21, Feb 2024
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A gentle approach to Heart Health
National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
Dr. Udgeath Dhir, SENIOR DIRECTOR CARDIO THORACIC VASCULAR SURGERY, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon
When it comes to matters of the heart, advances in medical science continue to bring hope and relief to those in need. One such innovation is minimally invasive cardiac surgery, a technique that offers a gentler alternative to traditional open-heart procedures.
A study carried out by the Global Health Research Institute suggests that J&K has recorded 29.6% deaths due to heart-related ailments. The study further reports that 25% of deaths occur in the age group of 25-69 years. In light of the above statistics, minimally invasive heart surgery emerges as a beacon of hope.
In minimally invasive heart surgery, the skilled hands of surgeons make small incisions in the chest, sidestepping the need to crack open the breastbone as in traditional surgeries. Through these tiny openings, surgeons can navigate between the ribs with precision, aided by a miniature camera that provides a clear view of the heart’s inner workings.
This approach is versatile, lending itself to the treatment of various heart conditions including coronary bypass, valve surgery, repairing holes in the heart, and even addressing heart tumors such as myxomas. What sets minimally invasive surgery apart is not just the smaller scars it leaves behind, discreetly tucked below the breast, but also the reduced pain and swifter recovery it offers to patients.
Let’s take coronary bypass surgery as an example. In the minimally invasive version of this procedure, only a single small chest incision is made, sparing the patient the discomfort associated with a larger cut down the center of the chest in traditional open-heart surgery. This translates to less pain, minimized scarring, and a faster return to everyday activities for the patient.
The benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery extend beyond aesthetics:
1. Reduced blood loss during surgery.
2. Decreased risk of post-operative infections.
3. Alleviated pain for patients undergoing the procedure.
4. Diminished reliance on a breathing tube, known as a ventilator, following surgery.
5. Shortened hospital stays, resulting in less time spent recovering in medical care facilities.
6. Accelerated recovery timelines, enabling patients to swiftly return to their daily routines.
7. Minimized scarring due to smaller incisions made during the surgery.
After a minimally invasive bypass surgery, for instance, patients can expect to spend around few days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Following this, they are transferred to a general ward where they continue to be observed for a few more days before being discharged, usually within four- or five-days post-surgery. Within a week to ten days, most patients find themselves back to their usual activities, with their hearts on the path to healing.
Throughout the recovery journey, patients receive support and guidance from their healthcare providers. Regular check-ins and follow-ups ensure that any concerns or discomfort are promptly addressed, while encouragement and positivity from the surgical team help patients navigate the emotional aspects of post-surgery life.
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- By Rabindra
22, Jan 2024
10 Fascinating Facts Redefining Robotic Heart Surgery
Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly popular, and the good news is, it’s not about replacing surgeons with machines. Instead, these robots assist surgeons by enhancing precision and enabling operations in tighter spaces. The use of smaller incisions reduces the chances of complications and accelerates the healing process.
Thanks to advancements in robotic technology, heart surgeons now endorse it for procedures like mitral valve repair and coronary artery bypass surgery. Almost anyone can qualify for robotic heart surgery, except for individuals who are extremely unwell or have undergone previous chest surgeries.
The Precision of Robotic Surgery
Robotic cardiac surgery is a type of heart surgery where small cuts are made in the chest. With tiny instruments and robot-controlled tools, surgeons perform the surgery with much smaller incisions than open-heart surgery. Sometimes called da Vinci surgery, named after the robot manufacturer, this approach allows surgeons to sit at a computer console, viewing a high-definition video of the patient’s body through a camera on an endoscope.
Unlike traditional surgery where the surgeon stands over the patient, in robotic surgery, the surgeon manipulates devices from the console, controlling surgical instruments at the end of robotic arms. The robot mimics the surgeon’s hand movements with remarkable precision, even compensating for any hand tremors using special software programming. This method offers a less invasive way to perform heart surgery.
Robotic heart surgery offers precise solutions for various cardiac conditions, including mitral and tricuspid valve repair/replacement, combined valve surgeries, atrial fibrillation ablation, atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale repair, and cardiac tumor removal. This minimally invasive approach revolutionizes treatment across a spectrum of complex cardiac cases, demonstrating its versatility and transformative impact on cardiovascular care.
Benefits derived from robotic heart surgery
Minimal Trauma: Robotic heart surgery accesses the heart through small chest incisions, contrasting with the larger incision required in traditional surgery, resulting in reduced trauma for patients and lowering the risk of complications.
AI-driven precision: The incorporation of artificial intelligence into robotic systems elevates accuracy by analyzing live data, aiding surgeons in making well-informed decisions during intricate cardiac procedures.
Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions lead to a typically faster recovery process, allowing patients to return to normal activities and work sooner, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Reduced Blood Loss: The use of smaller incisions in robotic surgery often means less blood loss during the procedure, decreasing or eliminating the need for blood transfusions.
Shorter Hospital Stays: Quicker overall recovery translates to shorter hospital stays, contributing to a more efficient and patient-friendly healthcare experience.
Lower Pain Levels: The smaller incision is generally less painful for patients, as it avoids the need to split the breastbone, providing a more comfortable postoperative experience.
Enhanced Visualization: Robotic-assisted surgery provides enhanced visualization for surgeons, resulting in more precise procedures and improved patient outcomes. Advanced 3D imaging in robotic-assisted surgeries offers a detailed and immersive view of the patient’s anatomy, facilitating the navigation of complex structures within the heart with greater ease.
Improved Surgeon Performance: Surgeons benefit from a greater range of motion and enhanced dexterity during robotic-assisted procedures, further improving the overall surgical process.
Remote Precision: Telepresence surgery, facilitated by robotic systems, enables skilled surgeons to perform remote operations. This capability proves especially advantageous in delivering specialized care to individuals in distant or underserved regions, effectively overcoming geographical barriers to healthcare access.
International Cooperation in Robotic Surgery: Utilizing robotic systems, surgeons from different parts of the world can engage in real-time collaboration, nurturing a worldwide network of skills and enabling the exchange of knowledge to perpetually enhance robotic heart surgery.
