A minimally invasive surgical process called robotic heart bypass surgery. It is used to bypass blocked coronary arteries and increase blood flow to the heart. An alternative to typical open-heart surgery where the breastbone, or sternum, is cut in half. Through the assistance of a computer panel, the cardiac surgeon controls the robotic machine’s arms, which are equipped with surgical instruments and a camera. This surgery may result in a short period of stay at the hospital and a faster return to work and activities of daily living.

It has changed the way of operations and allows cardiac specialists to do various types of heart operations. In this case, a very small slit of one to two cm in the chest is made by the surgeon. The most common heart operations that surgeons perform with the help of a surgical robot are:

Removal of tumors
Mitral valve repair treatment
Closure of specific types of heart holes
Blocked arteries bypass surgery
Stiff or leaky cardiac valves repair and replace
Patent foramen ovale repair
Atrial septal defect repair
Coronary artery bypass graft

How does it Work?

The robotic system provides a 3D view from the high-definition camera, allowing the surgeon to precisely operate in a smaller space. Surgeon places a large console that looks like a video game. With the help of a camera, they see the inside of the patient at the machine. While the robotic arms are right over the patients. The surgeon controlled the machine arms from the console, and they are sitting at a few distances in the same room.

Risk of Robotic Heart Bypass Surgery

Stroke
Bleeding
Heart attack
Infection
Problems due to use of Anesthesia
Arrhythmias

Benefits of Robotic Cardiac Surgery

As a comparison with open heart or traditional surgery, the benefits of robotic heart bypass surgery are:

Lower the risk of complications or adverse effects, like pain, bleeding, and infection.
Little incisions result in less injury and quicker recovery.
Improved precision and dexterity allow for more effective bypass grafting.
For a short period stay in the hospital.
Low use of pain drugs

Robotic Heart Bypass Surgery Procedure

Here is the procedure of RHB surgery:

Before the Procedure

Diagnosis For RHB Surgery

Healthcare professionals perform diagnostic tests to determine whether he or she is a right candidate for robotic heart surgery. Tests may include:

Cardiac catheterization
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
CT scan

The type of treatment for patient’s health condition will depend on several causes, including:

The type and severity of heart disease.
Finding cardiac catheterization, CT scan, and echocardiogram.
Medical history of the patient’s.

A doctor will discuss any risk before the operation. It could be related to:

Patients age
Other medical conditions
Number of activities during a single operation.

During the Procedure

The robotic arms can’t move on their own. All of the robotic control during the surgery is managed by the surgeon.

In the first step, the surgeon will make four small cuts for ports in the spaces between ribs.
After that, surgical tools are attached to the robotic arms, and one camera through these ports is placed.
Surgeons sit at a computer console and control the tools. The movements of the robotic hand and wrist copy those of a surgeon, yet they are more fine.
For zooming in and out, surgeons use their feet on the pedal for controlling the camera.
After completing the process, all the tools are removed. Incisions of the body are properly closed.

After the Procedure

Patient is moved towards the ICU room after the completion of surgery.
The health of the patient is monitored for several days.
Once again, the surgeon will recommend transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) before going home.
Patients may need bed rest for two or three weeks, depending on their health conditions.

Healthcare experts recommend taking prescribed medication. And bring changes in daily routine to maintain heart health after surgery.

Individuals should manage their high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes level.
Patients should maintain their body weight by taking a healthy diet.
People should avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products.
To feel fresh and energetic, engage in some exercise and strive to avoid stress.
People can join cardiac rehab programs.
Regular visit to the healthcare professionals.

Recovery Time of the Robotic Heart Bypass Surgery

Around two to four weeks after the surgery, patients can feel fully recovered. But they should follow the proper guidelines given by the physician. It totally depends on which type of robotic cardiac surgery patients had.

Success Rate of Robotic Heart Bypass Surgery in India

This robotic surgery has a high success rate around 94% to 100%. These success rates mostly depend on the robotic operating process. It is successful because it reduces recovery time, pain, and complications. And achieved excellent repair rates and results for patients with various heart conditions.