Apollo Hospitals Achieves 500 Robotic Cardiac Care Surgery Procedures

Chennai, 22nd October, 2024: Apollo Hospitals Chennai has reached a significant achievement in the field of cardiac care – the successful completion of 500 robotic cardiac surgeries. This landmark reinforces Apollo Hospitals' position as a pioneer in robotic-assisted cardiac surgery, demonstrating its commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centric care. The milestone highlights the hospital's expertise in minimally invasive surgery, significantly enhancing the recovery process for patients with heart conditions.

(L to R) Dr Venkatasalam, DMS, Apollo Hospitals Chennai; Dr. Pratap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Sathyaki P Nambala, Chief Surgeon, Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Apollo Hospitals; Dr. M.M. Yusuf, Consultant Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Apollo Hospitals

Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery has revolutionized heart care by allowing precise operations without the need for a sternotomy, or opening of the chest. This cutting-edge technology uses tiny robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera to perform complex procedures through small incisions, offering numerous benefits over traditional open-heart surgery. The team, led by Dr. M.M. Yusuf, has successfully performed a comprehensive range of procedures including Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG), heart valve repair/replacement, and complex cardiac repairs.

Short-term benefits are patient experiencing less pain, minimal blood loss, and reduced risk of infection due to the absence of a sternotomy. Many patients can start walking the day after surgery and are discharged within 3 to 4 days. They typically return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks, compared to the 3 to 6 months required for traditional open-heart surgery recovery. Long-term benefit is which the use of internal mammary arteries instead of leg veins during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures provides superior long-term outcomes, significantly reducing the risk of future blockages.

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, "At Apollo Hospitals, we believe in continuously raising the bar in healthcare standards. Our 500 robotic cardiac surgeries are a milestone not only for our institution but also for cardiac care in India. By pioneering such advanced procedures, we aim to deliver care that is not only effective but also minimally invasive, ensuring the best outcomes for our patients."

Dr. M.M. Yusuf, Consultant Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, said, "Reaching 500 robotic cardiac procedures is a testament to the evolving capabilities of modern medical technology and the trust our patients have placed in us. With robotic-assisted surgery, we are not just offering quicker recovery times and less pain, but truly transforming the patient experience. This advancement is particularly significant for our younger patient population, aged 30-60 years, who can return to their normal lives and work significantly faster than with traditional surgery."

Apollo Hospitals Chennai continues to be at the forefront of medical technology and patient care, setting benchmarks for healthcare excellence in India and beyond. While the initial cost of robotic surgery may be higher than traditional methods, the reduced hospital stay and faster recovery time make it an economically viable option for many patients. The hospital remains dedicated to advancing its robotic surgery program and exploring new frontiers in medical innovation. 

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