The use of robotics in cardiovascular surgery.
Traditionally, cardiovascular surgery has been performed through a median sternotomy, which allows the surgeon generous access to the heart and surrounding great vessels. As a paradigm shift in the size and location of incisions occurs in cardiac surgery, new methods have been developed to allow the surgeon the same amount of dexterity and accessibility to the heart in confined spaces and in a less invasive manner. Initially, long instruments without pivot points were used, however, more recent robotic telemanipulation systems have been applied that allow for improved dexterity, enabling the surgeon to perform cardiac surgery from a distance not previously possible. In this rapidly evolving field, the recent history and clinical results of using robotics in cardiovascular surgery shall be reviewed.
Kypson
Alan P
AP
Eastern Carolina Cardiovascular Institute , Division of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University,, 600 Moye Boulevard, Room 252, Greenville, NC, USA. kypsona@mail.ecu.edu
Chitwood
W Randolph
WR