India Introduces Vascular Robotic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgeries are fast gaining prominence and robotic surgeries have become highly popular in India. Robotic surgeries are known for orthopedics, oncology, and urology procedures.  Robotic surgery for knee replacement is quite popular among osteoarthritis patients who plan their medical travel to India. However robotic intervention in Coronary Heart Surgery is a first in the country. Apex Heart Institute in Ahmedabad is the first center in India to perform coronary intervention using robotic technology.

The Chairman and Chief Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Tejas Patel, pioneered the installation of CorPath GRX, a Vascular Robotic system at the Apex Institute. The system was initially developed by the vascular robotics company, Corindus, in the US. Robotic surgery in cardiology is a monumental development. This complex and revolutionary technology was under development for over a decade and is currently being used by just eight centers in the US. India is the first country after the US to have this system in place.

While using robotic technology for coronary angioplasty or stenting, the cardiologist sits on a cockpit-like workstation, which is shielded from radiation and operates with the help of joysticks and touchscreens. This help translate doctor’s movements, which are used as a guidance by the robotic technology. This device offers sub-1 mm precise positioning of the stent as opposed to a manual adjustment that is required in the case of a manual operation.  A significant advantage of this system over traditional angioplasty is that it minimizes radiation exposure for staff as well as the doctors.

With multiple benefits such as higher precision, better visualization of anatomy, and minimal radiation exposure, it can be safely said that this technology is all set to overcome some of the limitations faced during manual or conventional procedures.

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References: - http://www.corindus.com/corpath-grx/what-is-robotic-assisted-pci - http://m.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/now-a-robot-to-perform-angioplasty-surgery/article10011608.ece