Pune, India – July 2026: Apollo Hospitals Pune has successfully performed its first robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System, marking a significant advancement in the hospital’s cardiac surgery program. The procedure introduces a minimally invasive treatment option for eligible patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery and further strengthens the hospital’s capabilities in advanced cardiac care.
Unlike conventional open-heart bypass surgery, which requires opening the breastbone, robotic-assisted CABG is performed through a few small incisions. The da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System provides surgeons with high-definition, three-dimensional visualization and enhanced instrument precision, enabling complex cardiac procedures through a minimally invasive approach while reducing surgical trauma for appropriately selected patients.
The hospital stated that the robotic platform supports greater surgical precision across a range of cardiac procedures while contributing to improved patient recovery and clinical outcomes.
Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals Pune, said:
“This achievement reflects the collective expertise and commitment of our cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, nursing teams, rehabilitation specialists, and allied healthcare professionals. At Apollo Hospitals Pune, we remain committed to making advanced treatment options accessible to patients while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care.”
The surgery was led by Dr. Smruti Hindaria, Senior Consultant – Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, along with Dr. Bikash Sahu, Cardiac Anaesthesiologist, supported by the multidisciplinary Cardiac Sciences and Intensive Care Unit teams.
The first patient, a 67-year-old man diagnosed with triple-vessel coronary artery disease, underwent the procedure successfully and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day following an uncomplicated recovery. Building on this success, Apollo Hospitals Pune has completed six additional robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass surgeries within a month.
According to the clinical team, patient selection is critical to the success of robotic-assisted bypass surgery. Candidates are evaluated based on factors including overall cardiac and pulmonary health, the suitability of coronary vessels, and the absence of significant underlying medical conditions.
The procedure generally takes between four and five hours to complete. Compared with conventional open-heart surgery, where hospital stays typically range from eight to ten days, robotic-assisted surgery may allow eligible patients to be discharged within four to five days. The minimally invasive approach is associated with smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection, earlier mobilisation, and faster recovery.
Discussing the clinical benefits of the procedure, Dr. Smruti Hindaria said:
“Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery enables surgeons to perform highly complex procedures with exceptional precision while minimizing the physical impact of surgery. However, it is important to recognize that this approach is not suitable for every patient, and careful clinical evaluation remains essential. We are encouraged by the positive outcomes achieved so far and look forward to offering this advanced surgical option to more eligible patients.”
The hospital noted that the successful adoption of robotic cardiac surgery depends on a highly coordinated multidisciplinary approach involving experienced cardiac surgeons, specialized anesthesiologists, intensivists, perfusionists, operating theatre teams, nursing professionals, and rehabilitation experts working together throughout the patient’s treatment journey.
Highlighting the importance of collaborative care, Dr. Manisha Karmarkar added:
“Robotic cardiac surgery requires not only advanced technology but also a highly experienced multidisciplinary team working seamlessly across every stage of patient care. Our integrated approach enables us to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centric treatment while supporting faster recovery and improved clinical outcomes.”
Apollo Hospitals Pune is a 400-bed quaternary care multispecialty hospital offering a comprehensive spectrum of cardiac services, including preventive cardiology, interventional cardiology, structural heart interventions, and advanced cardiac surgery. The introduction of robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery further broadens the range of advanced treatment options available to patients in Pune and neighboring regions.
About Apollo Hospitals Pune
Apollo Hospitals Pune, a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., is a leading quaternary care multispecialty hospital delivering advanced healthcare across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties. The hospital is recognized for its expertise in managing complex and high-risk cases in cardiology, oncology, neurosciences, orthopedics, gastroenterology, transplant sciences, and critical care. Equipped with advanced diagnostic infrastructure, modern surgical technologies, minimally invasive treatment capabilities, and comprehensive intensive care services, Apollo Hospitals Pune provides evidence-based, patient-centered care through a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. The hospital also places significant emphasis on preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, clinical innovation, and personalized treatment, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class healthcare services.
