Guide to Robotic Heart Surgery: What to Expect
Robotic cardiac surgery uses the da Vinci surgical system to perform specialized heart procedures. The robot is fully controlled by the surgeon, and features small instruments manipulated from a console which precisely translates the surgeon’s hand movements to the robotic arms. The robot also provides high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing the surgeon to see in great detail and perform delicate, intricate procedures.
Advantages of robotic surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Faster recovery times
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stays
Before Your Surgery
You’ll meet our team to understand your candidacy for robotic surgery. We’ll ask about your symptoms, family health history, and check your heartbeat. We may do other tests (if not already done):
- Echo: an ultrasound of the heart valves and overall function.
- CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, to assess your anatomy.
- Preadmission testing, including blood work (no fasting required), EKG, and urine tests.
The Operation
The surgery consists of five small incisions: four 8 mm incisions and one 2 cm in the right chest wall. The arms of the robot pass through these small ports operating with great dexterity and precision. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, along with a regional nerve block for added pain control. At the end of the surgery, in most cases, the breathing tube will be removed and you will then be taken to the ICU.
After Your Surgery
You will be free to move out of your bed later the same day as your surgery. It is common to be moved out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room the next day. You will typically stay in the hospital for 2-4 days. On average, our robotic surgery patients spend half the time in the hospital than those with open surgery do You can return to work, driving, and resume heavy lifting 2 weeks after your surgery.
Robotic Heart Surgery FAQs
Q: What does the robot look like?
Here’s a picture of the system we use (the da Vinci surgical system). On the left is the actual robot, in the middle is a viewing monitor, and on the right is the control station for the surgeon.
Q: Is robotic heart surgery safe? Are there any complications?
In the hands of an expert and experienced cardiac surgeon, it is as safe as traditional heart surgery performed through a sternotomy. A small number of patients may experience an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, lower extremity swelling, and inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart. Your surgical team will follow up with you closely to make sure that, if any complications come up, a treatment plan is quickly put in place.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
The procedure typically lasts 3-4 hours in the OR. At the end of the procedure, the breathing tube will be removed in the OR (or very shortly after upon arrival to ICU) and you will be free to move out of your bed later that day. It is common for patients to be transferred out of the ICU the next day.
Q: What do the surgical incisions look like?
This illustration shows the size and placement of the five small incisions the robot will make to access your heart.
Q: How long will I be in the hospital?
Typical length of stay in the hospital is 2-4 days.You will need an echo prior to discharge. After discharge, you will be followed in our echo surveillance program (where you will get an echo 1-2 times during the first year, then yearly after that).
Q: Is robotic surgery covered by insurance?
Yes.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one may benefit from robotic heart surgery, we can help. Columbia's Robotic Heart Surgery Program is one of the top in the nation, and features an experienced surgical team that gets better results than others. get started with our team by calling (212) 305-8312 or use our online request form.
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