Narayana Health Launches Robotic Cardiac Center of Excellence

The milestone was achieved in just 147 days, positioning the hospital as a key player in advancing cardiac surgery through technology.

Narayana Health recently set up a robotic cardiac center of excellence at its Bangalore facility, which became the second fastest in the world and the quickest in India to perform 100 robotic-assisted cardiac surgeries. 

The milestone was achieved in just 147 days, positioning the hospital as a key player in advancing cardiac surgery through technology.

The new center is equipped with advanced robotic-assisted surgical systems, including the 4th generation da Vinci system. 

It aims to address India's growing cardiac disease burden by offering minimally invasive surgeries that allow patients to recover faster compared to traditional open-heart procedures. 

Speaking about the development, Dr Devi Shetty, Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, said, "We believe that the utilization of technology in surgery is essential for advancing medical science. As a responsible healthcare provider, we have led the digital revolution in healthcare, focusing on new ways to offer advanced care. Robotic-assisted surgery is now available at multiple Narayana Hospitals across the country, and we have trained the most surgeons in this technique in India."

The center’s robotic systems enable surgeons to conduct complex surgeries, such as mitral valve repair, mitral valve replacement, and atrial septal defect (ASD) repairs, through smaller incisions. 

The da Vinci system offers enhanced precision and motion control, eliminating the need for opening the chest and ribs, a procedure typical in traditional open-heart surgeries. This results in quicker recovery times for patients.

Addressing India’s Growing Cardiac Disease Burden

The center’s launch comes at a crucial time, as cardiac diseases continue to rise globally and in India. The new robotic systems offer timely interventions, enhancing patient care while alleviating some of the burdens on the healthcare system. 

Dr Shetty explained, "With cardiac diseases being one of the fastest-growing global health concerns, we are consolidating the best surgical robotics technology available. Our robotic cardiac center is designed to offer timely treatment interventions with the latest technologies, providing nationwide access to high-quality cardiac care."

According to the hospital, robotic cardiac surgery has multiple advantages. The surgeon uses a robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system to operate through small incisions. This technique contrasts with open-heart surgery, where surgeons must split the breastbone. For instance, in procedures like mitral valve repair or ASD surgery, the surgeon does not need to cut through the ribs, minimizing the risk of complications and reducing recovery time.

About Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Darla Hutton, interim general manager at Intuitive India, commented on the collaboration, stating, "As pioneers in robotic-assisted surgery, we have contributed significantly to building the ecosystem in India. The da Vinci system is known for its precision, minimally invasive approach, 3D visualization, and lower risk of complications. We believe integrating these advanced surgical solutions into cardiac treatment will help set new benchmarks in patient care and outcomes."

The center not only focuses on robotic cardiac surgeries but also specializes in complex cardiac procedures. These include pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic pulmonary embolism, aneurysm repairs, electrophysiology, and endovascular interventions. 

Dr Raghu MG, a senior cardiac surgeon at Narayana Health, highlighted the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery for cardiac procedures, stating, "Robotic-assisted surgery offers clear benefits in cases like IMA harvesting for CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft), surgeries to close holes in the heart, and mitral valve repairs. The precision and minimally invasive nature of the procedure significantly reduce the trauma associated with traditional surgeries, improving patient recovery."

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