Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 20: In a landmark achievement for healthcare in coastal Karnataka, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital (YMCH) has successfully performed the region’s first robotic-assisted minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This pioneering procedure marks a significant advancement in bringing high-end cardiac care to the coastal belt.
The surgery was performed by the chief and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Sakthivel K, along with a skilled multidisciplinary team including associate cardiac surgeon Dr Arjun, cardiac anaesthetists Dr Mohandas, Dr Krishnaprasad, and Dr Vinayak, as well as perfusionists and dedicated nursing staff. With this accomplishment, YMCH becomes the first medical college in Karnataka to offer robotic-assisted CABG.
The patient, a middle-aged man diagnosed with coronary artery disease involving double vessel disease and blocked stents, underwent a multivessel bypass procedure. Unlike conventional open-heart surgery—which requires a large chest incision and splitting of the breastbone—the robotic-assisted technique was performed through a small keyhole incision between the ribs.
The surgical team utilized the advanced SSI Mantra robotic surgical system, which provides high-definition 3D visualization and enhanced precision, allowing surgeons to operate with greater control and accuracy.
This minimally invasive approach offers multiple advantages. The patient experiences significantly less trauma and pain due to the absence of bone cutting. Recovery is much faster, with the patient expected to resume normal physical activity within 10 days, compared to the months required after traditional surgery. Additionally, the precision of robotic surgery minimizes blood loss, reduces the risk of infection, and shortens hospital stays to just a few days.
Beyond immediate recovery, CABG surgery offers strong long-term outcomes, including complete revascularization of blocked arteries, reduced dependency on medications, and a lower risk of repeat heart attacks. It is also considered cost-effective compared to multiple stenting procedures and repeated hospital admissions.
Hospital authorities highlighted that this milestone aligns with their mission to make world-class medical technology both accessible and affordable. By introducing robotic cardiac surgery in coastal Karnataka, YMCH aims to expand patient access to safer, more advanced treatment options. With improving infrastructure, the hospital envisions the region emerging as a hub for medical tourism, attracting patients who previously travelled to metropolitan cities for such procedures.