Indian medtech startup SS Innovations, who developed India's first indigenous surgical robotic platform, has accomplished an incredible feat by performing two world-first robotic cardiac telesurgeries in just two days. 

They used the SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System to connect their Gurugram headquarters to Manipal Hospital in Jaipur 286 km away. With this achievement, India has taken one more giant leap towards its claim as a global leader in healthcare technology. 

Team pointed out that both operations were complicated and required extreme precision. The first procedure, telerobotic-assisted internal mammary artery harvesting, took 58 minutes to complete successfully. Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder and CEO of SS Innovations, directed the surgery remotely from Gurugram, while Dr. Lalit Malik, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Manipal Hospital, oversaw the on-site procedure. Despite the distance, the SSI mantra system maintained a very low latency of about 35–40 milliseconds, ensuring real-time responsiveness. 

Building on this achievement, the team performed a totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) with a robotic beating heart, which is considered as one of the most difficult cardiac procedures. The team performed the procedure remotely with consistent latency, showcasing the system's ability to effortlessly support highly demanding surgeries. 

These pioneering telesurgeries demonstrate the revolutionary power of robotic technology in healthcare, particularly in overcoming geographical constraints. SS Innovations is paving the way for high-quality medical treatment in underprivileged areas by allowing professionals to work remotely. 

"We are proud to enhance surgical possibilities and serve humanity by expanding access to advanced care," said Dr. Srivastava, our CEO. "In a diverse country like India, where healthcare access varies significantly, telesurgery is a crucial enabler of equitable healthcare." 

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has authorised the SSI Mantra 3 as India's only surgical robotic system for telesurgery and tele-proctoring. This regulatory permission opens the door to growing remote surgeries and training programs, possibly revolutionising healthcare delivery across the country. 

Dr. Srivastava's robotic surgical experience spans decades. Reflecting on his first robotic bypass operation in the United States in 2003, he said, "After the preliminary testing, I imagined a beating-heart surgical platform. One patient left the hospital 23 hours after surgery and drove 800 miles a week later. That experience demonstrated the potential for quick recovery after difficult surgeries." 

This idea motivated SS Innovations to create the SSI Mantra System with the goal of democratising access to advanced surgical care by providing cost-effective alternatives. 

Dr. Fredric Moll, a pioneer in surgical robots and vice chairman of SS Innovations, praised the accomplishment. "It's inspiring to see how surgical robotics have evolved. SS Innovations has not only developed next-generation robotic equipment but also realised a long-held dream of remote surgery. This achievement marks a significant shift in current surgery." 

Training is essential to the SS Innovations strategy. COO Dr. Vishwa Shrivastava elaborated: "Our training extends beyond brief sessions. We offer on-site support for two to three weeks, allowing surgeons and their teams to acquire confidence in utilising the system through hands-on experience." 

The training program includes a diverse group of participants, including surgeons, assistant surgeons, nurses, and technicians. It comprises structured modules that cover theoretical learning, hands-on experience, and rigorous examinations. "We don't teach surgery; surgeons already know that. "Our focus is on training them to use our system effectively," remarked Dr. Vishwa Shrivastava. Teleproctoring expands support while eliminating the need for trainers to travel. 

Committed to innovation and accessibility, SS Innovations aspires to increase production and reduce prices, ensuring patient affordability. "Our mission is simple—to make world-class surgical care accessible to all, regardless of location or financial status," says Dr. Srivastava. 

This historic accomplishment by SS Innovations ushers in a new era of global healthcare, establishing a precedent for remote surgical treatments. Aside from expanding access to specialised care, this achievement has far-reaching implications for medical education and collaboration. 

SS Innovations, with its unwavering dedication to innovation and egalitarian healthcare, is poised to transform the global healthcare landscape, with India leading the way.