Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Annually about 40,000 people have mitral valve surgery. Many of these surgeries are open-heart, involve cracking the sternum and require 12 weeks of recovery. Robotic mitral valve surgery is less invasive and has a much shorter recovery.

The Mitral Valve

The mitral valve is the inflow valve on the left side of the heart. It allows oxygenated blood to flow in only one direction from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The valve needs repair when it does not close properly, causing leakage.

Surgery Prep

The patient's history is taken including a record of all medications. A chest X-ray, routine lab work and ultrasound imaging to check blood flow is completed prior to surgery.

Surgery

Three small incisions are made between the ribs in which the robotic arms and camera are placed. The surgeon works at a console. The robotics improves the surgeon's vision and coordination as he controls the tiny instruments to repair the valve.

Benefits

This type of repair has less pain and scarring and a lower rate of infection. There is less blood loss.

Recovery

The hospital stay is 5 days. Recovery time is about two weeks, but no driving, heavy lifting or strenuous activities are allowed for six.

References

• The Society of Thoracic Surgeons: Mitral Valve Replacement
• Mitral Valve Repair -- Robotic Surgery
• Medical News Today: Surgeon Completes 400th Robot Assisted Mitral Valve Repair

Resources

• Mayo Clinic.com: Mitral valve regurgitation