| Robotic surgery was designed to overcome the | | | | robotic-assisted procedure, the surgeon makes several |
| limitations of the traditional open and conventional | | | | dime-sized incisions. These small access points allow |
| minimally invasive approaches. Modern surgical robotic | | | | the insertion of a high-resolution 3D camera, as well as |
| systems provide the extended capabilities necessary | | | | robotic instruments, into the right chest. The surgeon |
| to undergo cardiac, lung and thymus surgeries using | | | | can now see a magnified view of the heart and |
| only a few small incisions. | | | | surrounding anatomy, and can perform precise and |
| With the robotic surgery system, the surgeon is | | | | delicate operations with very little invasiveness. |
| seated at a nearby console and always in full control | | | | Benefits of robotic surgery include: |
| of the robotic instruments. Since the assistant is next | | | | -Less blood loss. |
| to the patient and has direct access to the patient, he | | | | -Reduced risk of wound infections |
| or she can assist during complex steps of the | | | | -Less scarring and pain after surgery. … |
| procedure. | | | | -Shorter hospital stays |
| While sitting at the console the surgeon is immersed in | | | | -Patients return to their regular activities much more |
| a three-dimensional image of the surgical field. The | | | | quickly. |
| robotic system provides a high-resolution, magnified | | | | After heart robotic surgery, most patients are able to |
| image that lets the surgeon see in a way he has | | | | resume normal activities in one or two weeks. |
| never seen it before. | | | | Neither the breastbone nor the ribs are cut or spread |
| Using master controls the System directly translates | | | | during the procedure. This shortens your healing and |
| the surgeon's hand movements into precise | | | | recovery time, lowers your risk of infection and |
| micro-movements of the instrument tips. Specialized | | | | minimizes pain after surgery. |
| instruments increase dexterity, and help the surgeon to | | | | Because robotic heart surgery is a minimally-invasive |
| preserve the tissue, allowing complex repairs with | | | | surgical treatment, patients can go home earlier and |
| minimal intrusion. The robot cannot be programmed to | | | | return to regular activities more quickly than with other |
| act independently, and therefore requires the | | | | approaches. |
| continuous, direct input of a surgeon. | | | | Disclaimer: This article is based on information freely |
| The differences between robotic-assisted surgery and | | | | available in the popular press and medical journals that |
| the traditional open heart procedure are the way the | | | | deal with health. Nothing herein is intended to be or |
| surgeon accesses the heart. In traditional open | | | | should be construed to be any sort of medical advice. |
| surgery, the surgeon cuts through and spreads the | | | | For medical advice the reader should consult with his |
| breastbone to gain direct access to the heart. In the | | | | or her physician or other medical specialist. |