Robotic surgery utilizes computer-assisted technology and enhances the surgeon’s skill to perform precise minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in a manner never before experienced to enhance healing and promote patient well-being. Robotic technology was developed in 1985 when U.S. military was investigating having surgeons operate from remote locations. The device has been used in Europe since 1997. The first trial in the U.S. was in 1999 in Ohio. The robotic system is utilized for chest and abdominal surgeries.

Patient benefits may include:

• Sternal sparring (refraining from splitting of the breast bone)
• Reduced pain and trauma to the body
• Less blood loss and need for transfusions
• Less post-operative pain and discomfort
• Less risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery and return to work
• Less scarring

Robotic assisted surgery allows surgeries to be performed through small ports rather than large incisions, resulting in shorter recovery times, fewer complications and reduced hospital costs.

System Components: The visual components of the system provide a true minimally invasive three-dimensional view of the surgical field including depth of the field, magnification and high resolution for the surgeon. The surgical cart includes EndoWrist (trademark symbol) instruments. The cart has three robotic arms, one laparoscope and two EndoWrist (TM) instruments that are inserted into the patient’s chest. These instruments mimic the movement of the surgeon’s hands, wrists and fingers. Extensive range of motion allows precision that is not available in standard minimally invasive procedures.

The console contains the master controls that the surgeon uses to manipulate the EndoWrist instruments enabling a half-inch hand movement to become a 0.047-inch motion of the instrument. The surgeon sits at a console and manipulates two control grips with his/her hands. Foot pedals control a 3-D image of the surgery area generated by a tiny camera. The instruments are only able to move when commanded by the surgeon.

For more information regarding robotic cardiothoracic surgery, contact one of the members of the robotic Corvasc team:

• Dr. Robert Robison,
• Dr. David Heimansohn,
• Dr. John Schier, and
• Dr. Richard Freeman

at info@corvascmds.com.