Robotic surgery was designed to overcome the limitations of the traditional open and conventional minimally invasive approaches. Modern surgical robotic systems provide the extended capabilities necessary to undergo cardiac, lung and thymus surgeries using only a few small incisions. With the robotic surgery system, the surgeon is seated at a nearby console and always in full control of the robotic instruments. Since the assistant is next to the patient and has direct access to the patient, he or she can assist during complex steps of the procedure.

While sitting at the console the surgeon is immersed in a three-dimensional image of the surgical field. The robotic system provides a high-resolution, magnified image that lets the surgeon see in a way he has never seen it before. Using master controls the System directly translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise micro-movements of the instrument tips. Specialized instruments increase dexterity, and help the surgeon to preserve the tissue, allowing complex repairs with minimal intrusion. The robot cannot be programmed to act independently, and therefore requires the continuous, direct input of a surgeon.

The differences between robotic-assisted surgery and the traditional open heart procedure are the way the surgeon accesses the heart. In traditional open surgery, the surgeon cuts through and spreads the breastbone to gain direct access to the heart.

In the robotic-assisted procedure, the surgeon makes several dime-sized incisions. These small access points allow the insertion of a high-resolution 3D camera, as well as robotic instruments, into the right chest. The surgeon can now see a magnified view of the heart and surrounding anatomy, and can perform precise and delicate operations with very little invasiveness.

Benefits of robotic surgery include:

-Less blood loss.

-Reduced risk of wound infections

-Less scarring and pain after surgery. …

-Shorter hospital stays

-Patients return to their regular activities much more quickly.

After heart robotic surgery, most patients are able to resume normal activities in one or two weeks. Neither the breastbone nor the ribs are cut or spread during the procedure. This shortens your healing and recovery time, lowers your risk of infection and minimizes pain after surgery.

Because robotic heart surgery is a minimally-invasive surgical treatment, patients can go home earlier and return to regular activities more quickly than with other approaches.

Learn more about robotic surgery from one of the most experienced medical teams.