Robotically assisted mitral valve surgery is the use of a specially designed computer which
allows your surgeon to control surgical instruments on thin robotic arms. A 1-2 cm incision is
made to the right side of the chest. This approach provides a three dimensional view of the
mitral valve and does not require the breast
bone to be divided or for the ribs to be spread.
Groin Cannulation: It is important to note
that when you have minimally invasive surgery
it requires a small incision in your groin to
place the patient on the heart lung machine.
This allows the heart to rest and gives the surgeon access to the heart to perform the necessary
operation.
Benefits to minimally invasive versus standard open-chest cardiac operations are:
Less pain
Fewer complications
Shorter hospital stay
Shorter recovery time
***It is very important to remember that even though there are three different
options of surgical approach, they may not be the best option for you. Your
surgeon will talk to you about the different options and advise you as to which one
is the best for you. ***
Chapter 8 will provide a review of the types of valves available as well as the
criteria involved when choosing the most appropriate valve for you.
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