Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery

Robotic-assisted cardiac surgery is an emerging practice that allows doctors to be more precise when it comes to operations. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery methods, which involve a large incision through the sternum (the main bone in front of the chest) and cause extreme discomfort, extended recovery time, hospital stays, and increased risk of infection, new technology allows for smaller, more intricate cuts to be made, improving accuracy and reducing trauma to the body.  

The Da Vinci System is the technology behind robotic-assisted surgery. This system is made up of miniature robotic arms and equipment, as well as a high-definition 3D camera, which allows the surgeon to have a clearer view. Surgeons operate from a console, controlling the instruments while viewing the site in real time. This system provides extreme precision and delicate movements, improving accuracy when undergoing surgery.  

A great benefit from robotic-assisted surgery is that it creates less trauma and compilations for the patient. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it involves small incisions in the body. Because of this, patients experience less pain, decreased recovery time, and reduced post-operation hospital stays. Additionally, smaller incisions typically result in less scarring and a lower risk of complications, like infections or excessive bleeding. Not only does it benefit patients' physical health, but it also benefits their emotional well-being and reduces financial strain.  

Despite all these benefits to robotic-assisted surgery, there are downsides to it. Learning to operate the Da Vinci system requires a lot of learning and training. In addition, the equipment is expensive, and not all hospitals have access to the necessary resources due to less funding. Furthermore, there’s also a large teaching recession when it comes to medical students. There aren't enough teachers able to educate new coming surgeons, leading to limited access to this practice and increased competition in medical schools. To add on, this surgery is only effective in a selective set of patients. Whether it be their anatomy or their condition, patient selection is limited and performing this type of surgery to an unfit patient can lead to further complications post-operation.  

Overall, robotic-assisted surgery will continue to advance technologically and improve training programs, allowing it to become more widespread and accessible to more and more hospitals around the globe. Further advancements can allow a broader range of patients to receive more effective treatment, especially those who were traditionally unable to do so before. Written by Sofia Bonilla at Incisionary

APA References

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Robotic cardiac surgery. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/robotic-cardiac-surgery

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Robotically-assisted heart surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17438-robotically-assisted-heart-surgery

Intuitive Surgical. (n.d.). Cardiac surgery with da Vinci systems. https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/patients/procedures/cardiac