Dr. Devi Shetty unveils first of its kind robotic cardiac center of excellence in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 25 September: Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman and Executive Director of Narayana Health, unveiled first of its kind robotic cardiac center of excellence in an event held at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. This is a significant step in making one of the advanced surgical technologies, robotic-assisted surgery, accessible to cardiac patients from across India. This center recently became the fastest in the country and the second fastest in the world to successfully perform 100 robotic-assisted cardiac surgeries, by completing it in 147 days.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman and Executive Director – Narayana Health, said, “We believe that the utilization of technology in the field of surgery is an important goal in advancing science. As a responsible healthcare provider, we have been at the forefront of the digital revolution in healthcare, focused on finding newer ways to offer advanced healthcare to our patients. As part of this mission, we have introduced robotic-assisted surgery at multiple Narayana Hospitals across the country and we are one of the hospitals to train most number of surgeons in robotic-assisted surgery in India. With Cardiac diseases becoming one of the fastest-growing healthcare problems globally, now we have taken a step in the right direction to consolidate the best available surgical robotics technology. This exclusive robotic cardiac center of excellence is equipped with one of the most advanced 4^th generation robotic-assisted surgery systems, da Vinci to help address the growing disease burden in India through timely treatment interventions using the latest in advanced technologies. This will allow patients nationwide to get the best cardiac surgical treatment.”

Robotic cardiac surgery helps patients return to their everyday life much faster than open-heart surgeries. Surgeons use the RAS System to operate through a few small incisions. In comparison to traditional open-heart surgery, which involves opening up the chest by splitting the breastplate, the da Vinci’s innovative technology allows for complex cardiovascular surgeries to be performed through smaller incisions and precise motion control. For instance, in procedures like Mitral Valve Repair, Mitral Valve Replacement and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) surgery, the surgeon doesn’t have to cut the patient’s ribs or make an incision between the ribs, to perform the surgery.

While commenting on this collaboration, Darla Hutton, Interim General Manager, Intuitive India, said, “We are pleased to be a part of this unique robotic cardiac center of excellence by Narayana Health, marking a pivotal advancement in cardiac care. Our collaboration with Narayana Health and the inclusion of the da Vinci surgical system underscore our commitment to improving patient outcomes through state-of-the-art surgical solutions. As pioneers in robotic-assisted surgery, we have played a significant role in building the robotic-assisted surgery ecosystem in India. The da Vinci system is preferred for its enhanced precision, minimally invasive approach, 3D visualization, and reduced risk of complications. By integrating these advanced surgical solutions into cardiac treatment, we hope to set new standards in patient care and outcomes. Together, we look forward to a future where cutting-edge technology enhances the quality and effectiveness of cardiac care, ensuring the best possible results for our patients.”

The da Vinci system includes a magnified 3D high-definition vision and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate much more than the human hand. As a result, surgeons have better vision, precision, and control.

Dr. Raghu MG, Senior Cardiac Surgeon, Narayana Health said, “At Narayana Health, we specialize in complex cardiac surgeries & other cardiac procedures such as Pulmonary Endarterectomy for chronic pulmonary embolism, Aneurysm repairs, Electrophysiology, Endovascular interventions, Valve repairs etc. Robotic-assisted surgery comes with many advantages in surgeries like IMA harvesting in CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft) cases, surgery to close the hole in the heart, Mitral Valve Repair and Mitral Valve Replacement etc.  In the case of closing the hole in the heart, instead of doing open surgery with 6-7 cm long incisions, RAS can be done with small incisions. This leads to decreased pain, fewer post-operative wound infections, less post-operative scarring, and improved breathing. Reducing the chance of infection makes it an ideal procedure for people with co-morbidities and older patients.”

Narayana Health has been at the forefront of cardiac treatment innovations in India, to make advanced treatments accessible to all strata of our society. This super specialty flagship cardiac hospital of Narayana Health is one of the largest in the world and is equipped with 16 dedicated Cardiac Operation Theatres and 6 Digital Cath Labs of which one is a Hybrid, capable of performing both interventional cardiac procedures as well as complex heart surgeries.