A heart surgery performed by a robot? Shall we talk about this new technology (Robotic Heart Surgery)?

When we think of heart surgery, most of us think of a surgery that involves a large incision in the middle of the chest. It's really scary to think about, isn't it? But did you know that there are now much different, newer methods that are performed with smaller incisions? One such new, advanced technology is robotic heart surgery. When you hear this, some people might think that a robot is performing the operation on its own. That's not the case. Let's see what this really is.

What is robotic heart surgery?

Simply put, this is also a minimally invasive type of heart surgery. That is, it is a surgery that is performed through a few very small incisions, rather than a large incision in the chest like a regular open heart surgery. Here, the surgeon controls very delicate robotic arms connected to a robot to perform the surgery.

Imagine, there is a robotic arm system that can work much more delicately and in a smaller space than the doctor's two hands. The doctor controls this robotic arm to perform the surgery. Thanks to this technology, even very complex heart surgeries can now be performed much more easily and safely.

Robotic technology is often used for surgeries like these:

• Mitral valve repair.
• Close some types of holes in the heart.
• Remove non-cancerous tumors that form in the heart.

The special features of this robot system are:

• Three-dimensional (3D) view: The doctor can see the area being operated on very clearly, magnified, and in three dimensions. It's like looking inside.
• Precision: Robotic hands can perform the same movements as a human hand, wrist, and fingers, but can also move with even greater precision and accuracy.
• Precise control: The robot hand follows the doctor's hand movements exactly as they are, without any tremors, and with great precision.

How does this surgery actually happen?

This is not as complicated a scenario as you might think. In the operating room where you are, a few meters away from you, the doctor is sitting in front of a large console. It looks like a video game. The doctor sees from that console the same scene as the camera that is inserted into your body.

Although the robot's arms are above and next to your body, the doctor is not directly next to you. He controls the robot arms from that console. The rest of the surgical team (such as nurses and anesthesiologists) are right next to you.

Here is a step-by-step description of what happens during the surgery:

1. First, the doctor will make four very small incisions between your ribs. These are called ports. The largest of these incisions is used as the "working port."

2. Next, surgical instruments and a camera attached to robotic arms are inserted through these small incisions.

3. Now the doctor sits at the console, controlling the equipment with his hands. He has foot pedals that he uses to zoom in and out of the camera.

4. Once the surgery is completely finished, all the instruments are removed and the small incisions are closed.

What heart diseases are treated with robotic surgery?

This advanced technology is used to treat various heart diseases and conditions. Let's take a closer look at it.

Can I also have this robotic surgery?

This is a question that many people have. But robotic surgery is not for everyone. Your doctor will decide if you are suitable for this. You will need to undergo various tests.

The tests usually performed are:

• Cardiac catheterization: A test to check for blockages and pressure in the arteries of the heart.
• Chest X-ray: Check the general condition of the heart and lungs.
• Echocardiogram: A scan that looks at the function of the heart, the condition of the valves, and the structure.
• CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan): Obtains detailed three-dimensional images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels.

Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on the results of these tests, as well as many other factors, such as the type and severity of your heart disease, your other medical conditions, and your overall health.

How should I prepare before surgery?

If you decide to have robotic surgery, there are several things you need to prepare for beforehand.

• Someone to drive you home: Arrange in advance for someone to take you home on the day you are discharged from the hospital.
• Talk about medications: Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. You may be asked to stop taking some medications before surgery. Do not stop taking any medications without your doctor's advice.
• Stop smoking: Quit smoking completely a few weeks before surgery. Once you stop smoking, oxygen circulates better in your body, which helps your incisions heal faster.
• Fasting: You should completely abstain from eating and drinking after midnight the night before surgery, or until the time your doctor tells you to.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery?

Like any medical procedure, robotic heart surgery has both advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at both.

What happens after the surgery? How long does it take to recover?

After surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) . There, your condition will be closely monitored. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Before you go home, you may have another echocardiogram (transthoracic echocardiogram - TTE) to check your heart function.

It can take two weeks or more to fully recover. Most people can return to their normal activities, such as driving and going to work, within two to four weeks . However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery you had.

For that, you definitely need to do these things:

• Quit smoking and tobacco products completely.
• Control high cholesterol levels.
• Control high blood pressure and diabetes well.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet.
• Participate in a cardiac rehab program as directed by your doctor.
• See the doctor on the scheduled dates and get checked.

When should I see the doctor?

If you develop any of these symptoms after returning home, you should notify your doctor immediately .

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• A twist
• Bleeding from cuts
• Redness or swelling around the incisions
• Fever
• Vomiting or nausea

Finally, the most important thing to say is that this surgery requires a lot of experience and skill. Therefore, it is very important to choose a hospital and a surgeon who regularly performs this type of surgery and has good experience.