Is Robotic Surgery a Boon for Heart Patients?

by Niraj Jayaswal Content Writer

Summary:

The increasing number of patients suffering from various heart diseases, all over the world has become a major reason of concern for doctors nowadays. Heart-related problems can be congenital, genetic or acquired later in life. Earlier the only possible way to treat such patients was with the help of open heart surgery, however with the advancements in the field of medicine, it has become possible to treat the patients using better and more efficient techniques. One such technique is robotic heart surgery, a procedure that has brought about a revolution in medical history. If you are planning to undergo the procedure, you can consult Dr. Amit Kumar Chaurasia. Hailing from one of the best heart hospitals, he is the best cardiologist doctor in gurugram who has years of experience in the field. Robotic heart surgery is offered at all the top-notch heart hospitals in the country. Patients planning to undergo the treatment are first subjected to certain tests to make sure they are eligible for the procedure. This helps to avoid any possible complications.

Body:

Robotic heart surgery is one of the latest achievements in the field of medicine that has made it easier to treat patients suffering from various heart defects. The surgery is minimally invasive and carried out via very small cuts or holes using tiny instruments and robot controlled tools, specifically designed for the purpose. The use of Robotic devices helps to minimise various complications that are usually associated with traditional open heart surgery. Robotic heart surgery resorts to the use of highly advanced technology and is highly recommended by doctors worldwide. Unlike traditional surgery, there is no need to remove the breast bone during the procedure.

How robotic heart surgery has proved to be a boon for patients?

Robotic surgery has definitely proved to be a boon for heart patients. Earlier there was only one way to treat the patients i.e. the traditional open heart surgery, a procedure that was not only lengthy and complicated but had various risks and complications associated with it as well. There were many patients who were denied the treatment as they were not found to be eligible for the procedure. This put an end to the hopes of numerous patients especially those suffering from hypertension and diabetes. The fact that robotic heart surgery can be performed on such patients as well as an achievement in itself. It has made it possible for the patients who were considered to be ineligible for the traditional open heart surgery to avail for the treatment.

Robotic heart surgery can be used to treat patients suffering from congenital heart problems like an atrial septal defect, patent ducts arteriosus and ventricular septal defect.

It can be used to treat problems like atrial fibrillation and irregularity in heartbeats.

It can also be used to repair or even replace valves that have been blocked or damaged by stenosis.

Robotic heart surgery can be used for the implantation of a ventricular assist device.

Benefits of Robotic Heart Surgery

Shorter stay at the hospital- since the surgery is minimally invasive, there is no need to stay in the hospital for long. The patient is usually discharged within a day or two.

Minimal complications- unlike the traditional surgery in which there are very high risks of infection, clot formation and bleeding, there are no such risks associated with robotic surgery.

Least invasive- unlike the traditional surgery in which there is a huge scar right across the patient's chest, the surgery is carried out via very small incisions thereby ensuring minimal or no scarring.

Faster resolution of pain- the procedure ensures faster relief from pain as there are no large wounds. Doctors usually prescribe Tylenol or aspirin to help with the pain.

No need of heart-lung bypass machine- heart-lung bypass machine is usually used during major heart surgery to ensure the continuous flow of blood in the patient's body while he's being operated upon. However, this can sometimes lead to neurological complications and increase the risks of stroke. There are no such risks in case of Robotic surgery as it does not require the use of a heart-lung bypass machine.

Faster recovery: after the traditional open heart surgery, the patient requires weeks of complete bed rest and even after that, they cannot go back to their normal lifestyle. On the other hand, in the case of Robotic surgery, the patient can return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks.

Are there any risks associated with the procedure?

Although robotic heart surgery is very effective in treating a variety of cardiological problems, it is not possible to negate all the risks. It is impossible to perform any surgical procedure be it highly invasive or minimally invasive with zero risks. Robotic heart surgery too has certain risks associated with it which are to be kept in consideration before opting for the procedure. These include diaphragm injury, liver injury, unilateral lung edema, deep venous thrombosis, nerve injury, loss of limb and need of another operation.

After the surgery:

The surgery can help you to lead a normal and healthy life but it does not ensure permanent eradication of the problem. In order to avoid any possible complication, it is important to follow all the instructions and guidelines set by your doctor. Healthy lifestyle changes are a must to keep your heart fit.

Am I eligible for the procedure?

Whether you are eligible for the procedure or not, is decided by your doctor by carefully evaluating your health condition and making a proper assessment after conducting several tests and screenings.