Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Surgeons Assisted By Robotic Technology
Despite a doctor's best efforts, medication and other treatments sometimes do not relieve heart disease symptoms. Therefore, he or she might recommend surgery as a positive step toward good health.
Facing traditional cardiac surgery or open-heart surgery can be a frightening experience. You might find that it is difficult to focus on what to do next. But, you have several important choices to make, including which hospital and surgeon offers the best care and what type of procedure is best for you. Learning as much as possible about your options may ease some of your concerns.
Open-Heart Surgery
Traditional open-heart surgery is an advanced treatment for some types of heart disease, such as severe blockage in the main artery or in several blood vessels. The surgeon typically makes a 6- to 8-inch incision, cuts through the patient's breastbone, and spreads the ribs to expose the heart.
Although proven highly effective, this is a more invasive procedure. It usually involves a long recovery time of eight to 12 weeks and takes more time for patients to return to normal daily activities.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Fortunately, some people who need heart surgery are good candidates for a minimally invasive approach. Specially trained surgeons use it to perform cardiac surgeries such as coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair. This approach allows access to the heart through small incisions between the ribs, about 2 to 4 inches. There is no need to open the patient's chest. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery with robotic technology may include:
- Shorter recovery time
- A faster return to normal daily activities
- Significantly less pain
- Less blood loss
- Less scarring
- And in many cases, better clinical outcomes
If you are facing heart surgery, ask your doctor if you are a candidate for the minimally invasive approach. It is performed by experienced surgeons at Ogden Regional Medical Center in Weber County, with an innovative robotic technology called the da Vinci Surgical System®.
To find a surgeon or heart specialist, contact 1.866.887.3999.
