double valve replacement on a 53-year-old high-risk patient.
The procedure, executed using the next-generation Da Vinci Xi Surgical System, marks a breakthrough in minimally invasive cardiac surgery in India.
The patient, suffering from severe aortic and mitral valve destruction due to infective endocarditis and multiple comorbidities including rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and a prior stroke, underwent simultaneous aortic and mitral valve replacement through small keyhole incisions, avoiding the need for a conventional midline sternotomy.
She was extubated within 12 hours, mobilised soon after, and discharged on the third postoperative day, demonstrating the safety and efficiency of robotic-assisted interventions even in high-risk cases.
Dr. Satyaki Nambala, National Director, Robotic Cardiac Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, led the surgery and spoke about the future of robotic heart care. “Robotic surgery is not just about technology; it’s about precision, safety, and improving patient outcomes. Currently, our success rate across more than 600 robotic heart surgeries stands at 99.5 percent,” he said.
Nambala predicted a sweeping transformation in cardiac surgery in India over the next decade. “In the next five years, 70 to 80 percent of cardiac surgeries will be robotic. Within ten years, even bypass operations will predominantly be robot-assisted. Tele-robotics is already underway, enabling surgeons to operate remotely, bringing high-quality care to tier-2 and tier-3 cities,” he explained.
Highlighting training and accessibility, Nambala said that while only about 10 surgeons are currently trained in robotic cardiac procedures, the second generation of surgeons will adopt these skills faster. He emphasized that patient care at Apollo is driven by need, not wealth, with government aid, crowdfunding, and hospital support ensuring access for all.
Dr. Girish B. Navasundi, Director – Cath Lab & Senior Consultant, Cardiology, noted that robotic interventions reduce surgical trauma, blood loss, and recovery time. Apollo Hospitals CEO Akshay Oleti added, “This milestone showcases how advanced robotic platforms, combined with highly skilled teams, enable the safe execution of even the most complex cardiac surgeries.”
Looking ahead, Nambala stressed that AI will further enhance robotic surgery by guiding surgeons and reducing errors, while human oversight will remain critical. He concluded, “Our goal is to make the highest level of technology and expertise available to every patient. Robotic-assisted heart surgery will revolutionize cardiac care in India, ensuring safer, faster, and more reliable outcomes across the country.”
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