Robotic surgery and artificial hearts: Colombia excels in high-complexity procedures

• The Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) has performed over 150 robotic orthopedic surgeries using the Mako system, achieving more precise joint replacements and facilitating faster patient recovery.
• It has been 10 years since the first artificial heart implant in the country: HIC, a pioneer in Latin America, has performed 33 of these implants, providing a lifeline for patients who, due to certain conditions, are not eligible for a transplant.
• These accomplishments reflect the hospital’s commitment to progress, driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the region.

Bucaramanga, Colombia, October 2024. The Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) continues its focus on innovation; the medical center has performed numerous robotic orthopedic surgeries assisted by the Mako system, contributing to the advancement of surgical techniques in Latin America. Additionally, it has been 10 years since its Cardiovascular Institute performed the first artificial heart implant, a critical alternative for patients with end-stage heart failure in a country with limited access to transplants.

Mako robotic surgery: Precision at the service of the patient

Since its implementation in December 2023, the Mako system has allowed HIC to perform over 150 joint replacements on both national and international patients, setting new standards in orthopedic surgery. Through advanced planning based on three- dimensional imaging and haptic technology, surgeons have achieved more precise interventions with fewer complications, reduced impact on soft tissues, and faster recovery times for patients.

"The use of the robotic arm in joint replacements has transformed the landscape of orthopedic surgery in the region, delivering more accurate results and a less invasive recovery process," says Dr. Elio Rueda, orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist at HIC’s Orthopedic Institute.

These innovations are positioning the hospital as a leader in the use of robotic technology for surgery, improving patient outcomes.

Artificial hearts: A decade of offering new hope to critical patients

In addition to advancements in orthopedics, the Hospital Internacional de Colombia celebrates 10 years since its first artificial heart implant, a procedure that has offered new hope to patients with terminal heart failure. In 2014, the hospital became the first institution in South America to implant this device, known as HeartMate. Over the past decade, HIC has performed 33 of the 38 implants carried out in the country, establishing itself as an international reference center for this life-support technology.

"When we evaluated our first patient, she had less than a 10% chance of surviving the following year. Today, we celebrate the impact of these interventions, which have extended and improved the quality of life for many individuals," says Dr. Leonardo Salazar, Director of the ECMO and Ventricular Assist Program at HIC.

The artificial heart is a device that temporarily assumes the heart’s function when it can no longer maintain the necessary blood flow. In a context where access to organ transplants is limited, this technology has become a vital option for patients who need a bridge to transplantation or a long-term solution.

Medical innovation: The driving force behind HIC’s growth

The advancements made by the Hospital Internacional de Colombia are the result of significant investment in the training of its medical team and the implementation of cutting-edge technology. Active participation in scientific research and the development of innovative techniques are crucial for HIC to offer high-quality medical care aligned with international standards.

"Innovations such as robotic surgery, the opening of multiple operating rooms, and the establishment of our specialized units have allowed us to position HIC among the best hospitals in Latin America, which is highly gratifying," says Dr. Víctor Raúl Castillo Mantilla, President and CEO of the Hospital Internacional de Colombia - FCV.

The achievements in surgery and artificial heart implants reflect HIC’s commitment to continuous improvement in technology and healthcare quality. These initiatives have driven the transformation of the healthcare sector, providing effective solutions for national and international patients with challenging conditions.

The medical complex has also been a significant driver of regional development, creating more than 5,000 jobs. "Today, HIC is not only a key player in the healthcare sector but also an economic catalyst, and we are working tirelessly on new developments and agreements that will allow us to continue growing," adds Dr. Castillo.

Moreover, technological advancements have positioned Colombia as a reference point for other countries in the continent seeking to implement innovative solutions in their healthcare systems. HIC’s experience demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the healthcare access gap, offering a model for the region in the pursuit of more equitable and advanced medicine.