SS Innovations International, Inc. has announced what it claims to be the first robotic cardiac surgery performed in the Americas and Western Hemisphere using its SSi Mantra 3 surgical robotic system. The procedure was conducted on June 8, 2025, by Dr. Juan Zuniga, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Interhospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The surgery involved the robotic closure of an Atrial Septal Defect, a repair for a hole between the upper chambers of the heart.
According to the company, Dr. Zuniga found the SSi Mantra system to be user-friendly and precise, highlighting the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, which he noted contributed to faster patient recovery and reduced bleeding. The surgeon commented on the confidence the system instilled, stating that robotic manipulation allowed for exact suturing, verified by transesophageal echocardiography confirming successful closure.
Interhospital is reported to be the first South American institution to install the SSi Mantra system and has since used it for various complex surgeries. SS Innovations, headquartered in the United States with operational ties to India, positions the SSi Mantra as a cost-effective, advanced modular robotic platform featuring up to five robotic arms, a 3D 4K high-definition monitor, and an ergonomic surgeon console. The system supports over 40 types of surgical instruments tailored for specialties including cardiology.
This milestone follows several other notable achievements by SS Innovations. The company previously announced performing over 100 robotic cardiac surgeries with the same system, marking a considerable expansion in its cardiac surgery market footprint. In addition, SS Innovations took part in pioneering robotic cardiac surgeries internationally, including the first such surgery in Indonesia, and the world’s first mitral valve replacement using their robotic system in India.
Nonetheless, while the company touts these developments as signals of robotic surgery becoming more accessible and affordable globally, independent verification of the broader clinical impact and patient outcomes remains limited in the public domain. Regulatory approvals are also gradually being secured in various countries, with the company anticipating further certifications that could impact market availability, such as FDA approval expected in early 2025.
The SSi Mantra system’s distinguishing technological features and reported successful outcomes contribute to ongoing discussions around the role of robotic surgery in improving precision and reducing recovery times. However, as with any emerging surgical technology, the long-term benefits, cost-efficiency, and integration within healthcare systems will require continued assessment by medical professionals and regulatory entities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
