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Robotic heart valve surgeries have taken the legacy of minimally invasive procedures to become the most advanced surgical process that offers extreme control and precision.
These advanced procedures have become a staple surgery in complex cases, driving highly successful outcomes—especially in first-world countries. Fortunately, our cardiothoracic surgeon in India is at the forefront of this revolution. Thanks to the expertise of our cardiothoracic surgeon and the advanced infrastructure of our hospitals, these surgeries are also being performed on a large scale in India.
In this blog, let us briefly explore the robotic heart valve surgery procedure and its benefits while comparing it against traditional heart surgery procedures.
Robotic Heart Valve Surgery – Procedure
Similar to minimally invasive heart surgeries, robotic heart valve surgery uses tiny incisions made in the chest. The heart surgeon inserts a thin, controlled robotic arm and camera through these cuts.
The specialized equipment provides magnified 3D images generated by the camera, which guides the surgeon to perform the surgeries. With the 3D visualization provided, the surgeon operates the robotic arms to repair the damaged heart valves and sew a new one according to the requirements.
Three Reasons Why Robotic Heart Valve Surgeryis Superior to Conventional Surgery:
- Minimally Invasive Approach:
Robotic heart valve surgery is the pinnacle of minimally invasive surgery with its smaller incisions and extreme precision brought over by the robotic arms. “These smaller incisions lead to less pain post-surgery, reduced blood loss, all leading to accelerated recovery compared to traditional heart valve surgeries,” says the best robotic heart surgeon in Hyderabad, Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.
The smaller incisions and faster recovery in robotic cardiac surgeries result in shorter hospital stays and early return to normal activities, and the smaller incision also leaves less noticeable scarring, resulting in improved cosmetic outcomes.
- Enhanced Control and Precision:
- Potential Suitability for Specific Patients:
The surgeon’s robotic arms lend exceptional control and precision, even outscoring traditional surgery methods. Complex heart surgery cases that require precise and delicate manipulation benefit hugely from the power offered by the robotic arms. Robotic heart valve surgery also provides 3D visualization, enabling a superior perspective for heart surgery that is impossible with traditional procedures. This helps cardiothoracic surgeons make more informed decisions in less time, which is crucial for challenging heart valve surgeries.
There are cases when patients are usually unsuitable for heart valve surgery due to increased surgical risks. “Obesity, frailty, and advanced age are some of the factors that act as obstacles in performing heart valve surgeries. Being a less demanding and more advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure, robotic heart valve surgery becomes the best alternative in such cases,” says Dr Gokhale, the top heart transplant surgeon in Telangana.
That said, robotic heart valve surgery is not a straightforward option for everyone. Certain factors must be taken into account while considering minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgeries like heart valve replacement:
Limited availability:
Not all hospitals have advanced infrastructure that can enable minimally invasive robotic heart valve replacement surgeries. Expensive: Due to the advanced infrastructure involved, minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgeries like robotic heart valve replacement can be significantly costly.
Learning curve and need for expertise:
Robotic heart surgeries will require extensive training, experience, and a verifiable track record to leverage the advanced technology for surgical procedures adequately.
Only a handful of cardiothoracic surgeons in India have expertise and a consistent track record in robotic heart surgeries. Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale is one of them.
A pioneer in robotic heart surgeries, Dr Gokhale is one of the early proponents of these advanced heart surgery procedures in India. You can contact him here.