Bengaluru: Renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Sathyaki P. Nambala at Apollo Hospitals successfully performed South-East Asia’s first robotic-assisted bicuspid aortic valve replacement to save a 32-year-old patient with congenital bicuspid aortic valve condition by using Da Vinci RAS technology.
A bicuspid aortic valve has two cusps instead of the usual three, which can cause serious complications like heart failure.
Unlike other patients where symptoms are deciphered later in life, this patient faced early onset due to the congenital abnormality. Complicating matters, the patient had a high body mass index (BMI) and a profound fear of open surgery.
Expressing the unique challenges of the case, Dr. Sathyaki explained, “The patient adamantly refused open surgery, and considering his high BMI and condition, traditional minimally invasive approaches posed significant difficulties.
“However, with our extensive experience in robotic-assisted surgeries, we saw an opportunity to save his life through robotic-assisted bicuspid aortic valve replacement.”
The surgery, utilising one of the advanced robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) technologies, the da Vinci by US-based Intuitive, allowed Dr. Sathyaki to navigate the challenges posed by the patient’s obesity and intricate valve condition.
While the patient’s high BMI posed a significant challenge in accessing the valves, the use of robotic instruments with extended reach and precision, combined with 3D visualisation capabilities, provided unparalleled access and accuracy during the procedure.
“Congenital bicuspid aortic valve is one of the most common congenital heart defects in India. I was quite anxious about the traditional surgery as it needed my bones to be cut and may have adverse effects on my life after the surgery.
“However, Dr. Sathyaki put my mind at ease by taking the time to explain and detail how robotic-assisted surgery was a good option given the complexities of my situation and my worry about the adversities of open surgery.
“The entire team’s dedication and expertise gave me a renewed sense of hope for a healthier and brighter future. I can’t thank Dr. Sathyaki and the team enough for their innovative approach and the genuine care they showed throughout the entire process. I am healing well and look forward to my healthy future,” the patient said.
