The Changing Face of Heart Surgery

Heart surgery has traditionally meant large chest incisions, long hospital stays, and a slow return to normal life. But medical science is moving fast, and Kolkata is keeping pace. One of the most exciting breakthroughs is cardiac robotic surgery—a cutting-edge technique that combines surgical skill with the precision of robotic technology. For patients, it promises smaller scars, faster healing, and safer outcomes.

What Is Cardiac Robotic Surgery?

Cardiac robotic surgery uses advanced robotic systems—such as the da Vinci Surgical System—to help surgeons perform delicate heart operations through tiny incisions. Instead of opening the chest bone, the surgeon controls robotic arms from a console. High-definition 3D cameras give a magnified view of the heart, while robotic instruments move with incredible accuracy, even beyond the natural range of the human hand.

Common procedures include:

• Mitral or tricuspid valve repair and replacement

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using minimal incisions

• Removal of cardiac tumors

• Repair of congenital heart defects

The result? Less pain, less blood loss, reduced infection risk, and a quicker return to everyday life.

Kolkata’s Leap into Robotic Heart Care

Kolkata has emerged as a major hub for advanced cardiac treatment in Eastern India, and several hospitals are now offering robotic or minimally invasive heart procedures:

• Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals introduced the da Vinci Xi robotic system, bringing Eastern India its first platform capable of performing complex cardiac and thoracic surgeries.

• Manipal Hospitals, EM Bypass (Mukundapur) is steadily expanding its Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) program. Surgeons like  Dr kunal Sarkar , Dr. Arijit Datta and team a leading cardiac and vascular surgeon, are experienced in performing delicate heart operations through keyhole techniques and are paving the way for robotic procedures.

• Fortis Anandapur and other private centres have set up robotic surgery departments, laying the groundwork for more widespread use in heart care.

These hospitals are blending robotic technology with expert surgical teams, making Kolkata one of the most advanced cardiac care destinations in the country.

Why Patients Prefer Robotic Surgery

Patients who qualify for robotic or minimally invasive heart surgery often experience:

• Smaller incisions (sometimes just a few centimeters)

• Minimal scarring for better cosmetic results

• Shorter hospital stay—often just 3–5 days

• Faster recovery, allowing a quicker return to work and normal activities

• Lower risk of complications, such as infections or excessive bleeding

For families, this means not only better outcomes but also reduced emotional and financial stress.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the benefits, robotic cardiac surgery is not suitable for every patient or every heart condition. Costs are higher than traditional surgery because of the technology and specialized training required. Surgeons must undergo extensive robotic training, and hospitals need dedicated infrastructure.

That said, as more hospitals adopt the technology and more surgeons gain experience, the cost is expected to gradually decrease, making it accessible to a larger population.

The Road Ahead

Kolkata is on the brink of a cardiac revolution. With the combination of world-class hospitals, skilled surgeons, and growing awareness among patients, robotic heart surgery is set to become a key part of the city’s healthcare future. For those facing complex heart conditions, the availability of robotic options means safer procedures and a faster return to life.

Final Thoughts

If you or a loved one is considering heart surgery, ask your cardiologist about robotic or minimally invasive options. Hospitals like Apollo, Manipal, and Fortis in Kolkata now provide consultations to determine if you’re a good candidate. This new technology may offer not only a healthier heart but also a smoother journey back to health.