Open Surgery for Heart Conditions
Millions of Americans suffer from various types of heart disease, disorders and defects such as coronary artery disease, mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal defect or atrial fibrillation. Many of these heart patients will need surgery to correct the condition if their doctor has determined it is severe.
Regardless of the specific condition, there are certain aspects of traditional or open heart surgery that are consistent, such as a sternotomy. To gain direct access to the heart inside the chest cavity, surgeons must first perform a sternotomy. This involves making an 8- to 10-inch incision down the chest, cutting open the breastbone (the sternum) and spreading open the ribs. Sternotomy can increase: hospital stay, risk of infection, blood loss and need for transfusions, scarring, and pain.
Certain open heart operations also require that a heart-lung machine (pump oxygenator) be used to take over the functions of the heart and lungs during surgery. The heart-lung machine is typically used during surgery on coronary artery disease patients but r ecently, more surgeons are performing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, where the heart continues beating on its own during surgery. In many patients, an off-pump approach may reduce serious complications during or after surgery.
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.