The World’s First-in-Human Telerobotic Coronary Intervention Performed in Akshardham, Gandhinagar, India

The PCI procedure was performed by Dr. Tejas Patel from Swaminarayan Akshardham mandir, Gandhinagar, at a distance of roughly 32 km from catherization lab of the Apex Heart Institute in Ahmedabad, where the patient was admitted and attended to by Dr. Sanjay Shah. The success of this study paves the way for large-scale, long-distance telerobotic platforms across the globe. Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijaybhai Rupani and Collector of Gandhinagar Shri S K Langa along with sadhus of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Pujya Anandswarup Swami and Pujya Shri Brahmavihari Swami remained present and blessed this occasion. The event and procedure was preceded by a small spiritual ceremony of Neelkanth Varni Abhishek and universal prayers for peace and progress.

On this occasion, Dr. Tejas Patel said, “The first-in-human case of remote robotic PCI represents a landmark event for interventional medicine. Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the number one cause of death worldwide resulting in nearly 18 million deaths per year. The application of telerobotics in India has the potential to impact a significant number of lives by providing access to care that may not otherwise have been possible. I am honoured for contributing to this historic groundbreaking research which is going to earn a lot of glory and global respect for my country. “

“Moreover, I dedicate this breakthrough to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj whose heart I had the privilege to take care of. His heart made a difference to my heart and through this technology I want to make a difference to millions of hearts.”

“Furthermore, Of the many options available I selected Swaminarayan Akshardham as I wanted to conduct this path breaking event of medical history from the lap of God and I feel that Akshardham being a confluence of science and spirituality, tradition and technology provides that peace and spirituality, comfort and creativity to further all fields of humanity and not just the medical field.”

Brahmavihari Swami said, “Dr Tejas Patel has served as His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personal cardiologist during which he experienced moments of deep spirituality. His own story is one remarkable journey of faith and transformation of heart. His Holiness was one of the most enlightened spiritual leaders of our times who encouraged both science and spirituality for the development of human life and universal values. As the Centenary of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj is being celebrated globally and the current 10 day festival to be attended by millions of people is beginning today in Rajkot, 5th December 2018, this day was selected in honour of his life and work. All our prayers are with Dr Tejas Patel and the entire medical world to serve humanity and enhance the quality of human life scientifically, spiritually and ethically”