The Vattikuti Foundation, globally recognized for its pioneering work in robotic surgery, is poised to transform neurological care in India with a $2.8 million (INR 24 crore) donation to establish the Vattikuti Institute of Advanced Neurotechnology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
The initiative aims to address the urgent needs of patients suffering from movement disorders and neuro-psychiatric conditions by making advanced healthcare accessible to all. AIIMS will be the first public institution in India to house this cutting-edge facility.
The Southfield, Michigan, -based foundation was founded by Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Raj Vattikuti and his wife, Padma.
The newly established institute at AIIMS will be equipped with the state-of-the-art Neuroblate 650, also known as Exablate-Neuro, a high-intensity focused ultrasound device developed by Insightec, according to a press release by the foundation.
“This cutting-edge, non-invasive technology uses magnetic guidance to target and treat neurological conditions without the need for surgical incisions, providing an innovative alternative for millions of patients suffering from conditions like tremors,” the release stated.
India faces a substantial burden of movement disorders, with an estimated 30 million people affected by conditions such as essential tremor (ET), which can significantly disrupt daily life. Many ET patients find it difficult to perform simple tasks, like holding a cup of tea or a glass of water without spilling. While current treatments, including lifelong medications, are often accompanied by side effects and high costs, advanced surgical options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) are invasive, expensive, and available only at specialized centers.
The Neuroblate 650 offers a transformative, non-invasive alternative that can treat tremors without surgery, providing lasting relief for approximately 60-70 percent of patients, according to the foundation. This treatment can be performed without anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day, free from the tremors that once dominated their lives.
“While the primary focus is on treating tremors, the potential of Exablate-Neuro extends beyond movement disorders,” the release noted. “The technology has already shown promise in treating Parkinson’s disease, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and even enhancing the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer, by disrupting the blood-brain barrier to allow chemotherapy access.”
The Vattikuti Foundation is committed to expanding these boundaries further by supporting cutting-edge research at the new institute, focusing on additional applications such as epilepsy and substance and alcohol addiction, the release said.
A hub for groundbreaking research
Dr. Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of the Vattikuti Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to advancing medical innovation.
He noted that the foundation, with its extensive experience in developing robotic surgery, recognizes India as an ideal setting for advancing new technologies. The country’s large population, strong academic infrastructure, substantial government backing, and a tradition of cutting-edge research at institutions like AIIMS create a unique environment for innovation, he said.
Bhandari, a urologist, is also an academic affiliate at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at the Henry Ford Health System in Detorit.
By partnering with AIIMS, the Vattikuti Foundation ensures that this revolutionary technology will be accessible to a broad segment of the population, not just private patients, Bhandari said, adding that the foundation’s mission is to democratize access to advanced, non-invasive technology, making it available to all, regardless of socio-economic status.
“The Vattikuti Institute for Advanced Neurotechnology at AIIMS is set to become a hub for pioneering studies that could expand the application of Exablate-Neuro to new areas,” the release said. “With the right support, this center could lead research on conditions such as major depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Rigorous clinical trials will help establish the full potential of Exablate-Neuro in treating these complex conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”
The installation of the Neuroblate 650 at AIIMS represents more than just a technological upgrade; it is a strategic move to revolutionize neurological care in India. “The Vattikuti Foundation’s vision is to create a future where advanced neurological and psychiatric treatments are accessible to all, breaking down barriers of cost and geography,” Bhandari added. “This initiative will lay the groundwork for future innovations that could change the landscape of neurological care, not only in India but globally.”
Founded by Raj and Padma Vattikuti in 1997, the foundation has a legacy of transforming healthcare. Andhra Pradesh-born Raj Vattikuti, a serial entrepreneur, founded Covansys Corp., an IT services company sold to Computer Sciences Corporation in 2007. He has also established several other ventures, including Altimetrik, Synova, Vattikuti Ventures, Vattikuti Technologies, and Davinta Technologies.
The foundation has made significant contributions to healthcare, particularly in the field of robotic surgery. It played a pivotal role in advancing robotic surgery for prostate cancer treatment with a $20 million contribution to establish the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford hospital. Under the leadership of urologist Dr. Mani Menon, the institute developed and perfected the groundbreaking “Vattikuti Institute Prostatectomy,” revolutionizing prostate surgery.
The foundation also donated $20 million to William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan to create the Vattikuti Digital Breast Diagnostic Center, which has provided thousands of women with expert diagnosis and care over the past two decades.
In India, the foundation supports socio-economic development through its poverty alleviation program.
The foundation’s contributions are recognized globally. At the Smithsonian Museum of American History, Raj Vattikuti, Dr. Bhandari, and Dr. Menon are honored in the “Many Voices, One Nation” exhibit for their work in robotic surgery and for bringing these innovations to India.
With the creation of the Vattikuti Institute for Advanced Neurotechnology, the foundation is taking a significant step forward in improving care for patients with movement disorders and neuro-psychiatric conditions. “By leveraging global expertise, innovative technology, and a commitment to accessibility, the foundation aims to bring transformative care to India’s most vulnerable populations,” the foundation said in its press release. “With this initiative, the Vattikuti Foundation continues its mission of transforming healthcare — one groundbreaking initiative at a time.”