Aster Medcity, a leading multispecialty hospital renowned for its clinical excellence and advanced technology, has achieved a major milestone by successfully performing Kerala’s first-ever robotic-assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. This landmark procedure was carried out on 42-year-old Nisha Purushothaman from Guruvayur, Thrissur district, who made a swift recovery and was discharged just four days after the surgery.
Ms. Purushothaman, diagnosed with severe triple vessel disease, had sought treatment at Aster Medcity after conventional angioplasty was ruled out. Concerned about the risks and longer recovery time of traditional open-heart surgery, the medical team recommended a robotic-assisted Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) procedure as a safer and more advanced option. While minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is already a breakthrough, robotic assistance elevates it further by offering surgeons greater precision, control, and visualization during complex procedures.
Commenting on the achievement, Ramesh Kumar, COO of Aster DM Healthcare, said,
“At Aster, our mission has always been to bring the most advanced healthcare solutions closer to the people of India. The successful completion of Kerala’s first robotic-assisted cardiac bypass surgery is a proud milestone for us and a transformative step for cardiac care in the region. This breakthrough not only reflects the expertise and dedication of our medical teams but also our commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology that ensures better outcomes and faster recovery for patients. We believe such innovations will redefine the future of surgery, making complex procedures safer, less invasive, and more patient-friendly.”
The complex procedure was led by M.M. Yusuf, Senior Consultant in Robotic Cardiac Surgery, along with a skilled team including Manoj P. Nair, George Varghese Kurien, Sabin Sam, Jishnu Palliyani, and Suresh G Nair.
Sharing her experience, Ms. Purushothaman said,
“Initially I was a little anxious and had some reservations, but when the doctors explained the entire process and how safe robotic-assisted procedure is, it gave me the confidence to go ahead.”
She later visited Aster Medcity to thank the team and receive the traditional Onakkodi from Anil Kumar R., Head of the Aster Institute of Cardiac Sciences.
The surgical team followed the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, which promotes quicker recovery after major surgeries. Robotic-assisted surgery complemented this approach by minimizing surgical stress, reducing post-operative pain, lowering complication risks, and allowing smaller incisions for better cosmetic outcomes and faster return to daily life.
“This is a major leap forward in cardiac surgery. The robotic system allows us to navigate complex anatomical areas with enhanced control and visualization, leading to superior surgical outcomes and reduced trauma for the patient,” said Dr. M.M. Yusuf.
“The robotic arms can maneuver in tight spaces not easily accessible with conventional tools, leading to more accurate surgical steps and minimal blood loss,” added Dr. George Varghese Kurien.
A press conference announcing this milestone was attended by Nalanda Jayadev (CEO, Aster Medcity), Shuhaib Kader (COO, Aster Medcity), and other senior clinicians from the cardiac and anesthesiology departments.