53-Year-Old Beats Deadly Heart Condition After Apollo’s High-Precision Robotic Surgery

Bengaluru: Doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, have achieved a major medical feat by successfully performing a rare and highly complex robotic double valve replacement using the advanced Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. This accomplishment places Apollo among the very few centres in India capable of performing such a procedure with modern robotic cardiac technology.

The surgery was led by Dr. Sathyaki Nambala, Chief of Robotic Cardiac Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. This procedure represents significant progress in bringing complex multi-valve replacement into the scope of minimally invasive, robotic-assisted cardiac care in India.

Although robotic double valve replacement was attempted in the country more than ten years ago, those procedures were carried out using early-generation robotic systems.

With today’s enhanced robotic platforms—featuring improved visualization, precision instrumentation, and refined workflow—Apollo Bengaluru has successfully advanced this high-demand procedure to a new level of safety and efficiency.

The patient, a 53-year-old woman, suffered severe damage to both the aortic and mitral valves due to infective endocarditis. Her condition was further complicated by rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and a previous stroke, making traditional open-heart surgery extremely risky.

To ensure the safest outcome, the team chose a minimally invasive robotic approach using the Da Vinci Xi system. Both the aortic and mitral valves were replaced simultaneously with bioprosthetic valves under transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. The entire operation was completed through small keyhole incisions, eliminating the need for a sternotomy.

The patient recovered remarkably quickly—extubated and mobilised within 12 hours, shifted to the ward soon after, and discharged on the third postoperative day. At her one-week follow-up, she remained stable and symptom-free, demonstrating the precision and patient-friendly advantages of robotic cardiac surgery even in high-risk cases.

Dr. Sathyaki Nambala noted that performing this double valve replacement with next-generation robotic technology offers an entirely new level of accuracy, control, and safety—reshaping how complex multi-valve surgeries can be approached.

Dr. Girish B. Navasundi added that the success of this procedure reflects how robotic systems are transforming cardiac care by reducing trauma, minimizing blood loss, and speeding up recovery.

Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO of Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, emphasized that this achievement highlights Apollo’s consistent focus on advanced medical technology and expert surgical teams. With over 3,000 minimally invasive cardiac procedures and more than 600 robotic cardiac surgeries, Dr. Sathyaki and his team have set a strong foundation for highly specialized robotic cardiac care.

This advanced robotic double valve replacement further reinforces Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, as a leader in modern robotic cardiac surgery. By combining cutting-edge technology with expert medical skill, Apollo continues to offer safer, faster, and more effective treatment options for even the most complex and high-risk cardiac patients.