Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Surgery

Overview

Robotic-assisted surgery is a revolutionary technology that allows highly skilled surgeons to perform heart valve repair using state-of-the-art technology that accesses the heart through small incisions. Unlike traditional, open-chest procedures where a six- to eight-inch incision is made through the sternum, the robotically-assisted technique uses significantly smaller incisions, often less than two inches.

Additionally, using robotic-assistance, highly skilled surgeons can often repair a damaged valve, rather than replace it. This is important since studies show that the best option for treating mitral valve disease is to repair the damaged valve since mitral valve repair surgery​ provides significant advantages to the patient.

 

What are the Benefits of Robotically-Assisted Surgery?

Robotic mitral valve repair provides many potential advantages compared to conventional surgery, including:

  • Less risk of complications, such as post-operative infection, blood loss and blood transfusions
  • Less pain and scarring
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery, enabling a quicker return to normal activities
  • Why Choose Hoag for Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair Surgery?

 

When it comes to diagnosing and treating mitral valve disease, Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center is a nationally recognized leader, repairing more heart valves than 90 percent of all cardiac programs in the country. Additionally, 95 percent of patients at Hoag who are eligible for repair receive it as opposed to heart valve replacement.

While some surgeons perform robotic-assisted mitral valve repair on a small number of patients, the expert cardiovascular surgical team at Hoag repairs more heart valves than any other medical center in Orange County. Being a high-volume cardiac surgery center enables the cardiovascular team at Hoag to achieve a technical skill level not all facilities can match.

With its exceptional team of physician experts​ and staff, progressive technology, and state-of-the-art surgical facilities, it’s easy to see why Hoag continues to lead the way in comprehensive valvular heart disease treatment both locally and nationwide.

 

Who is a Candidate for Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair Surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery is not appropriate for every patient needing mitral valve repair. Since the goal of a repair procedure is a successful surgical result that lasts a lifetime, each patient is evaluated individually to determine if robotic-assisted surgery should be performed.

 

How is Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery Performed?

At Hoag, robotic-assisted mitral valve repair is performed using the advanced da Vinci®S HDTM Surgical System.

This state-of-the-art system consists of an ergonomically designed surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system, and proprietary EndoWrist® Instruments via four robotic arms. These interactive instruments both mimic and enhance the surgeon’s own hand movements, rendering them more precise by minimizing even the slightest hand tremor – an important element when operating on delicate heart tissue.

By dramatically enhancing visualization, precision, control and dexterity, robotic-assisted surgery overcomes the limitations of conventional procedures, helping physicians to perform highly complex surgery with increased precision and excellent patient outcomes.

 

Determining if Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair Surgery is Right for You?

The valvular heart disease experts at Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center continue to lead the way in progressive patient-centered mitral valve surgery. To determine if you are a candidate for robotic-assisted mitral valve repair, speak with your cardiologist, or contact us to schedule an appointment at 949-764-8258.