Doctors at KIMS Kingsway Perform the region’s first Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) Surgery
KIMS Kingsway Hospitals is the first hospital in Central India to introduce robotic-assisted cardiac surgery which has allowed patients to access specialized care locally.
They had successfully performed the region’s first robotic-assisted bypass surgery, earlier this year
Dr. Saurabh Varshney_KIMS
KIMS Kingsway Hospitals has successfully performed Central India’s first robotic-assisted Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) using the advanced da Vinci platform. The procedure was carried out on a 55-year-old female patient diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis, a condition where the mitral valve, located between the heart's left atrium and left ventricle, narrows, restricting blood flow.
Dr. Saurabh Varshney, Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon at KIMS Kingsway Hospitals, led the team in the procedure. “Mitral valve replacement is a complex procedure which is traditionally performed through open-heart surgery, requiring a midline incision and cutting through the breastbone. With robotic-assisted surgery, we achieved the same outcome with minimal incisions, reducing recovery time and avoiding visible scars,” said Dr. Varshney.
Using the advanced robotic-assisted surgery technology, da Vinci, surgeons performed the procedure through a minimally invasive approach, replacing her diseased mitral valve with a mechanical valve. The robotic approach was chosen to minimize surgical invasiveness and avoid the need for a large midline incision through the breastbone. The mitral valve replacement proceeded smoothly, with no complications.
Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which necessitates a midline incision and prolonged ICU stays, the robotic-assisted approach led to reduced blood loss, significantly less pain, faster mobilization, and an overall quicker recovery. The patient was able to walk within hours of the procedure and was discharged in just four days.
“Conventional heart surgery often requires prolonged ICU stays and extended rehabilitation. Remarkably, within a week of returning home, our patient resumed her household activities. Within two weeks, she had returned to her normal routine, as if she had never undergone surgery,” Dr. Varshney pointed out. “This case highlights the benefits of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery in improving patient recovery.”
In addition to this mitral valve replacement procedure, Dr. Varshney and his team had also recently perfomed Central India's first robotic-assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery which was a success.
“Bringing this technology to a non-metro city like Nagpur allows patients to receive specialized treatment locally without traveling to metro cities. The cost of the surgery is also less in Nagpur, compared to bigger cities. As robotic surgery becomes more common and accessible, the costs may further reduce over time, making this advanced technique even more affordable for a broader patient base,” added Dr. Varshney.
“The da Vinci robotic system has enhanced the precision of surgeries. From the moment I began using it, I noticed a remarkable improvement in control and refinement. The risk of arterial damage is significantly reduced, making the procedure more efficient. Given my 20 years of experience in the field, I can confidently say that adopting new technology is essential for improving patient outcomes. By continuously refining our skills and adopting cutting-edge technology, we aim to set new standards in cardiac surgery, making complex procedures more effective,” explained Dr. Varshney.
KIMS Kingsway Hospitals is the first hospital in Central India to introduce a robotic cardiac surgery program. The hospital has been at the forefront of pioneering this technology in the region, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Patients from nearby states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, as well as metro cities like Mumbai, have sought robotic cardiac procedures at KIMS Kingsway Hospitals ever since its inception.