Heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide, with India being no exception. As the cases of heart problems rise, cardiac surgery has become a crucial solution for many. One of the most important advancements is robotic heart surgery in India, which has revolutionised how surgeons conduct complex surgeries with greater precision and fewer complications.
In this blog, we explore robotic cardiac surgery, including how it is performed, its benefits, its risks, and why many patients today are choosing robotic heart surgery in Delhi NCR over traditional surgery options.
Understanding Robotic Heart Surgery
Robotic heart surgery is defined as a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon performing the heart surgery uses a computer-assisted robotic system. This surgery relies on making small incisions in the chest, and robotic arms and a high-definition 3D camera are inserted. The surgeon controls the robotic equipment using a console that shows their hand movements in real-time, hence ensuring dexterity and control.
Some differences between robotic heart surgery and the traditional surgery are:
- Minimally Invasive Access: There is no need for a large sternotomy (chest bone splitting), thus ensuring reduced blood loss and infection risk.
- Precise Handling: Robotic instrument movements in surgery are more stable and accurate than those of human hands.
- Enhanced Visualisation: Access to high-definition magnified images increases surgical precision, especially for delicate heart structures.
- Faster Recovery: Patients can get back to their daily activities much faster after robotic surgery as compared to open heart surgery.
Read More- Open Heart Surgery - Procedure, Types, Recovery & Risks
Conditions for Which Robotic Heart Surgery Is Recommended
Not all patients require robotic cardiac surgery. They are, however, very effective in certain specific heart conditions in which minimally invasive access provides better outcomes.
These conditions are usually treated with robotic-assisted surgery:
- Coronary Artery Disease: To perform minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement: It is especially used for mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation.
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): Closing holes in the heart wall with better access and accuracy.
- Cardiac Tumour Removal: For benign tumours such as myxomas.
- Atrial Fibrillation Surgery: Minimally invasive ablation techniques to treat irregular heartbeats.
What to Expect During Robotic Heart Surgery
Understanding how robotic cardiac surgery works can help reduce the patient’s anxiety and ensure a smoother experience. The steps followed in a robotic heart surgery are structured and well-monitored to ensure safety and success.
The steps undertaken to perform the surgery are:
- Pre-Operative Evaluation: Includes blood tests, imaging scans, and cardiology tests to determine suitability.
- Anaesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure comfort.
- Incision and Port Placement: Small keyhole incisions are made, and robotic instruments are inserted through ports.
- Surgeon at Console: The surgeon controls the robotic arms with a console equipped with 3D imaging and foot controls.
- Tissue Repair or Replacement: The procedure (e.g., valve repair or defect closure) is completed with complete precision.
- Closure and Recovery: The incisions are closed, and the patient is shifted to a recovery ward for monitoring.
Most surgeries take between 3 and 5 hours, depending on their complexity. After the surgery, the patient might need to stay at the hospital for 2 to 4 days. Healing is quicker at home, and most people can get back to daily life within just 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery.
Key Benefits of Robotic Heart Surgery
Robotic cardiac surgery offers numerous benefits over conventional open-heart surgery.
The most important advantages are:
- Minimally Invasive Technique: Smaller incisions mean less trauma to the body and a lowered risk of infection.
- Reduced Pain and Blood Loss: Patients experience less pain after the surgery and also need fewer blood transfusions.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: The majority of the patients are discharged within a few days, thus reducing hospital costs and the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Quicker Recovery: Patients can return to their daily activities and work much sooner, owing to less trauma to the chest and the surrounding tissues.
- Improved Surgical Accuracy: Robotic systems offer magnified 3D views and stable instrument control, allowing for high accuracy even in complex cardiac surgeries.
- Better Cosmetic Results: Minimal scarring due to keyhole incisions enhances physical appearance and self-confidence.
Risks and Limitations to Consider
Even though robotic-assisted heart surgery has many advantages, it is still a complex surgery not without risks. The key to preventing complications is to carefully select patients in a hospital setting with advanced infrastructure.
Here are some potential limitations and concerns about robotic-assisted heart surgery:
- Suitability Issues: Not all patients are ideal candidates. Factors like obesity, prior chest surgeries, or certain anatomical limitations exclude robotic surgery as an option.
- Risk of Conversion to Open Surgery: If complications arise, surgeons may be forced to convert the robotic surgery to a traditional open-heart surgery.
- Cost of Treatment: Robotic surgery tends to be costlier since it requires advanced technology and specialised equipment.
- Limited Availability: This surgery option is not available in all hospitals. You need access to reputed hospitals in India with an experienced robotic cardiac surgery team.
- Dependence on Surgeon Expertise: The success of the surgery heavily relies on the surgeon’s experience and familiarity with the robotic system.
Despite these challenges, most of these risks can be resolved effectively with the right surgical team and supportive hospital setting. This is why patients are encouraged to seek treatment at the leading hospital in Faridabad, where the high-quality infrastructure and skilled cardiac specialists are readily available.
Conclusion
Robotic heart surgery is revolutionising heart surgery by providing heart patients with a safer, less invasive, and much more accurate alternative to traditional heart surgeries. Robotic heart surgery in India is gaining popularity and becoming an increasingly preferred advanced solution for patients with complex heart problems.
Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, stands as a premier healthcare institution offering cutting-edge robotic surgery and advanced medical treatments. Renowned for its excellence in patient care and clinical outcomes, it is widely recognized as the Best medical facility in Faridabad, Delhi NCR, India.. With its team of experienced robotic cardiac surgeons, latest robotic surgery equipment, and patient-centric care, Sarvodaya Hospital is one of the most trusted facilities for robotic cardiac surgeries. The hospital ensures the best health outcomes for its patients every step of the way, starting with accurate diagnosis and expert post-operative rehabilitation.
Book an appointment today with a professional skilled at robotic heart surgery to learn more about this advanced surgery and how it can support your journey to better heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the success rate of robotic heart surgery in India?
Robotic cardiac surgeries in India have a high success rate, often exceeding 95 per cent in elective cases when performed at experienced centres like the best hospital in Delhi NCR.
2. How long does recovery take after robotic heart surgery treatment?
Most patients can return to their everyday life within 2 to 3 weeks, which is significantly faster than the time taken to recover from a traditional open-heart surgery.
3. Is robotic heart surgery more expensive than traditional surgery?
Yes, robotic surgery is generally more expensive because it uses advanced technology and expertise. However, the reduced hospital stay and quicker recovery can offset long-term costs.
4. Who is a suitable candidate for robotic heart surgery treatment?
Ideal candidates include patients with mitral valve issues, atrial septal defects, or clogged coronary arteries, provided they meet anatomical and health criteria for minimally invasive surgery.
