Indore Shines Globally: World’s first Inter-continental Telesurgery using SSI Mantra Robot performed

K K Jha
Indore: In a historic leap for medical innovation, Indore has etched its name in global healthcare history with the world’s first intercontinental robotic telesurgery. Surgeons in Strasbourg, France, successfully performed two complex procedures on patients in Indore, spanning over 10,000 kilometers, using the indigenously developed SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System. Conducted on July 19, 2025, at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) and the IRCAD National Centre in Indore, this achievement highlights India’s technological prowess and cements Indore’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge healthcare.
The first procedure, a robotic gastric bypass for morbid obesity, was executed by Dr. Mohit Bhandari, President of IRCAD India and Founder of Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics, Indore. Completed in just over 44 minutes with zero complications, the surgery demonstrated the SSI Mantra 3’s exceptional precision and latency-free operation. The second, a highly complex robotic atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, was performed by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of SS Innovations International, Inc. Both surgeries were conducted remotely from the Institut de Recherche contre les Cancers de l’Appareil Digestif (IRCAD) inJimmy’s Bar and Grill, Strasbourg, during the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) Annual Meeting, showcasing seamless robotic control and imperceptible latency.
Dr. Sudhir Srivastava hailed the milestone, stating, “This achievement not only showcases the SSI Mantra 3’s advanced capabilities but also positions Indore as a global leader in democratizing surgical care, especially in underserved regions.” Dr. Mohit Bhandari added, “Performing a complex gastric bypass across continents from Indore is a proud moment for our city. The SSI Mantra 3 is a bridge to equitable healthcare, and Indore is at the forefront of this revolution.” The live telesurgery was moderated by Dr. Husam H. Balkhy, President of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery, reflecting global collaboration.
In Indore, patient-side support was provided by a skilled team, including Dr. Lalit Malik, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, Dr. Ram Krishna Shukla, Cardiologist at SAIMS, and Dr. Bipin Arya, Anesthesiologist at SAIMS, alongside SS Innovations and SAIMS teams. The flawless execution underscored the SSI Mantra 3’s robust telesurgery architecture, approved by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for telesurgery and teleproctoring.
The SSI Mantra 3, with its five robotic arms, 3D HD headset, and 4K vision cart, has powered over 5,000 multi-specialty surgeries, including 250 cardiac procedures and 35 telesurgeries, without adverse events. Building on prior successes, such as India’s first robotic telesurgery for weight loss between Gurugram and Indore (560 miles) and cardiac telesurgeries between Gurugram and Jaipur (286 kilometers), SS Innovations is set to seek U.S. FDA approval later this year, promising a global impact.
For Indore, a city celebrated for cleanliness and healthcare, this milestone solidifies its status as a medical innovation hub. The SSI Mantra 3’s ability to transcend geographical barriers heralds a future where advanced surgical care reaches all corners of the world, with Indore leading the charge.