- Second Da Vinci Xi system propels Ahmedabad into India’s elite league for minimally invasive heart surgery
- Over 75 successful robotic cardiac surgeries demonstrate safer procedures, faster recovery and world-class clinical outcomes
- Hospital says robotic heart surgery is becoming increasingly accessible, with insurance support and lower overall recovery costs
- Patients can return to normal life sooner as smaller incisions reduce pain, blood loss, infection risk and hospital stay
- Initiative expected to strengthen Ahmedabad’s emergence as a global destination for advanced cardiac care and medical tourism
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 7
In a breakthrough that promises to transform the future of heart care in western India, Apollo CVHF Hospitals on Tuesday launched Gujarat’s first dedicated Robotic Cardiac Surgery Unit, becoming the first healthcare institution in the state to establish an exclusive robotic programme for complex heart surgeries with the addition of its second Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System.
The milestone is far more than a technological upgrade. It signals a paradigm shift in the way cardiac diseases will be treated—offering patients an alternative to conventional open-heart surgery through tiny incisions, quicker recovery, reduced pain and faster return to normal life. The initiative also positions Ahmedabad among India’s emerging centres of excellence in robotic cardiovascular care, with the potential to attract patients from across the country as well as Africa, the Middle East and neighbouring nations.
The robotic cardiac surgery programme, spearheaded by Dr. Sudhir Adalati, Senior CVTS Surgeon, has already completed more than 75 successful robotic heart surgeries, including complex coronary artery bypass procedures, valve repairs and replacements, selected congenital heart surgeries, cardiac tumour excisions and other minimally invasive cardiac interventions.
Addressing the media, Dr. Sameer Dani, CEO & Director, Apollo CVHF Hospitals and Director – Department of Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad, said the launch marks a defining chapter in Gujarat’s healthcare journey.
“The launch of Gujarat’s first dedicated Robotic Cardiac Surgery Unit represents an important step in our commitment to making advanced cardiac care more accessible. The second Da Vinci Xi system allows us to perform highly precise minimally invasive procedures while expanding access to globally benchmarked robotic surgery.”
Explaining how the technology changes cardiac treatment, he said robotic surgery significantly reduces the trauma associated with conventional open-heart surgery.
“Today, robotic technology enables us to perform procedures such as coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valve repair, valve replacement, selected congenital heart surgeries and cardiac tumour removal through very small incisions instead of opening the chest. Patients experience less pain, minimal blood loss, lower infection risk and a much quicker recovery.”
Responding to concerns over affordability, Dr. Dani emphasised that robotic surgery should not be viewed as a luxury reserved for a privileged few.
“When people hear the words ‘robotic heart surgery’, many assume it is beyond their reach. That perception is changing rapidly. While the procedure may involve a modest additional technology cost compared with conventional surgery, patients often recover faster, spend fewer days in hospital, require fewer blood transfusions and return to work much earlier. When these factors are considered, the overall value is extremely compelling for middle-class families.”
On insurance coverage, he added: “Most leading health insurance companies are already covering robotic cardiac procedures whenever medically indicated. We are also engaging with government agencies and stakeholders so that advanced robotic surgeries become increasingly available under public healthcare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat and state-supported programmes wherever applicable.”
Highlighting the clinical advantages, Dr. Sudhir Adalati, who leads the robotic cardiac surgery programme, said years of experience have demonstrated that robotic surgery consistently delivers superior patient outcomes.
“Robotic cardiac surgery combines surgical expertise with cutting-edge technology to perform complex heart procedures with exceptional precision. Enhanced three-dimensional vision and highly articulated robotic instruments enable us to operate accurately while minimising trauma to healthy tissues.”
Reflecting on Apollo’s experience of more than 75 robotic cardiac procedures, he added: “Our outcomes have been extremely encouraging. Patients have experienced significantly lower blood loss, reduced infection rates, minimal post-operative pain, shorter ICU and hospital stays and very high levels of patient satisfaction. Most patients are able to resume routine activities within two to four weeks, compared with six to twelve weeks following conventional open-heart surgery.”
Dr. Adalati noted that robotic surgery particularly benefits patients requiring bypass surgery, mitral valve procedures, selected congenital heart operations and other carefully evaluated cardiac interventions where minimally invasive techniques can deliver optimal results.
Speaking on Ahmedabad’s growing stature as an international healthcare destination, Cdr. Jelson Kavalakkat, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad, said the new robotic facility would significantly strengthen the city’s appeal among overseas patients.
“Patients travelling from Africa, the Middle East and neighbouring countries seek three things—clinical excellence, affordability and timely treatment. Our robotic cardiac programme delivers all three. International patients receive world-class surgery at a fraction of global costs without long waiting periods, supported by internationally benchmarked clinical protocols.”
He added that Apollo remains committed to investing in technologies that improve both clinical outcomes and patient experience.
“The addition of our second Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System strengthens Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad’s leadership in robotic-assisted surgery. It reflects our commitment to combining world-class technology with highly specialised clinical expertise so that patients across Gujarat and beyond have access to the safest and most advanced cardiac care available.”
The Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System offers surgeons high-definition three-dimensional visualisation, advanced robotic instrumentation and exceptional dexterity, enabling complex heart surgeries through keyhole incisions while preserving surrounding tissues.
Medical experts believe the technology will play an increasingly important role as cardiovascular diseases continue to rise in India, helping patients recover faster, reduce complications and return to productive lives sooner.
With two dedicated robotic platforms now in operation, Apollo CVHF Hospitals has established one of western India’s most comprehensive robotic cardiac surgery ecosystems, setting a new benchmark for advanced cardiovascular care and reaffirming Ahmedabad’s position as a rapidly emerging destination for high-end healthcare innovation.
