By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : September 17, 2026 5:16 pm
26-year-old Merchant Navy officer undergoes robot-assisted ASD closure, avoiding conventional breastbone-splitting surgery
Doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla, have successfully repaired a large congenital heart defect in a 26-year-old Merchant Navy officer through robot-assisted cardiac surgery, enabling him to pursue his professional aspirations.
The procedure was led by Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan, Senior Director, Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla, along with Dr. Nishith Chandra, Principal Director, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla.
The congenital defect was detected during a routine health assessment after the patient had already joined the Merchant Navy. Although he had undergone mandatory medical screening before receiving clearance to join the service, the condition was not detected on an ECG.
A subsequent echocardiogram revealed a large atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital opening in the wall separating the heart’s two upper chambers.
The defect was causing excessive blood flow to the lungs and placing additional strain on the right side of the heart. Following the diagnosis, the patient was declared medically unfit for service, putting his career plans on hold.
At Fortis Escorts Okhla, the cardiac team determined that the size and anatomy of the defect made it unsuitable for catheter-based device closure. The doctors therefore opted for a minimally invasive, robot-assisted surgical procedure using the Da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system.
Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan said the presence of a significant ASD in a young person can have implications beyond the medical condition, particularly when it affects career plans. He said the defect was large and unsuitable for device closure, prompting the team to choose a robotic-assisted surgical approach.
Dr. Nishith Chandra said that while many ASDs can be closed using a catheter-based device inserted through blood vessels in the groin, the size and anatomy of the defect in this case made such an approach unsuitable.
Dr. Vikram Agarwal, Regional Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla, said the case demonstrates how robotic-assisted cardiac surgery can provide minimally invasive treatment options and support recovery in young patients seeking to resume their professional and personal lives.