Fortis Escorts Unveils AI‑Powered, Robot‑Assisted Hybrid Cath Lab

Fortis Escorts, a private hospital in New Delhi, has just rolled out a brand‑new hybrid cath lab that blends artificial intelligence, robotic assistance and state‑of‑the‑art imaging. The system – marketed as ARTIS pheno.vision – is designed to make complex cardiac and vascular interventions more accurate while potentially sparing patients from the trauma of open‑heart surgery.

At its core the hybrid cath lab merges three capabilities: a robotic angiography platform that can move with millimetre precision, AI‑enhanced 3‑D visualisation that helps doctors see vessels in unprecedented detail, and a full‑fledged operating suite that lets a surgical team step in the same room if the case calls for it. In practice, that means a physician can plan the procedure on a detailed model, navigate catheters with robot‑guided steadiness, and, if something unexpected pops up, transition to a traditional surgical approach without moving the patient.

Hospital officials say the new set‑up is especially valuable for older patients, those juggling several health issues, or anyone with tricky anatomy. “For the right candidates we can now offer a minimally invasive, image‑guided route that cuts down on trauma, shortens hospital stays and lowers the risk of infection,” explained a spokesperson. The AI tools also help lower radiation exposure for both patients and staff, a welcome side‑benefit in busy cath labs.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO of Fortis Healthcare, highlighted the broader mission: “Our goal is to bring world‑class cardiac care home to India. This hybrid lab is a leap forward, giving our patients access to the kind of precision that used to require travelling abroad.” He added that the technology expands the range of procedures the hospital can perform, from transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to intricate peripheral vascular repairs.

Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Fortis, pointed out the practical advantage of having both catheter‑based and surgical tools under one roof. “If a high‑risk case needs a quick switch from a catheter approach to open surgery, we can do that instantly, without the delays of moving a patient to another theatre,” he said. He also noted that the robot’s steadier positioning, combined with sharper AI imaging, helps clinicians place devices more accurately, making once‑considered‑too‑complex procedures safer.

Vikram Aggarwal, Regional Director‑Operations, summed up the impact on everyday care: “Patients presenting with complicated, high‑risk cardiovascular problems now have a better chance of receiving a treatment that’s precise, flexible and, most importantly, safer.” He emphasized that Fortis Escorts is currently the only corporate hospital in the country with this integrated technology, underscoring its role as a pioneer in Indian cardiac care.

While the system is still new, early feedback from the multidisciplinary teams suggests a smoother workflow and a noticeable reduction in procedure times. As the team gains experience, the hospital hopes to expand the lab’s use to a wider range of heart‑related conditions, further cementing its reputation as a hub for cutting‑edge, minimally invasive therapies.