Video-Assisted and Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery
|
|
Types of Cardiac Surgery
Robotic-Assisted Heart Surgery
Traditional heart surgery has been performed through a median sternotomy — a long incision in the front of the chest. This involves cutting the breastbone (sternum) to reach the heart.
| Minimally invasive heart surgery uses smaller incisions in the side of the chest, without cutting the sternum. This method involves making small, 2- to 4-inch incisions instead of the 6- to 8-inch incision required for traditional heart surgery. |
|
Dr. Saqib Masroor |
Minimally invasive surgery offers many advantages over traditional heart surgery, including less scarring, less pain, minimal blood loss (and less need for transfusion), a greatly reduced risk for infection, shorter hospital stay and faster return to normal activities. Patients experience the same success rates as with traditional heart surgery.
In the Heart and Vascular Center, many heart surgeries can be performed through minimally invasive techniques, using small incisions, thin instruments, tiny cameras and a video monitor.
Robotic-Assisted Heart Surgery
The da Vinci™ Robotic Surgical System takes minimally invasive heart surgery one step further. The system gives the surgeon improved magnification, precise robotic movements and a three-dimension view of the surgical site, delivering unmatched precision for performing complex and delicate heart procedures. Robotic mitral valve surgery is becoming popular at many centers around the world.
In the Heart and Vascular Center, robotic-assisted heart surgery is performed by Medical College of Wisconsin cardiac surgeon Saqib Masroor, MD, MHS, FACC, the only cardiac surgeon in the state who is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic heart surgery.
About the da Vinci Surgical SystemThe da Vinci Surgical System is composed of four components: a surgeon console, a computerized control system, two instrument “arms” and a camera. To perform surgery, Dr. Masroor first makes three small incisions or “ports” through the ribs, on the patient’s right or left side. The surgical instruments (attached to the robotic arms) and a camera are placed through the ports. A fourth port may be created to take heart valves and sutures in or out.
During surgery, Dr. Masroor views a three-dimensional image of surgical site from the tiny camera placed inside the patient. At the console, he uses the robot’s arms to control the movement and placement of the surgical instruments. The robot’s “arm and wrist” movements mimic those of Dr. Masroor and enhance his precision.
A surgeon sits at a console to operate the robot's arms.
Most heart procedures that can be done through a minimally invasive approach can be done robotically. These include:
Special Training Required
Because every surgical maneuver is performed with direct input from the surgeon, the robotic system must be operated by a surgeon trained in minimally invasive robotic surgery. Saqib Masroor, MD, MHS, FACC, is one of a handful of cardiac surgeons in the country and the only one in the state who is fellowship trained in minimally invasive and robotic heart surgery.
A 1988 graduate of King Edward Medical College in Pakistan, Masroor completed his residency in general surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and his residency in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics in Miami. In 2004, Dr. Masroor completed fellowship training in minimally invasive robotic cardiac surgery at East Carolina University School of Medicine in North Carolina. He is board-certified in surgery and thoracic surgery.
Dr. Masroor and his team can determine if you are a candidate for heart surgery with the da Vinci® system. To find out if you are a candidate for this surgery, and to learn more about the da Vinci® robotic procedure, please contact us via our online form or call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
Author: Marla Fraunfelder | Medical Reviewer: | Saqib Masroor, MD, MHS, FACC |
Last Review Date: Jan. 13, 2009 |
|
|