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 [1] 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 [2] 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 [3] 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!

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About The Author: [5] To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.