Robotic Heart Surgery
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedure that uses robotic technology to perform surgical procedures. Robotic heart surgery is also a procedure using this technology. Robotic surgery offers a less invasive approach, giving the surgeon more precise control and better vision. This can lead to benefits such as less blood loss, less pain, smaller incisions and faster recovery.
What is Robotic Heart Surgery?
Robotic heart surgery is a surgical method that utilizes robotic technology used in cardiac surgery. In this method, surgeons perform heart surgery using robotic surgical systems. Robotic surgical systems allow the surgeon to precisely control their movements and operate through smaller incisions. This reduces the invasiveness of the surgery, speeds up the recovery process and reduces the patient's post-operative pain. Robotic heart surgery is used in a variety of cardiac surgery procedures such as repairing heart valves, coronary artery bypass grafting and correcting heart defects. These surgeries are usually performed with robotic surgical systems such as the Da Vinci surgical system.
Advantages of Robotic Heart Surgery
Robotic heart surgery is a surgical method that offers many advantages over traditional open heart surgery.
These advantages include:
- Smaller incisions: In robotic heart surgery, several small incisions of 3-5 cm are made in the chest. This means less pain and a shorter recovery time for the patient.
- 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 is given general anesthesia.
- 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.
The duration of robotic heart surgery depends on the procedure. Coronary bypass surgery usually takes 3-6 hours. Heart valve surgery usually takes 2-4 hours.
Patients usually stay in the hospital for 3-5 days after robotic heart surgery. After the surgery, patients may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling and shortness of breath. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Recovery from Robotic Heart Surgery
The recovery process for patients undergoing robotic cardiac surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health status. Typically, patients are monitored in the intensive care unit after surgery and their heart function is closely monitored. Medications may be used for pain management and the patient's surgical site is checked regularly. Early postoperative movement, breathing exercises and physical therapy are usually recommended. Patients' full recovery usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months, during which time doctors perform regular check-ups and recommend additional treatments if necessary.
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 can be performed for patients who may be suitable in certain circumstances. But since every patient is different, suitable candidates usually include the following characteristics:
- Heart Problems: Patients with complex heart problems such as repair of heart valves, replacement of heart valves or coronary artery bypass grafting.
- 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.
However, the most appropriate treatment method for each patient may vary depending on factors such as the patient's general health status, type and stage of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often want to know about robotic heart surgery, such as the level of pain and how the recovery process is affected, the time to return to post-operative activities and the cost.
Is Robotic Heart Surgery Painful?
Since robotic heart surgery is usually a minimally invasive procedure, the amount of pain felt during and after surgery may be less. However, since general anesthesia is usually administered during surgery, patients usually do not feel anything. Patients are prescribed necessary painkillers for postoperative pain management.
How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery?
The time to return to normal activities after surgery can vary depending on factors such as the patient's general health status, type of surgery and complications. Usually, for light activities, patients can start to recover within a few weeks. However, for more intense physical activities, full recovery 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.
* 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 .
