In a first, Gandhinagar doctor remotely operates on woman 35km away with robotic arm

A patient 35km away in a hospital was operated upon by interventional cardiologist Dr Tejas Patel from the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar.

Dr Patel performed what is believed to be the world's first in-human telerobotic coronary intervention. It was performed on a woman from Kalol who had a blockage in one of the arteries and the operation involved using a balloon to open the blockage. Dr Patel operated the robot remotely to gain entry into the artery and insert the balloon that would open the blockage.

Speaking after the surgery, Dr Patel said that technologies such as this would eventually help specialist operate on patients even in remote areas. "With just a cath lab and paramedics we can have one specialist for 60 villages at a time," he said.

According to him, in a country where there is an acute shortage of specialists, this will ensure that the skills reach the patients even in remote areas without wasting any time. "Sometimes time is the essence in many cases and bringing the patient to the specialist may lead to critical delay. With telerobotic intervention we can avoid the delay," said Dr Patel.

Dr Patel who also happened to be the cardiologist for Pramukh Swami Maharaj dedicated this feat to the leader of the sect. As to why he chose to do it from the Akshardham temple, Dr Patel said that when one was operating from the lap of God, it wasn't possible that one would go wrong.

He further added that every scientific development that has made a difference has had spirituality in the background.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said the government would explore technologies such as this so as to ensure that cutting-edge health care is made available to even those in far-flung areas. "It can also be of use to our soldiers on the borders who may be in need of cutting-edge healthcare," said Rupani.

HOW IT WAS DONE

• The operation was performed on a woman from Kalol who had a blockage in one of the arteries
   
• Dr Patel operated the robot remotely to gain entry into the artery and insert the balloon that would open the blockage