Pune-based Noble Hospitals and Research Centre has created history in the field of robotic heart surgery by successfully performing a Robotic Left Atrial Myxoma Excision, a highly complex heart tumour removal procedure conducted entirely through keyhole ports using a surgical robot.
The robotic heart surgery is the first of its kind performed in Pune, the first in Maharashtra, and only the second such procedure carried out in India.
The milestone robotic heart surgery was performed on a 55-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumour in one chamber of her heart during a routine medical examination.
Though Left Atrial Myxoma is a benign tumour, doctors explained that it can lead to severe breathlessness or stroke in symptomatic patients, making surgical removal the only definitive treatment option.
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Traditionally, robotic heart surgery procedures involving tumour excision require a median sternotomy, where the breastbone is surgically split open to access the heart.
However, at Noble Hospitals, the robotic heart surgery was completed through a few small port incisions without opening the chest bone.
During the robotic heart surgery, the patient was placed on a heart-lung machine and the heart was temporarily stopped.
Using high-definition 3D visualisation technology, the surgical team entered the left atrium, precisely removed the tumour from the heart wall, and robotically sutured the defect with 10x magnification accuracy.
Doctors highlighted that robotic heart surgery offers multiple benefits to patients, including significantly lower post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and minimal scarring compared to conventional open-heart surgery.
The landmark robotic heart surgery was led by Dr Dhairyasheel Kanase with support from Dr Ashish Pokharkar. The surgical team also included Dr Aniruddha Dhekane and Dr N. Jadhav.
Anaesthesia for the robotic heart surgery was managed by Dr Samrat Madnaik and Dr Permita Dikshit, while the heart-lung machine was managed by Shashikant Kale.
The successful robotic heart surgery is expected to pave the way for a broader range of advanced robotic cardiac procedures at the hospital.
Clinicians stated that similar techniques may soon be extended to Robotic ASD Closure, Robotic Valve Replacement, and Robotic-assisted Bypass surgeries, making advanced cardiac treatment more precise and minimally invasive.
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Speaking on the achievement, Dr Dhairyasheel Kanase said, “This is just the beginning of a new era in heart surgery — one in which patients receive world-class outcomes with minimal trauma.”
Commenting on the breakthrough robotic heart surgery, Dr Divij Mane said, “Today, Pune takes its place on the world map of next-generation cardiac care.
What our team has demonstrated is that the most advanced robotic cardiac surgery — performed by surgeons of international calibre, on platforms representing the absolute frontier of the field — can be delivered right here, with outcomes that stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best centres anywhere in the world.
Patients should not have to cross continents in search of excellence; our commitment is to bring that excellence to them.”
He further added, “This milestone is a statement of intent. We will continue to push the boundaries of what is clinically possible, invest relentlessly in technology and talent, and set — not follow — the benchmarks for patient-centric, outcomes-driven cardiac care. The world will increasingly look to Pune as a destination for advanced heart surgery, and we intend to lead that movement.”
Dr Sanjay Pathare said, “This milestone marks a significant leap forward in cardiac care for our city. Robotic-assisted surgery not only enhances precision but also ensures faster recovery, reduced pain, and better clinical outcomes.
We will continue to invest in advanced medical innovations and expert talent to redefine the standards of healthcare delivery.”
Dr Dilip Mane stated, “The introduction of robotic cardiac surgery at our Hospital is a testament to our vision of integrating technology with clinical excellence.
This achievement is the result of meticulous planning, world-class infrastructure, and the dedication of our highly skilled multidisciplinary team.”
