India’s Youngest and Oldest Patients Undergo Robotic Heart Valve Surgery

Chennai: In a feat of medical excellence, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai a part of the Fortis Healthcare has etched its name in history by successfully completing robotic-assisted mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgeries on India’s youngest and oldest patients a resilient 16-year-old boy and 76-year-old woman—both battling severe mitral valve disease.

This revolutionary robotic technique empowered surgeons to access the heart via tiny keyhole incisions between the ribs, bypassing traditional open-chest surgery, thereby reducing pain, blood loss, recovery time, and hospital stay - ushering in a new era of precision cardiac care.

These landmark procedures were masterfully executed recently by an elite team led by Dr. Govini Balasubramani, Director of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Heart and Lung Transplant, and Robotic Surgery at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai. Leveraging state-of-the-art robotic systems with high-definition visualization and pinpoint instrument control, the team delivered outcomes that redefine possibility.

Youngest Patient: 16-Year-Old from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh A spirited school-going boy endured relentless fever and suffered an embolic stroke triggered by blood clots from his critically diseased mitral valve. Under expert care, the damaged valve was removed and replaced with new valve and now he emerged stronger, now thriving with a fully restored heart.

For this 16-year-old boy who once feared he might never bat again, the simple joy of stepping onto a cricket field and holding a bat has become his greatest victory.

Oldest Patient: 76-Year-Old Chennai Resident Defying age-related challenges like breathlessness, chest discomfort, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The patient entered the hospital with uncertain of the outcome, the patient arrived at the hospital in a wheelchair.

Now, she conquered her severe condition through robotic mitral valve replacement, and she walks on her own without any support, carrying with her the confidence and a second chance at life. Her journey exemplifies hope and resilience at any stage of life.

Dr. Govini Balasubramani declared, “Severe mitral regurgitation threatens early heart failure—but robotic MVR intervenes decisively, averting catastrophe and reviving peak heart function. Treating patients across generations with such precision showcases unprecedented recovery speeds, minimal complications, and transformative results.”

Dr. Niranjani S, Unit Head at Gleneagles Hospital Chennai, enthused, “This milestone catapults our robotics program to the pinnacle of cardiac innovation, blending trailblazing technology with deeply personalized care to elevate global standards.”

Reflecting on the milestone, Mr. Anil Vinayak, Group COO, Fortis Healthcare said, “These triumphs illuminate Fortis’ mission: delivering next-generation cardiac solutions to every age group through unrivalled technology, virtuoso clinicians, and ironclad protocols—ensuring safer surgeries, rapid recoveries, and lives reborn.”

The dual achievement of successfully treating one of India’s youngest and one of its eldest patients with robotic assisted mitral valve replacement us as a leading destination for advanced, patient centric heart care in the country. The successful outcomes, reflect the strength of integrated cardiac, intensive care and rehabilitation teams working together for each patient’s long term wellbeing.