Robot-assisted cardio thoracic (Heart and Lung) surgery
With advancements in technology, doctors today suggest robotic heart surgery to eligible heart patients in need of surgery. It is because it is a minimally invasive surgery and does not require a bigger incision, which means quick and efficient recovery. However, there are certain cases where the doctor needs to opt for open heart surgery which usually leads to a higher risk of post-surgery complications. Usually, the doctor suggests which surgery is the optimal choice based on health, current situation, medical history, and other certain factors.If you are confused, this article will help you to choose which one is right for you.
What is robot-assisted cardio thoracic surgery or Robotic cardio thoracic surgery? When is it recommended?
Conventionally, open cardiac surgery involves a sternotomy i.e. cutting through the breastbone and opening the ribs.This invasive technique results in significant trauma, prolonged healing time and increased risk for serious complications.Robotic assistance offers minimally invasive surgery so the chest is not opened completely. Instead, the robotic arms of the surgical system operate through several small incisions called ports, which are made along the side of the chest. The surgeon is in full control of his actions throughout the procedure and is able to perform the procedure with greater precision.
Robot-assisted cardiothoracic surgery can be offered for various conditions which include:
Cardiac surgeries: Mitral and tricuspid valve repair/replacement Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Atrial fibrillation ablation Removal of a cardiac tumor Congenital heart surgery, such as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) repair
Thoracic& lung surgeries: Tumours in chest Lobectomy & Pneumonectomy Decortication Lung
A robotic surgical system has several key features that make it ideal for minimallyinvasive surgery. It comprises of a surgeon console, an instrument cart, and avisioning platform.The surgeon controls these instrumentsand the camera from the console. By placing his fingers into the mastercontrols, the surgeon is able to operate all arms of the surgical systemsimultaneously. The high definition 3D camera provides a better, more detailed,magnified (12 times), 3-D view of the surgical site. Finger and wrist movementsof the surgeon are registered through sensors and translated into motion in therobotic arms with great precision.
What are the technical advantages of robotic cardiothoracic surgery or robot assisted cardiothoracic surgery?
Robotic surgery can be considered superior to both conventional open surgery and endoscopic surgery in many ways. Some of the technical advantages of the procedure are: The technique provides a three-dimensional and magnified vision of the surgical site for better perception of depth of the operative field. The movements of the robotic arms are more precised and fine. Robotic surgery allows tremor-free movements, provides ambidexterity and is free from the fulcrum effect associated with the use of long-shafted endoscopic instruments. The multi-jointed endo-wrist, which are wrist-like articulating instruments of the robotic system allows the surgeon to operate within a small area such as the left atrium of the heart. The most recent robotic systems are equipped with an added arm which can be utilized for left atrial retraction or as an assisting arm in coronary anastomosis.
What are the advantages of robotic cardiothoracic surgery over open cardiothoracic surgery, especially in terms of patient outcomes?
The robot-assisted cardiac surgery is performed using keyhole incisions, hence it offers the advantages of: Lesser trauma due to minimal invasion surgery Faster healing and less scarring due to smaller incisions Reduced blood loss Lesser postoperative pain Shorter recovery time Lesser risk of infection Shortened hospital stays Quicker return to normal activity and work
Whatare the risks and benefits involved in robot-assisted cardiothoracic surgery?
As with any surgery, there is some degree of risks involved with robot-assisted surgery. However, the risk involved is minuscule.The benefits of robot-assisted surgery outweigh the risks involved, thus robotic assisted surgery is preferred over open surgery nowadays. The benefits associated with robotic cardiothoracic surgeries are: Reduced risk of post-surgical infection Rare life-threatening risks such as stroke, bleeding and infections Lesser chances of damage to nearby organs in cardiothoracic space Lower in-hospital mortality rates Faster recovery time and return to normal activities Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection Reduced complications related to anesthesia
How painful is robotic heart surgery?
Robotic heart surgery is less painful compared to traditional open-heart surgery because it involves smaller incisions, no rib spreading, and minimal tissue damage. Most patients experience mild discomfort that is manageable with medications.
What are the success rates of robot-assisted cardiothoracic surgery or robotic cardiothoracic surgery?
The outcome of a surgery is largely dependent on the patient’s characteristics like presence of co-morbidities, age, and overall systemic condition. A major benefit of robotic cardiac surgery is thatit has fewer risks than open-heart surgery, thus offering improved outcomes and success
What factors govern the cost of robot-assisted cardiac surgery?
The cost of surgery is usually affected by factors like: Surgery facilities and equipment Length of surgery and post-surgical complications Hospital Stays Diagnostic tests and medicines Underlying co-morbidities and age of the patient which may affect the –number of days in the hospital, requirement of additional tests, medication etc
What are the benefits of Open Heart Surgery?
Heart surgery performed, can help to sustain and lengthen life by opening or replacing blocked coronary arteries extending, mending, or replacing a broken heart valve correcting or controlling an irregular heart rhythm, closing hole in heart.
How is Open HeartSurgery Performed?
Doctor performs the surgery with utmost care and precision. The procedure takes between three and six hours. It’s usually done in the following order –· When admitted to the hospital, general anaesthesia is administered. This assures that patient will remain sleeping and pain-free throughout the procedure.· The surgeon creates an8- to 10-inch incision in chest.· To expose the heart, the surgeon slices through all or part of breastbone.· Patient may be attached to a heart-lung bypass machine after the heart is accessed. The equipment diverts blood away from the heart, allowing the surgeon to operate.· The surgeon creates anew path around the obstructed artery by using a healthy vein or artery.· The surgeon uses wire to seal the breastbone, leaving the wire inside the body.· Then the doctor will suture it and dress it.Sternal plating is sometimes used for high-risk patients, such as those who have undergone many procedures or are elderly. Sternal plating is the process of rejoining the breastbone with tiny titanium plates after surgery.
The following are the risks of open surgery –·
Infection at the incision site· Stroke· Arrhythmia· Excessive blood loss· Blood clot· Memory loss· Difficult breathing· Thrombosis
Which surgical procedure is Right for patient – Robotic or Open Cardiac Surgery?
Depending on patient current health condition, and the severity of the heart complication, doctors will suggest which surgery would suit patient.By using advanced medical technologies to reduce the risk and complications during and after heart surgery.