Robotic Mitral Valve Repair
Robotic mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure to remedy an abnormality in the mitral valve of the heart. The valve controls blood flow through the left side of the heart between the upper and lower chambers, the left atrium and left ventricle. When functioning properly, the valve prevents blood from flowing back into the lungs. In some cases, mitral valve disorders are congenital. In other cases, they develop over time. Fewer than half of the patients with mitral valve defects require surgical repair.
Many people who have heart valve defects don't have symptoms, but for others, heart valve disease slowly worsens. Symptoms of mitral valve disease may include heart arrhythmia, tachycardia, palpitations, panic attacks and migraine headaches and may worsen under stress. If left untreated, mitral valve disease may result in heart attack, heart failure or stroke.
The Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Procedure
Robotic mitral valve repair surgery is safer and less invasive than traditional surgery. Where open heart surgery done in the past required a large incision in the breastbone, or sternum, robotic-assisted surgery requires only a few tiny incisions on the right side of the chest. Using the da Vinci Surgical System, small surgical instruments and a miniature camera are inserted through these openings and guided to the heart to make the necessary repairs. The surgeon is able to obtain a three-dimensional, magnified view of the heart and to use robotic machinery to perform the necessary delicate movements. The robotic machinery mimics the movements of the surgeon's own hands with complete accuracy and also minimizes slight hand tremors.
Benefits of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair
Robotic mitral valve repair is advantageous to the patient and the surgeon. The surgeon can operate with greater accuracy and there is less danger to the patient. The advantages of robotic mitral valve repair include:
- Less pain
- Less risk of infection
- Less blood loss
- Less scarring
- Shorter recovery time
In robotic mitral valve repair, there is more chance that the physician will be able to repair the damaged valve without needing to replace it. This not only reduces the risk of complications, but eliminates the need for the ongoing use of blood thinners often required after a valve replacement.
Risks of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair
While robotic mitral valve repair done is safer than open heart surgery, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications
- Post-surgical infection
- Damage to adjacent organs
- Breathing problems
Risks of mitral valve surgery in particular include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart arrhythmia
Recovery from Robotic Mitral Valve Repair
After a robotic mitral valve repair, the patient usually spends 3 to 5 days in the hospital. For two of those days, the patient will usually be under intensive care where vital signs are closely monitored. Two or three tubes will remain in the patient's chest to drain fluid from the area around the heart. These are usually removed in 1 to 3 days following surgery. The patient receives intravenous fluids and is often catheterized for a day or two. Pain medication will be given as needed.
Gradually, the patient will begin to resume normal activities, first in the hospital and then at home. Sometimes the patient will need a temporary pacemaker after surgery.