A new era of robotics surgeries has commenced in India with the receipt of letters of intent (LOIs) from medical institutions across the country. Robotic-assisted surgeries have gained popularity in recent years due to their superior clinical outcomes, reduced risk, and faster recovery times. However, these surgeries have often been associated with high costs, limiting their accessibility to the elite class. Dr Sudhir Prem Srivastava, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations, aims to change this narrative with SSI MANTRA, the first and only surgical robot made in India. This groundbreaking achievement is the result of Dr Srivastava’s dedication to reducing the cost of surgeries and making them accessible to all.
SSI MANTRA has quickly established itself as a unique and successful surgical robot, completing 100 surgeries within just six months of its commercial launch. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for Dr Srivastava but also signifies India’s progress in redefining its surgical landscape. With a price tag of only one-third of its global competitors, SSI MANTRA has significantly reduced the cost of surgeries, enabling high-end medical care to be more affordable for patients in India. Dr Srivastava expresses his gratitude to the medical fraternity for their confidence in the system and their support in providing a surgical option on par with global standards.
Since its initial installation at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute in New Delhi in July 2022, the SSI Mantra system has gained acceptance in various medical institutions, including Sanjeevani CBCC USA Cancer Hospital in Raipur, Continental Hospital in Hyderabad, and Hindustan Hospital in Coimbatore. Dr Srivastava envisions the widespread acceptance of SSI Mantra in Tier 2 and 3 cities, as there are currently only 140 robotic surgery systems installed across 70,000 hospitals in India. This success paves the way for India to become a global leader in robotic surgeries.
SSI Mantra is a modular multi-arm surgical robotic system equipped with advanced technology features. It allows for the use of 3-5 robotic arms and features an ergonomic Surgeon Command Centre with a 32-inch 3D HD monitor and a 23-inch 2D Touch panel monitor for displaying patient-related information. The system also enables real-time imaging of the robotic Patient Side Arm Carts and superimposition of holographic DICOM images. The Vision Cart provides the table-side team with a magnified 3D HD view, enhancing safety and efficiency during surgeries. The modular robotic arms offer flexibility in positioning and the number of arms used, ensuring collision-free operations. Additionally, the system includes over 30 different types of robotic endo-surgical instruments suitable for various specialities, including Cardiac Surgery. The user-friendly design and thoughtful features contribute to a short learning curve for surgeons.
Dr Sudhir P Srivastava, the visionary behind SSI Mantra, is a renowned robotic cardiac surgeon and the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Sudhir Srivastava Innovations Pvt Ltd (SS Innovations). Dr Srivastava obtained his medical degree at J.L.N. Medical College in Rajasthan and pursued his post-graduate training and residency in General and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of British Columbia Hospitals in Vancouver, Canada. Throughout his career, he has performed over 1400 robotic cardiothoracic surgeries, including the world’s first single vessel ‘Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass’ (TECAB) on a beating heart. Dr Srivastava has trained over 350 surgical teams worldwide in robotic coronary bypass procedures and is passionate about expanding minimally invasive surgical techniques. Inspired by the global disparity in access to robotic surgery, he spearheaded the development of the SSI Mantra system. The advanced technology of robotic surgery offers numerous benefits, such as 3D vision with high-definition resolution, reduced complications, minimal trauma, quick recovery, and less blood loss.
In 2011, Dr Srivastava returned to India with his family and a mission to serve his motherland. His unwavering dedication and groundbreaking innovation have laid the foundation for a revolution in robotic surgeries in India. With SSI MANTRA, the country is poised to provide affordable and advanced medical care, ensuring a brighter future for patients in need.
