About Robotic Heart Bypass Surgery

Robotic heart bypass surgery is a specialised procedure designed to enhance blood flow to the heart for patients suffering from blocked coronary arteries. While it is commonly indicated for mitral valve disease, it can also be used to address various other conditions, including tricuspid valve issues, small cardiac tumors, certain congenital heart defects, septal defects, and other structural heart problems. Additionally, aspects of coronary bypass surgery can be performed robotically or through minimally invasive techniques, and select arrhythmia procedures can also be approached robotically.

Procedure of Robotic Heart Bypass Surgery

Robotic heart bypass surgery involves several key steps, conducted under general anaesthesia. Here’s an overview of the typical procedure:

• Patient Positioning: The patient is positioned on the operating table, and small incisions (typically 1-2 cm) are made to access the chest. These incisions serve as entry points for the robotic instruments.
• Robotic System Setup: The surgical team prepares the robotic system, which includes a console where the surgeon sits, a vision cart equipped with a high-definition camera system, and robotic arms fitted with specialised instruments.
• Surgeon Console: The surgeon operates from the console, viewing a 3D, high-definition image of the surgical field. The surgeon’s hand and foot movements control the robotic arms, translating their motions into precise instrument movements inside the patient’s chest.
• Instrument Insertion: The robotic instruments are inserted through the small incisions. These instruments mimic the surgeon’s hand movements, offering enhanced agility and precision.
• Procedure Execution: Guided by real-time imaging and feedback from the robotic system, the surgeon performs the necessary cardiac procedure, such as bypassing blocked arteries or repairing valves.
• Monitoring: Throughout the surgery, the surgical team continuously monitors the patient’s vital signs, blood oxygen levels, and cardiac activity to ensure safety.
• Instrument Removal: Once the procedure is completed, the robotic instruments are carefully removed, and the small incisions are closed using sutures or sterile strips.
• Recovery: The patient is then transferred to the recovery area, where they are closely monitored as they awaken from anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s condition, they may stay in the hospital for one night or longer.

This minimally invasive approach often results in quicker recovery times, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open-heart surgery.