India's first telesurgery sparks debate over remote medical practices

In India, an innovative leap in medical technology was demonstrated as the surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, conducted two robotic cardiac surgeries remotely over a distance of 286 kilometers. The procedures were executed at Manipal Hospital in Jaipur, with Dr. Sudhir Srivastava leading the operations from Gurugram. This pioneering achievement involved Telerobotic-assisted Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting, which was completed in just 58 minutes, followed by a robotic beating heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) surgery, recognized as one of the most intricate cardiac surgical operations. Both surgeries were marked by exceptional precision, aided by a remarkably low latency of 35-40 milliseconds, demonstrating the advanced capabilities of the SSI Mantra system. The successful completion of these surgeries holds significant implications for healthcare in India, especially considering the country's vast rural population and existing healthcare disparities. The remote capabilities of this technology serve to bridge geographical gaps, providing accurate and timely medical interventions that were previously unattainable for many individuals living far from urban medical facilities. Dr. Lalit Malik, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Manipal Hospital, emphasized that this milestone in interstate robotic cardiac telesurgery showcases how technology can enhance patient care, especially for those in under-served areas. Moreover, the recent approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has paved the way for further advancements in remote surgeries and medical education. This approval allows healthcare professionals to collaborate across significant distances, fostering a new era of remote assistance in surgeries and educational opportunities. The potential benefits extend beyond mere convenience; with better accessibility to surgical specialists, it can drastically improve surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction in regions that traditionally struggle with healthcare access. Overall, this achievement not only highlights the capabilities of India's indigenous technology but also sets the stage for future innovations that could transform the landscape of healthcare delivery in the country for years to come.