The World's First Robotic Cardiac Telesurgery Puts India on the Global Map

14 January,2025

Imagine this: a surgeon in Gurgaon operates on a patient in Jaipur, separated by 286 kilometers, without ever leaving their desk. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, it's now a reality, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, and SS Innovations. Say hello to the world's first robotic cardiac telesurgery—an achievement that's making waves in the world of healthcare!

The Expert Doctors and the Indigenous Robotic System

At the heart of this revolutionary feat is the SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System, India's very own answer to cutting-edge surgical robotics. Developed by SS Innovations, this marvel of technology made history by successfully performing two robotic cardiac surgeries over a distance of 286 kilometers, with an ultra-low latency of just 35-40 milliseconds (that's faster than a blink!).

The Dynamic Duo:

• Dr. Sudhir Srivastava: Operating from Gurugram, this visionary cardiac surgeon and Founder of SS Innovations led the procedures remotely. Dr. Sudhir has performed thousands of robotic surgeries using the Da Vinci system. However, due to its high costs, he decided to create an Indian robotic surgical system that would be more affordable and accessible to a broader population.
• Dr. Lalit Malik: The on-ground hero for these complex surgeries was Dr. Lalit Malik, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur. He ensured the seamless execution of the world's first robotic cardiac telesurgeries. 

The First of its Kind Cardiac Telesurgeries Performed in India

The first procedure, performed on January 8, was telerobotic-assisted internal mammary artery harvesting. It's a fancy name, but what's cool is that it took just 58 minutes! The team showcased unmatched precision, all thanks to the SSI Mantra system's lightning-fast response time.

Next came the robotic beating-heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), done on January 9. This jaw-droppingly complex surgery was also performed entirely remotely, proving that distance is no longer a barrier to saving lives.

Benefits of Robotic Cardiac Telesurgeries

• Access to Expertise: Telesurgery is a game-changer for a country like India, where rural areas often lack access to specialized care. It eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances for life-saving procedures, bringing world-class expertise right to their doorstep.
• Shorter Recovery Times: Robotic CABG is a less-invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Patients enjoy faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less pain. (Who wouldn't want that?)
• Training Surgeons of Tomorrow: Remote robotic surgeries aren't just about saving lives today but also about training the next generation of surgeons. Imagine learning complex procedures from the best without borders holding you back!

Revolutionising Heart Surgeries in India

Dr. Sudhir Srivastava beamed with pride: "Telesurgery bridges gaps in access to expertise and enables high-quality care, irrespective of geography. This is transformative for India's vast rural population and underserved areas."

Dr. Lalit Malik said, "This milestone marks a significant leap in patient care. The remote robotic-assisted CABG demonstrates how technology can overcome geographical barriers to deliver timely and accurate interventions."

Even Dr. Fredric Moll, often called the Father of Surgical Robotics, couldn't hide his excitement: "This is a dream come true. SS Innovations has pushed the envelope, achieving what was imagined over 20 years ago."

The Tech Behind Robotic Telesurgeries

The SSI Mantra 3 isn't your average robot. It's the only system worldwide approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for telesurgery and tele-proctoring. It's paving the way for a future where borders no longer limit healthcare.  With this groundbreaking success, the future looks bright for robotic telesurgery. The possibilities are endless, from collaborative medical education to addressing healthcare disparities. It's not just about innovation; it's about democratizing healthcare.

The Bottom Line

India's first robotic system performing telesurgeries is more than a medical achievement—it's a glimpse into the future of healthcare. This milestone is a testament to India's advanced medical technologies, which make innovative surgical methods accessible to everyone.