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- The patient, , made a remarkable recovery in just 4 days and was discharged thereafter
- The robotic-assisted surgery leads to less visible scarring, faster recovery and reduces risk of post-surgical complications significantly
India
healthysoch
Kochi/New Delhi, September 11, 2025:
Aster Medcity, one of the best multispecialty hospitals in the country, trusted for its clinical expertise and use of cutting-edge technology, has successfully performed the state’s first-ever robotic-assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery, marking a significant advancement in cardiac surgical care. This pioneering procedure was performed on a 42-year-old woman, Ms. Nisha Purushothaman. The patient, hailing from Guruvayur, Thrissur Dist. experienced a rapid recovery and was discharged just four days after the surgery.
Ms. Purushothaman, who was diagnosed with severe triple vessel disease, consulted doctors at Aster Medcity after conventional angioplasty was deemed not a viable option. Fearing a traditional open-heart surgery, which involves a large incision and longer recovery time, the surgical team recommended a robotic-assisted MIDCAB (Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass) procedure, offering her a superior and safer alternative. While minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has been a significant advancement, robotic assistance takes it to the next level. The robotic system provides surgeons with enhanced precision, control, and visualization during complex operations.
Commenting on this, Ramesh Kumar, COO, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “At Aster, our mission has always been to bring the most advanced healthcare solutions closer to the people of India. The successful completion of Kerala’s first robotic-assisted cardiac bypass surgery is a proud milestone for us and a transformative step for cardiac care in the region. This breakthrough not only reflects the expertise and dedication of our medical teams but also our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology that ensures better outcomes and faster recovery for patients. We believe such innovations will redefine the future of surgery, making complex procedures safer, less invasive, and more patient-friendly.”
The surgical team from the Department of Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery, under the leadership of Robotic Cardiac Surgery Senior Consultant Dr. M.M. Yusuf, performed the complex procedure with precision. Other key members of the team included Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery senior consultants, Dr. Manoj P. Nair and Dr. George Varghese Kurien, and Associate Consultants, Dr. Sabin Sam, and Dr. Jishnu Palliyani and Senior Consultant from the Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care Services, Dr. Suresh G Nair.
“Initially I was a little anxious and had some reservations, but when the doctors explained the entire process and how safe robotic-assisted procedure is, it gave me the confidence to go ahead,” said the patient, Ms. Nisha Purushothaman who came to Aster Medcity to share her experience and to receive the Onakkodi from Dr. Anil Kumar R, Head- Aster Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Aster Medcity.
The surgical team at Aster Medcity followed the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, a patient-centered approach designed to help patients recover quickly from major surgery. The robotic-assisted procedure perfectly complemented this protocol by minimizing surgical stress on the body. Robotic-assisted surgery offers significant advantages for patients. It provides a more cosmetically pleasing result with much smaller incisions, which often leads to less visible scarring. It also contributes to a faster recovery, allowing patients to return to their normal daily activities much sooner. Additionally, this advanced technique reduces the risk of post-surgical complications and pain.
Dr. M. M Yusuf, Senior Consultant, Robotic Cardiac Surgery, who spearheaded the procedure said, “This is a major leap forward in cardiac surgery. The robotic system allows us to navigate complex anatomical areas with enhanced control and visualization, leading to superior surgical outcomes and reduced trauma for the patient,” said Dr. George Varghese Kurien, Senior Consultant in Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery, explained that the robotic arms can maneuver in tight spaces not easily accessible with conventional tools, leading to more accurate surgical steps and minimal blood loss.
