Bengaluru, December 09, 2025: In a significant advance for cardiac care, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, has performed a rare and exceptionally complex robotic double valve replacement using the state-of-the-art Da Vinci Xi Surgical System. The feat places the hospital among a handful of centres in India capable of carrying out this procedure with next-generation robotic technology.
The surgery was led by Dr. Sathyaki Nambala, Chief of Robotic Cardiac Surgery, who has been at the forefront of minimally invasive cardiac techniques in the country. The successful outcome marks a major step forward in bringing multi-valve replacement under the umbrella of precision-driven, robotic-assisted surgery.
Although double valve replacement using robotics was reported in India more than a decade ago, those earlier attempts were restricted by older systems with limited capabilities. Apollo’s use of the latest robotic platform—offering enhanced visualisation, improved dexterity and streamlined workflow—represents a new benchmark in the evolution of robotic cardiac surgery.
The patient, a 53-year-old woman, was admitted with severe damage to both the aortic and mitral valves caused by infective endocarditis. Her condition was further complicated by rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and a previous stroke, making her a high-risk candidate for conventional open-heart surgery.
With these challenges in mind, the team opted for a minimally invasive route. Using keyhole incisions and real-time TEE guidance, surgeons replaced both valves with bioprosthetic implants without the need for a sternotomy.
Recovery was swift and smooth. The patient was extubated and mobilised within 12 hours, shifted out of intensive care soon after, and discharged on the third postoperative day. She remained stable and symptom-free at her one-week review.
“This achievement is a milestone not only for Apollo but for robotic cardiac surgery in Asia,” Dr. Sathyaki Nambala said. “The latest robotic platforms offer an unprecedented level of precision and safety, enabling us to undertake highly complex multi-valve procedures through a minimally invasive approach.”
Dr. Girish B. Navasundi, Director – Cath Lab & Senior Consultant, Cardiology, noted that advanced robotics is transforming valve surgery by reducing surgical trauma, blood loss and overall recovery time.
Mr. Akshay Oleti, CEO – Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, said the accomplishment underscores Apollo’s commitment to clinical innovation. “With Dr. Sathyaki’s extensive expertise—spanning over 3,000 minimally invasive cardiac procedures and 600 robotic surgeries—this milestone highlights our determination to push boundaries in precision cardiac care,” he added.
The success of this next-generation robotic double valve replacement further strengthens Apollo Bengaluru’s leadership in robotic cardiac surgery, offering safer and more effective treatment options for even the most complex and high-risk patients.
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