Apollo Hospitals Pune performs first robotic-assisted bypass surgery using da Vinci Xi system

Hospital completes seven robotic CABG procedures in a month, expanding minimally invasive cardiac surgery options

Apollo Hospitals Pune has successfully performed its first robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System, marking a significant advancement in its cardiac surgery programme and expanding minimally invasive treatment options for patients with coronary artery disease.

The procedure was performed on a 67-year-old patient diagnosed with triple vessel coronary artery disease. The patient recovered well and was discharged on the fourth day after surgery. Since the first case, the hospital has successfully completed six additional robotic-assisted bypass surgeries within a month.

According to the hospital, robotic-assisted bypass surgery typically takes four to five hours. 

While patients undergoing conventional open-heart surgery are generally discharged after eight to ten days, robotic surgery can enable discharge within four to five days due to smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection and faster recovery.

Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, CEO, Apollo Hospitals Pune, said, "This milestone reflects the combined efforts of our surgeons, anaesthesia team, intensivists, nurses and rehabilitation specialists. Our focus has always been on bringing advanced treatment options closer to patients in Pune while maintaining the highest standards of clinical care."

The surgery was led by Dr. Smruti Hindaria, Senior Consultant – Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, along with Dr. Bikash Sahu, Cardiac Anaesthesiologist, supported by the hospital's multidisciplinary Cardiac Sciences and ICU team.

Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Smruti Hindaria said, "Robotic-assisted bypass surgery allows us to perform complex cardiac procedures with greater precision while reducing the impact of surgery on the patient. However, this approach is not suitable for everyone. Careful patient selection remains the most important part of the process. We are encouraged by the outcomes achieved so far and look forward to offering this option to more eligible patients."

Dr. Manisha Karmarkar further emphasised the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, stating, "At Apollo Hospitals Pune, the procedure is supported by dedicated cardiac anaesthesiologists, intensivists, perfusionists, nursing teams and rehabilitation experts working together throughout the patient's treatment journey."