Robotic Heart Surgery

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive cardiac surgery that utilizes advanced robotic technology to assist in surgical procedures. Robotic heart surgery, which uses this technology, offers a less invasive approach, providing surgeons with greater precision and enhanced visualization. These advantages can result in reduced blood loss, less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster recovery for patients.

What is Robotic Heart Surgery?

Robotic heart surgery is an advanced surgical technique that uses robotic technology to assist surgeons in performing cardiac procedures. With this method, surgeons operate through small incisions using robotic surgical systems, allowing for precise movements and enhanced control. This minimally invasive approach results in less trauma to the body, quicker recovery times, and reduced post-operative pain for patients.
Robotic heart surgery is commonly used for various cardiac procedures, including heart valve repair, coronary artery bypass grafting, and correction of heart defects. State-of-the-art systems such as the Da Vinci surgical system enable surgeons to perform these complex operations with a greater degree of accuracy and safety compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

Advantages of Robotic Heart Surgery

Robotic heart surgery provides several significant advantages compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

These advantages include:

• • Smaller incisions: Robotic heart surgery requires several small chest incisions, typically 3–5 cm, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery for patients.
  • Enhanced visualization: The procedure provides surgeons with a magnified 360-degree view of the surgical area, supporting greater precision and accuracy.
  • Less bleeding: Patients experience less bleeding than with traditional open-heart surgery, reducing the need for blood transfusions.
  • Lower risk of infection: The minimally invasive nature of robotic heart surgery decreases the risk of infection and helps speed up recovery.
  • Faster recovery: Most patients recover more quickly, leave the hospital sooner, and can return to daily activities earlier.

• Better vision: Robotic surgery gives the surgeon a 360-degree, magnified and clear view of the surgical field. This allows the surgeon to perform a more precise and accurate surgery.
• Less bleeding: Robotic heart surgery involves less bleeding than traditional open heart surgery. This reduces the patient's need for blood transfusions.
• Reduced risk of infection: Robotic heart surgery has a lower risk of infection than traditional open heart surgery. This speeds up the patient's recovery process.
• Faster recovery: Patients recover faster after robotic heart surgery. This allows patients to stay in hospital for a shorter time and return to their daily activities sooner.

The Process of Robotic Heart Surgery

Robotic heart surgery is a similar process to traditional open heart surgery. However, there are some differences because robotic surgery is used.

The general process within the framework of robot-assisted heart surgery is as follows:

• • The patient receives general anesthesia.
  • Several small (3–5 cm) incisions are made in the chest.
  • Robotic arms are inserted through these incisions.
  • The surgeon operates the robotic arms remotely from a console.
  • The procedure is completed using robotic assistance.
  • Robotic arms are withdrawn and the incisions are carefully closed.

• Several small incisions of 3-5 cm are made in the chest.
• The robot arms are inserted into the body through the incisions.
• The surgeon controls the robot arms from the operating console.
• The operation is performed.
• The robot arms are removed and the incisions are closed.

The surgical equipment used in robotic heart surgery are

• Robot arms: The robotic arms allow the surgeon to control the operating field and use surgical instruments.
• Camera: The camera provides the surgeon with a 360-degree, magnified and clear view of the surgical field.
• Console: The surgeon controls the robot arms from the console.

Recovery from Robotic Heart Surgery

Recovery after robotic cardiac surgery depends on the specific procedure and each patient’s overall health. Typically, patients spend the initial period in the intensive care unit, where their heart function and recovery are closely monitored. Medications are provided to manage pain, and the surgical site is checked regularly.
Early movement, breathing exercises, and physical therapy are usually encouraged to support healing. Full recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, with regular follow-up visits to ensure proper progress and to provide any additional care if needed.

Results of Robotic Heart Surgery

• Robotic heart surgery has better outcomes than traditional open heart surgery. Robotic heart surgery can provide patients with the following advantages:
  
  Less pain: Patients usually feel less pain than after traditional open heart surgery. This can reduce the need for pain medication.
• Faster recovery: Patients recover faster. This can help patients stay in hospital for less time and return to their daily activities sooner.
• Fewer complications: Robotic heart surgeries have a lower risk of complications than traditional open heart surgeries.

Suitable Candidates for Robotic Heart Surgery

Robotic heart surgery is suitable for certain patients, depending on individual circumstances. While every case is unique, candidates often share the following characteristics:

• • Complex heart conditions: Patients needing procedures such as heart valve repair, valve replacement, or coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • High-risk for open surgery: Individuals for whom traditional open-heart surgery poses greater risk.
  • Good overall health: Candidates who are generally healthy and physically fit for surgery.
  • Suitable for minimally invasive techniques: Patients eligible for surgery through small incisions.
  • Previous heart surgery: Those who require additional procedures after prior open-heart surgery.

• Low Risk Group: Patients who have higher risks of surgery and are not suitable for open heart surgery.
• General Health Status: Patients who are generally healthy for surgery and have the physical stamina required for surgery.
• Eligibility for Minimally Invasive Surgery: Patients suitable for surgical intervention with small incisions.
• Need for Recurrent Surgery: Patients who have previously undergone open heart surgery and need surgery again.

The most suitable treatment option for each patient depends on individual factors, including overall health, the type of heart condition, and the stage of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients frequently have questions about robotic heart surgery, particularly concerning pain levels, the recovery process, when they can resume daily activities, and associated costs.

Is Robotic Heart Surgery Painful?

Robotic heart surgery is typically minimally invasive, often resulting in less pain both during and after the procedure. General anesthesia is used, so patients do not feel any pain during surgery. Afterward, prescribed pain medications are provided to effectively manage any discomfort during recovery.

How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery?

The timeline for resuming normal activities after surgery varies based on overall health, the type of procedure, and any complications. Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, while a full recovery for more strenuous activities may take several months.

What is the Cost of Robotic Heart Surgery?

The cost of robotic heart surgery can vary depending on various factors such as the geographical location of the patient, the type of hospital, the patient's insurance status and the type of surgery. Therefore, it is best to contact your hospital or health insurance to determine the exact cost. You should also discuss details about insurance coverage with your health insurance, as some plans may cover the costs of robotic surgery.

* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .