ROBOTIC CARDIAC SURGERY

Robotic cardiac surgery refers to a type of surgery that involves the use of a machine to assist a surgeon in performing a minimally invasive procedure as compared to a typical cardiac surgery. Most commonly, the da Vinci Surgical System is utilized where the robotic arms are responsible for carrying out the procedures.

Benefits of Robotic Cardiac Surgery

Precision

Amongst the benefits these procedures possess, one of them is the ability to make smaller incisions than the normal cardiac surgery incision sites using the robotic arms.

Less invasive

This procedure would be less invasive than the traditional and standard open-heart surgery that utilizes sternotomy.

Less pain

The less invasive nature of the procedure would lead to lesser tissue damage as compared to the traditional open-heart surgery.

Quick healing process

The incisions made would heal faster as compared to the traditional open-heart incisions because of the lesser damage to tissues and organs.

Less blood loss

Less damage to the tissues would lead to reduced blood loss during and after the procedure as compared to the traditional open-heart surgery.

Better visual field

In addition to the magnified view through the robotic video cameras, the robotic arms also allow for a better visual field for the surgeon.

Superior flexibility

The robotic arms also provide a superior flexibility that facilitates the access to previously inaccessible regions.

Types of Robotic Cardiac Surgeries

Robotic Assisted CABG Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Robotic Assisted CABG Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery is a minimally invasive heart surgery whose major purpose is to treat coronary artery disease. It is characterized by a few incisions on the patient’s chest while the robotic arms carry out the surgery. One of the incisions accommodates a video camera which allows the surgeon to view the coronary arteries on a screen which provides a magnified view. The surgeon proceeds to make an incision on the coronary artery in order to bypass it and re-establish blood flow. The surgeon may also have to stop the heart in order to perform this procedure and a heart-lung machine may be required for this surgery. This type of bypass graft surgery is mainly reserved for patients with multifocal coronary artery disease.

 Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement or Repair Surgery

Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement surgery is arguably the most common type of robotic cardiac surgery. This procedure is mainly carried out to repair or replace the mitral valve of patients diagnosed with mitral prolapase, mitral regurgitation or other related diseases. Usually, a few incisions are made on the patient’s right chest and the robotic arms access the mitral valve. Additionally, the robotic arms also allow for a better view of the mitral valve which facilitates its repair. This procedure is mainly indicated for patients with severe cases of mitral regurgitation or prolapse.

 Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)

Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement surgery is similar to the conventional aortic valve replacement surgery but it involves making a few incisions for the procedure and using the robotic arms to repair or replace the aortic valve. This procedure is also a minimally invasive procedure and is mainly indicated for patients with aortic stenosis or regurgitation. Usually, a few incisions are made on the patient’s chest for this procedure although the incision sites may vary depending on the patient. Additionally, the heart may also have to be stopped for this procedure and the heart lung machine may be used. 

Robotic Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair

Atrial Septal Defect repair surgery is a type of minimally invasive procedure that is utilized to close holes on the heart’s upper chambers. This surgery may also be carried out by making a few small incisions on the patient’s chest and using the robotic arms to facilitate the repair. This procedure is mainly indicated for patients with small holes on the heart’s upper chambers. Patients with holes on their heart’s upper chambers may exhibit symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats and other related symptoms.

Robotic Removal of Heart Tumors

Robotic cardiac surgery may also be utilized to remove tumors from the heart. This procedure involves making a few small incisions on the patient’s chest and using the robotic arms to access and remove the tumor. This procedure is mainly indicated for patients with non-cancerous tumors such as myxomas that originate on the heart. 

Robotic Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAA Closure)

Robotic left atrial appendage occlusion is a procedure that is utilized to prevent the occurrence of blood clots on patients with atrial fibrillation. This procedure may also be carried out by making a few small incisions on the patient’s chest and using the robotic arms to close the LAA. This procedure is mainly indicated for patients with atrial fibrillation that is resistant to conventional treatment.

Benefits of Robotic Cardiac Surgery

Smaller incisions

Compared to the conventional cardiac surgery procedures, this procedure allows for the making of smaller incisions resulting in minimal damage to the skin, muscles and tissues.

More precision

These robotic arms also allow the surgeon to make more precise movements ultimately allowing him to access the targeted areas more precisely.

Less blood loss

This procedure also causes minimal tissue damage resulting in minimal blood loss.

Faster recovery

This procedure is also beneficial because it allows for a faster and less painful post-surgery recovery process due to the fact that smaller incisions are made.

Less chance of infection

This procedure also reduces the chances of infection and other post-surgery complications.

Less noticeable scars

This procedure will also leave less noticeable scars since the incisions made are smaller.

Shorter hospital stays

This procedure also reduces the length of hospital stay since the patient is only required to stay in the hospital for a short time before he is discharged.

Challenges of Robotic Cardiac Surgery

Compared to the other procedures that are utilized in the treatment of similar ailments, robotic cardiac surgery comes with a few risks and challenges. Firstly, this procedure can only be performed for patients who are willing to seek the services of a qualified cardiac surgeon as well as a professional cardiac robotic surgeon. Secondly, this procedure is also quite time-consuming compared to the other procedures since the surgeon is not in a position to take short cuts due to the intricacies involved in the preparation of the robotic arms. However, it is important to note that this robotic technology is becoming more accessible with time and most hospitals are gradually adopting this form of treatment. Thirdly, this procedure is also quite expensive and is not very accessible to most patients since it is not covered by most insurance companies. As a result, this procedure may not always be the preferred option for most patients due to the numerous limitations and challenges that come with it. In most cases, the traditional open-heart surgery is usually recommended instead.

Who Should Consider Robotic Cardiac Surgery?

Every patient that is considering this procedure should take keen interest in understanding the benefits and risks that are associated with it. Robotic assisted bypass surgeries are mainly recommended for patients with coronary artery disease while the robotic valve repair or replacement surgeries are mainly recommended for patients with mitral or aortic valve defects. Usually, younger and healthier patients who are more likely to benefit from faster healing and lesser chances of infection after heart surgery should also consider this procedure. Finally, patients with atrial fibrillation that requires left atrial appendage closure should also consider this procedure.

Conclusion
Robotic cardiac surgery is amongst the latest less invasive procedures that have been introduced for the management of various heart conditions. Compared to the traditional cardiac surgery procedures, it offers a number of benefits including the fact that smaller incisions may be made and the healing process following the procedure is faster leading to fewer post-surgery complications and less post-surgery pain. With the use of the da Vinci system and the robotic technology that comes with it, surgeons are able to make smaller incisions than the ones traditionally made in the sternum of a patient during open-heart surgery. Despite the challenges that come with this procedure, robotic cardiac surgery has the potential to revolutionize cardiac surgery and effectively manage various heart conditions.