Robotic Assisted Heart Surgery

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

The da Vinci S™ Surgical System (da Vinci) uses robotic computer technology providing breakthrough minimally invasive surgical capabilities that offer greater surgical benefits.

How Surgeries are Performed with a Surgical Robot

Through robotic-assisted visualization, dexterity, precision and control, a surgeon can perform a wide array of procedures through small one to two centimeter incisions. During an operation, the surgeon sits at a console in the surgical suite and monitors the video screens to direct the robotic arms to perform the surgery. The da Vinci seamlessly and directly translates the surgeon’s natural hand, wrist and finger movements from controls at the console to the surgical instruments inside the patient.

Robotic assisted heart surgery, also called closed-chest heart surgery, is performed without separating the breastbone (sternum) and ribcage. During the procedure, small keyhole incisions (one to two centimeters) are made on the chest, between the ribs, allowing for the surgical equipment and a tiny camera, called an endoscope, to reach the heart. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, procedures are performed while the heart is still beating and do not require the use of a heart-lung machine.

The system gives surgeons:

• Greater range of motion and precision than with hand-manipulated, minimally invasive procedures.
• A magnified, high-definition three-dimensional view when operating.
• Instruments that become an extension of the doctor’s wrists, hands and fingers to move the tiny surgical instruments in a delicate, precise manner.

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Procedures — performed with the da Vinci S Surgical System

Atrial Fibrillation

• Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Maze Surgery

Cardiac Tumors

• Robotic Assisted Cardiac Tumor (Atrial Myxoma) Removal

Congenital Heart Disease

• Robotic Assisted Congenital Heart Surgery

Coronary Artery Disease

• Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Direct CAB (MIDCAB) Surgery

Heart Failure

• Robotic Assisted Heart Valve Repair or Replacement
• Robotic Assisted Left Ventricular Lead Placement

Benefits of Robotic Surgery

• Less post-operative pain.
• Reduced trauma to the body.
• Less scarring.
• Shorter hospital stays.
• Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions.
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activities.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Following the procedure, cardiac rehabilitation is provided in stages to help reduce risk for future heart problems and to make the recovery process quick.