“Aortic Valve Replacement By A Robot?” Asks Lauren
I just received a great question from Lauren about aortic valve replacement and robotic surgery.
Lauren writes, “Hi Adam - I’ve read about the use of the da Vinci robot for mitral valve repair. But, I’m curious to know if the robot is ever used for patients with other valve disorders. I have aortic stenosis, due to a bicuspid valve, and would like to have minimally invasive surgery. Any thoughts? Thanks, Lauren”
The da Vinci Surgical Robot
If Lauren would have sent me this question two weeks ago, my response would have been something like, “From what I know, the only clinical valvular use of the da Vinci Robot is for mitral repair.”
However, earlier this week, ATS Medical announced some very interesting news about robotic surgical approaches using a biological valve replacement, known as the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis.
The key highlight of that announcement was that the first human, robot-assisted endoscopic aortic valve replacement using the daVinci Surgical System was recently performed by Dr. Allen Raczkowski, M.D., at Banner Baywood Health Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to Dr. Raczkowski, “The ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis is the only valve that has the extreme flexibility necessary for small access robotic ports and it provides excellent hemodynamic characteristics which are important for the patient’s quality of life.” said Dr. Raczkowski.
Dr. Allen Raczkowski
ATS Medical, the manufacturer of this 3f Bioprothesis, noted that surgeons have quickly recognized its unique potential for use in less invasive port access and robot assisted procedures. According to the company, the ATS 3f valve is the first truly stentless valve in the world. As a result, the valve is completely pliable which allows it to be folded into a small diameter and introduced to the body through small ports using minimally invasive techniques.
3f Aortic Valve Bioprothesis By ATS Medical
As we have seen over the years, this is another exciting advance in the utility of minimally invasive procedures which offer theoretical and practical benefits to patients - including less physical trauma (no sternum incision) and accelerated recoveries.
However, as patients and caregivers, we must remember that there is a lot of new technology out there - especially for minimally invasive valve surgery. That said, statistical outcomes (e.g. success rates, failure rates, mortality data) are still being developed. We also need to remember that just because something is new, that does not always mean it is better.
As I have written several times before, please remember that all patient cases are unique. That said, the surgical approach you and your surgeon elect should be thoroughly evaluated before you enter the operating room.
Still, it is great to learn about this exciting news from ATS Medical about Dr. Raczkowski’s use of the da Vinci robot and the ATS 3f heart valve replacement device.
Keep on tickin!
P.S. To leave a comment, please click here.
About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient’s Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates the clinical facts of heart valve surgery with the personal experiences of 78 former valve surgery patients to help patients and caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.
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November 5th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Lauren,
Stop worrying about how big your incision is and think about the importance of doing the job right. Surgeons don’t open you up because they feel like it, they do it to get the access they need to do the job the best they can. My son is a surgeon and his opinion is that these robots etc. will be great someday for doing very specific details of surgery, but for now a skilled, experienced human is the best way to go.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I agree with Robin. These “new fangled high tech things” are new, as are the number of surgeons who are pioneering their use. Go with a surgeon who has done thousands of aortic valve replacements in his surgical career.. These surgeons have an excellent team to help you through the process from pre-op to post-op.
I’m a former ICU nurse & chose a surgeon with an excellent reputation in the hospital I work in. I have no regrets.
You should do fine. Best of luck!