Pioneering Cardiac Care: Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement with the da Vinci Xi System

At Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, innovation and patient-centred care are at the heart of everything we do. Our Robotic Surgery Program, led by Dr. Sudarshan G T, recently achieved a ground-breaking milestone – performing what is possibly the first Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) within the entire Fortis Healthcare ecosystem.

Understanding Severe Symptomatic Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) occurs when the mitral valve in the heart does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left atrium instead of moving forward through the heart. Over time, this can place extra strain on the heart, leading to heart enlargement, reduced cardiac function, and serious health complications if left untreated.

In severe symptomatic cases, patients may experience:

• Shortness of Breath – Especially during physical activity or when lying flat.
• Fatigue and Weakness – Due to decreased blood flow to the rest of the body.
• Heart Palpitations – Irregular or rapid heartbeat caused by excess fluid in the heart chambers.
• Swelling (Edema) – Particularly in the legs, ankles, or abdomen due to fluid retention.
• Chest Discomfort – Pressure or pain resulting from increased heart workload.

If left untreated, severe mitral regurgitation can lead to heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary hypertension, significantly impacting quality of life and increasing the risk of life-threatening events.

Early intervention through advanced surgical techniques like robotic mitral valve replacement can prevent these complications and restore normal heart function.

The da Vinci Xi: Transforming Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

The da Vinci Xi surgical system brings unparalleled precision and value to minimally invasive cardiac procedures, offering:

• Improved Dexterity – Enhanced manoeuvrability for complex heart surgeries.
• Excellent Vision – 3D high-definition imaging for superior clarity.
• Ergonomic Design – Better surgeon control and reduced fatigue.
• Patient Safety – Minimally invasive approach reduces complications and speeds up recovery.

These technological advancements allow us to provide faster recovery times, fewer complications, and exceptional clinical outcomes—all while ensuring superior cosmetic results.

A Life-Changing Procedure for a Young Patient

Recently, a female patient in her 50s was referred to us from a neighbouring state. She had been living with severe symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation for over two years, delaying surgery due to her fear of sternotomy (open chest surgery) and the resulting scar.

The patient's symptoms had progressively worsened, affecting her daily life and overall well-being. Traditional mitral valve surgery would have required a sternotomy, involving a large incision through the chest bone—a procedure that often carries longer recovery times and visible scarring.

Using the da Vinci Xi robotic system, our expert team performed a Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement—an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that allows us to repair the heart through small incisions without opening the chest.

The result? A remarkable recovery:

• Fast-track discharge in just 3 days
• No pain and no blood transfusion
• Superior cosmetic outcome with minimal scarring

Thanks to the precision of robotic surgery and the expertise of our anaesthesia team, the patient experienced minimal post-operative discomfort and rapid recovery, returning to her normal activities much sooner than with traditional surgery.

A Milestone in Robotic Cardiac Surgery

This successful Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement marks a significant leap forward for Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road and Fortis Healthcare as a whole. Our Robotic Vertical continues to set new standards in cardiac care, offering patients cutting-edge technology, personalized treatment, and exceptional outcomes.

Congratulations to Dr. Sudarshan G T and the entire robotic surgery team for this historic achievement, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in patient care.

For advanced cardiac care and minimally invasive robotic surgery, trust the expertise of Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road.

📞 To book a consultation, contact us today!