Cardiothoracic Treatment Options
Surgery is commonly required to treat certain cardiothoracic (heart, lungs, esophagus) conditions when medication and catheter-based treatments cannot relieve symptoms. These conditions, include but not limited to mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal defect and coronary artery disease.
Mitral valve prolapse is when one or both of the flaps that are supposed to open and close to control blood flow to the heart do not work properly and allows small amounts of blood to flow backwards into the heart valve. Atrial septal defect is a defect between the left and right chambers of the heart that is congenital – you are born the condition. And, coronary artery disease occurs when arteries that supply blood to the heart become hard and narrow because cholesterol and plaque build-up in the inner walls of the artery(ies).
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.
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:
- Shorter hospital stay2
- Less pain and scarring1
- Less risk of infection1
- Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions2
- Faster recovery1
- Quicker return to normal activities1
da Vinci® Surgery is a breakthrough surgical system that enables surgeons to operate with unmatched precision, 3D-high definition vision and superior control. By overcoming the limitations of traditional open surgery, da Vinci is revolutionizing cardiothoracic surgery.
As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is patient-and procedure specific.
Learn More about Cardiac Robotic Surgery
Follow this link to learn more about the use of the da Vinci Surgical System for mitral valve repair. To find a da Vinci cardiothoracic surgeon, use our surgeon locator.
1. “How is Coronary Artery Disease Treated?” National Institutes of Health, www.nhibi.nih.gov , URL: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Cad/CAD_Treatments.html
2. Poston RS, Tran R, Collins M, Reynolds M, Connerney I, Reicher B, Zimrin D, Griffith BP, Bartlett ST. Comparison of economic and patient outcomes with minimally invasive versus traditional off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting techniques. Ann Surg. 2008 Oct;248(4):638-46.
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.