Robotic Heart Surgery: Heart Surgery with Robotic Assistance

Robotic Heart Surgery

Robotic heart surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in the treatment of heart diseases, in which the surgeon performs the operation through advanced robotic systems such as the Da Vinci system. This method allows heart surgery to be performed through small incisions without fully opening the chest, resulting in less tissue trauma, lower risk of infection, and faster recovery.

What is Robotic Heart Surgery?

Robotic heart surgery is the performance of certain heart procedures using advanced robotic surgical technologies. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, where the chest is fully opened, robotic heart surgery usually requires only a few small incisions in the chest. Through these small incisions, cameras and surgical instruments are inserted and controlled via the robotic system to reach the heart.

The robotic system helps reduce hand tremors and enables more controlled movements. This allows surgical procedures on such a highly sensitive organ as the heart to be performed more safely. Because it operates through small incisions, this method aims to minimize tissue damage compared to traditional open surgery.

In Which Conditions is Robotic Heart Surgery Applied?

Robotic heart surgery is most commonly used for heart valve diseases, coronary artery disease, structural heart problems, and certain surgical situations associated with heart rhythm disorders. The type and extent of the disease, as well as the patient’s overall health, determine the suitability of robotic surgery.

The most common applications of robotic heart surgery include:

• Mitral valve diseases: Robotic surgery can be used for mitral valve repair or selected valve interventions in cases such as mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis.
• Tricuspid valve diseases: In suitable patients with structural abnormalities or tricuspid valve insufficiency, robotic surgery may be preferred.
• Selected coronary artery diseases: Robotic-assisted bypass surgery can be performed, especially in cases involving a single vessel or a limited number of vessels.
• Congenital heart diseases: Intracardiac defects such as atrial septal defects (ASD) can be repaired using robotic techniques in suitable cases.
• Intracardiac masses and tumors: Typically benign masses located inside the heart chambers can be removed via robotic surgery.
• Surgical procedures accompanying heart rhythm disorders: In cases such as atrial fibrillation, robotic surgery can be used alongside other heart procedures.
• Structural abnormalities of the heart: Certain intracardiac structural problems that require limited surgical correction may be suitable for robotic surgery.

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Who is Not Suitable for Robotic Heart Surgery?

Robotic heart surgery is generally performed through small incisions, so it may not be technically suitable or sufficient for certain patient groups. Suitability is evaluated in detail based on the type of procedure, heart and vessel anatomy, lung capacity, and any comorbidities.

The following conditions are usually considered unsuitable or less recommended for robotic heart surgery:

• Severe heart failure: Patients with significantly reduced cardiac contractility may experience instability during robotic surgery. In such cases, conventional open-heart surgery may be safer.
• Patients requiring extensive heart surgery: If multiple heart procedures need to be performed simultaneously or if the surgery involves a large area, robotic methods may be insufficient. Open-heart surgery is preferred in these situations.
• Severe aortic disease: Patients with significant calcification or dilation of the aorta may face increased risks with robotic surgery.
• Widespread coronary artery blockages: If multiple coronary arteries are severely blocked and multiple bypasses are required, robotic surgery may be technically inadequate.
• Previous chest surgery or radiotherapy: Prior surgeries or radiotherapy in the chest can create adhesions, making robotic surgery more difficult and riskier.
• Extremely obese or underweight patients: Severe obesity can restrict the movement of robotic instruments, while very thin patients may pose challenges in safely creating the surgical field.
• Severe lung or respiratory problems: Robotic heart surgery involves techniques that affect the chest cavity, which may be risky for patients with significantly reduced lung function.
• Advanced valve calcification or serious structural heart abnormalities: Severely hardened or deformed heart valves or structural issues beyond the technical limits of robotic surgery are safer to treat with open surgery.
• High-risk for general anesthesia: Robotic heart surgery typically takes a long time and requires general anesthesia. Patients with severe kidney, liver, or other organ insufficiencies may have increased anesthesia risks, making robotic surgery less suitable.
• High bleeding risk or clotting disorders: Patients prone to bleeding or clot formation may face additional risks during robotic surgery.

How is Robotic Heart Surgery Performed?

Robotic heart surgery is performed through small incisions between the ribs, without opening the breastbone. Before the procedure, the patient undergoes detailed examinations to determine whether the robotic approach is suitable. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient is completely sedated.

During the surgery, the surgeon controls robotic instruments and a three-dimensional camera, which are inserted through small incisions in the chest, from a console inside the operating room. The robot does not act independently; all movements are carried out by precisely translating the surgeon’s hand motions to the robotic instruments. If necessary, the heart can be temporarily stopped, and circulation is maintained using a heart-lung machine.

Once the planned surgical procedure is completed, bleeding is controlled, the robotic instruments are removed, and the small incisions are closed. The patient is monitored in the intensive care unit for a short period after surgery and then transferred to a regular ward depending on their condition.

How Long Does Robotic Heart Surgery Take?

The duration of robotic heart surgery depends on the type of procedure, the patient’s heart anatomy, and the surgical team’s planning. Generally, robotic heart surgeries take between 3 and 6 hours. Simpler valve repairs or limited procedures take less time, while more complex interventions may take longer.

The total surgery time includes not only the operation itself but also anesthesia preparation, robotic system setup, and initial postoperative checks. Because robotic surgery is performed through small incisions with high precision, certain steps require more careful execution than in traditional surgery. This may extend the duration of the operation but usually allows for a more comfortable recovery afterward.

What Are the Advantages of Robotic Heart Surgery?

Robotic heart surgery offers significant advantages in both the surgical procedure and recovery process for suitable patients. The main benefits include:

• Performed without opening the breastbone
• Uses smaller surgical incisions
• Postoperative pain is reduced.
• Blood loss and the need for transfusion may be lower.
• Lower risk of infection.
• Provides high precision with three-dimensional, magnified imaging.
• Eliminates surgeon hand tremor.
• Intensive care unit stay is generally shorter.
• Hospitalization period is reduced.
• Faster return to daily activities.
• Better preservation of lung function.
• More aesthetically favorable outcomes.

What Is the Cost of Robotic Heart Surgery?

The cost of robotic heart surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, the patient’s overall health, the surgical techniques used, hospital stay duration, and any additional tests or treatments required. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a single fixed price for robotic heart surgery.

The most accurate and up-to-date cost is determined after a personalized medical evaluation. To receive detailed information about the treatment plan and pricing that suits you, you can fill out the information form on the page.