In a landmark achievement for Eastern India’s medical landscape, Calcutta (now Kolkata) witnessed its first video-assisted heart surgery in the early 2000s, performed at the prestigious BM Birla Heart Research Centre — the region’s pioneering super-specialty cardiac hospital.
Led by a skilled team of cardiothoracic surgeons and assisted by advanced minimally invasive equipment, the operation marked Kolkata’s entry into the age of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). The video-assisted procedure involved making small keyhole incisions in the chest wall and using a thoracoscopic camera to guide surgeons in performing a precise cardiac operation — without fully opening the chest cavity.
The surgery, reportedly a minimally invasive mitral valve repair, was performed on a middle-aged patient suffering from valvular heart disease. The technique allowed for:
- Smaller incisions
- Faster recovery
- Reduced risk of infection
- Less postoperative pain
This successful operation placed Kolkata among the few Indian cities at the time offering cutting-edge, patient-friendly cardiac care, rivaling international standards. It was particularly significant as it showcased the technological modernization of cardiac care outside New Delhi or Mumbai.
BM Birla Heart Research Centre, already known for being Eastern India’s first dedicated cardiac hospital, reinforced its reputation for innovation by leading this breakthrough.
Since then, Kolkata has become a hub for advanced cardiac procedures, including robotic-assisted surgeries, beating-heart bypasses, and hybrid cardiac interventions, benefiting thousands of patients across the region.
