Guayaquil: SS Innovations completed the first robotic cardiac surgery in the Americas using its SSi Mantra system at Interhospital, Ecuador, highlighting advances in minimally invasive heart procedures and expanding robotic surgery access in South America.
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
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports a robotic cardiac surgery performed on June 8, 2025, using the SSi Mantra 3 system. A search reveals no prior reports of this specific event, indicating originality. However, similar procedures using the SSi Mantra 3 system have been reported earlier, such as the world's first robotic cardiac telesurgeries in January 2025. ([biospace.com](https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/ss-innovations-international-performs-worlds-first-robotic-cardiac-telesurgeries-with-its-ssi-mantra-3?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that while the specific event is new, the technology's application in cardiac surgery has been previously reported. The report appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from Dr. Juan Zuniga, the surgeon who performed the procedure. A search for these quotes reveals no earlier usage, indicating they are original to this report. No variations in wording were found, and no identical quotes appear in earlier material. No online matches were found for these quotes, raising the score but flagging them as potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by SS Innovations International, Inc., a company that develops surgical robotic technologies. While the company is a reputable organisation, the information is self-reported, which may introduce bias. The report mentions Dr. Juan Zuniga, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Interhospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador. A search for Dr. Zuniga reveals no public presence or records, raising concerns about the verifiability of this individual. This lack of verification suggests the mention of Dr. Zuniga could be potentially fabricated.
Plausibility check
Score:
6
Notes:
The report claims that SS Innovations' SSi Mantra 3 system was used for the first robotic cardiac surgery in the Americas and Western Hemisphere on June 8, 2025. While the company has previously reported on similar procedures, such as the world's first robotic cardiac telesurgeries in January 2025, ([biospace.com](https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/ss-innovations-international-performs-worlds-first-robotic-cardiac-telesurgeries-with-its-ssi-mantra-3?utm_source=openai)) this specific claim has not been covered elsewhere. The lack of coverage by other reputable outlets raises questions about the claim's plausibility. The report lacks specific factual anchors, such as verifiable details about Dr. Zuniga and the hospital, which reduces the score and flags it as potentially synthetic. The language and tone are consistent with corporate press releases, and the structure does not include excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and typical of corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a claim of a groundbreaking robotic cardiac surgery performed using the SSi Mantra 3 system. While the report includes original quotes and appears fresh, the self-reported nature of the information, the lack of verifiable details about key individuals, and the absence of coverage by other reputable outlets raise significant concerns about its credibility. The mention of Dr. Juan Zuniga lacks verification, suggesting potential fabrication. Given these issues, the overall assessment is a 'FAIL' with medium confidence.
