In a groundbreaking achievement Dr. C. Ananthanarayanan a renowned senior consultant cardiac surgeon for PSG Hospital has successfully performed the world’s first ever robotic congenital heart surgery, a significant milestone in the field of cardiac care in the country. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Ananthanarayanan shed light on the immense potential of robotic surgery, its advantages over traditional methods and the promising future it holds for patients of all ages.

BREAKING THE BOUNDRIES:
Dr. Ananthanarayanan highlighted that Robotic Heart Surgery has already demonstrated exceptional outcomes in some of the commonly performed cardiac procedures. Till now surgical Robots were used in treating adult patients and their diseases. Using surgical robot to treat complex congenital heart diseases is unheard of till now. We are happy that we could achieve this feat with the excellent precision of Robotic vision and could give results comparable to the traditional sternotomy approach. We see this as a significant step not only for our hospital, but also for the entire cardiac surgical society and the country as well.

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS:
Traditionally, open-heart surgery necessitates a sternotomy, cutting of the sternum [chest bone]. However, with the rapid advancements in technology and surgical techniques, surgeons transitioned towards minimally invasive procedure, preventing the need for sternotomy. Dr. Ananthanarayanan emphasized that Robotic Heart Surgery represents the next evolutionary step in cardiac surgery. By harnessing the power of advanced robotics, surgeons can now perform intricate procedures with enhanced precision and minimal invasiveness.

ADVANTAGES OF ROBOTIC HEART SURGERY:
Robotic Heart Surgery presents a multitude of advantages that significantly benefit patients’ post-operative experience. One notable advantage is the substantial reduction in post-operative pain, enabling individuals to return to their normal lives sooner than ever before. While typical heart surgeries required patient s to rest for a month or more, those undergoing Robotic Heart Surgery can resume their regular activities within two weeks. The accelerated recovery not only enhances the overall recovery time but also minimizes the impact on their daily routines and responsibilities.

MINIMIZING BLOOD USAGE:
Another noteworthy advantage of Robotic Heart Surgery is the minimal utilization of blood products. In conventional heart surgeries, patients often require transfusions of one or two units of blood and blood products. However, Robotic Heart Surgery significantly reduces or even eliminates the need for blood transfusion. This breakthrough not only benefits patients but also contributes to more efficient healthcare practices, conserving valuable resources and reducing the risks of complications associated with blood transfusion.
A LIFE-ALTERING SUCCESS STORY:
Our success story is about a 15-year-old girl who developed breathlessness even while doing routine household activities. She was diagnosed to have a complex birth defect in her heart named as “Partial Atrio-Ventricular Canal Defect (P-AVCD)”. The defect leaves a big hole between the upper chambers of her heart and under development of an important valve of her left heart (Mitral Valve) leading to leakage of blood from her heart in backword direction with every heartbeat. The correction of this defect involves two components, repairing the underdeveloped valve and closing the hole between the two upper heart chambers. Incidentally, during surgery, her right heart’s valve (Tricuspid valve) was also malformed and required repair. Excitingly, Dr. Ananthanarayanan and his team with the able assistance of Dr. Saravana Rajamanickam [renowned robotic thoracic surgeon] could successfully correct all three defects inside her heart using a Surgical Robot. Astonishingly, the patient was discharged in just three days and is now on track to resume her studies within a week. The versatility of Robotic Heart Surgery paves the way for expanded treatment options, providing patients with safer and more effective alternatives.

THE FUTURE BEHOLDS MORE SURPRISES:
Dr. Ananthanarayan expressed with confidence that in future, even more complex procedures might be feasible through Robotic Heart Surgery. PSG Hospital’s advanced robotic systems provide a solid foundation for further advancements in this cutting-edge field.
Robotic Heart Surgery has ushered in a new era of cardiac care, offering enhanced outcomes, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times. PSG Hospitals, under the guidance of Dr. Ananthanarayanan, have emerged as pioneers in this revolutionary approach, poised to shape the future of cardiovascular surgery. As the medical community continues to embrace robotic technology, we can anticipate a time when even the most intricate cardiac procedures will be routinely performed using the remarkable precision and efficiency of robotic-assisted surgery.