da Vinci Cardiothoracic Procedures
Facing traditional cardiac surgery or open surgery to treat disorders in the chest cavity can be a frightening experience. It may be difficult to focus on next steps but you may have several choices to make,such as which hospital and surgeon to go to, and which procedure to choose. Learning as much as possible about your options, including minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery may ease some of your concerns.
Surgery is generally the most effective way to treat disorders of the heart, lungs and esophagus. But traditional open surgery has a number of drawbacks caused primarily by the large incision required, splitting the breastbone and spreading the ribs to access the chest cavity. In addition to an 8 to 10” scar down the center of your chest, splitting of the breastbone leads to a long recovery time of eight to twelve weeks as well as a long delay before you will return to normal daily activities.
Fortunately, less invasive options are available for patients facing cardiothoracic surgery. Many cardiothoracic surgeons now recognize the benefits of small incisions made between the ribs to perform coronary bypass or make repairs to the heart or esophagus by using thoracoscopy – the insertion of a miniaturized video camera between the ribs. But this approach has limitations and is not often appropriate for more complex cardiac procedures.
da Vinci Cardiothoracic Surgery
The da Vinci® Surgical System provides surgeons and patients with what may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option for even the most complex cardiothoracic procedures. Among the potential benefits of da Vinci cardiothoracic surgery are:
- Feduced risk of infection
- Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less pain and scarring
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
Also, surgery with da Vinci offers the potential for a better clinical outcome.
da Vinci Surgery is used for common cardiothoracic conditions such as:
Learn More about Cardiac Robotic-assisted Surgery
To find a da Vinci cardiothoracic surgeon, use our surgeon locator.While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.