Robotic Mitral Valve Repair in Bangalore

Robot-assisted surgery is making headways in medicine and revolutionising the entire process. Medical experts now see Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) as the game changer in performing complex medical procedures.

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair is a technologically advanced surgery that is minimally invasive and can treat valve disease without the need to perform a more intrusive open heart surgery. We have a team of board-certified surgeons at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, that is highly experienced in performing Robotic Mitral Valve Repair.

Significance of the Mitral Valve

There are four heart valves of the heart, namely the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonic valves. These valves play an important role in helping the blood flow in the right direction. The mitral valve located between the left chambers (left atrium & left ventricle) of the heart causes the blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, ensuring that the blood doesn’t go backward.

When do you need a Mitral Valve repair?

Sometimes the valves of the heart do not function properly due to various causes. If the valves don’t open and close properly or malfunction in other ways, it is referred to as valve disease. Valve disease can be caused by valve stenosis or valve regurgitation.

• Valve stenosis occurs when the valves become fused or have inflexible leaflets that limit the flow of blood.
• Valve regurgitation refers to a leaky heart valve which occurs when the leaflets do not close completely.

A faulty mitral valve may need to be corrected through surgery. During the surgery, the mitral valve is either repaired or replaced. If the valve disease is mild, doctors may prescribe regular heart check ups with medications and other lifestyle changes to regulate your heart health. However, if the disease has progressed to a later stage, patients may need to go for surgery. In most cases, patients would opt for a mitral valve repair rather than a replacement. Mitral valve repair can be done through traditional open heart surgery or a minimally invasive method.

Traditional Open Heart Mitral Valve Repair

Traditionally cardiac surgeons utilise open heart surgery method to repair a damaged or deformed mitral valve. In this method, the surgeon makes a deep incision that goes through your breastbone. Open heart surgery is a high-risk operation that requires stopping the heart during the surgery. The patient is also put under general anaesthesia during the 3-5 hour-long operation.

Robot-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair is a technologically advanced, minimally invasive procedure to surgically repair the mitral valve. In this form of surgery, the breastbone and sternum do not need to be opened in most cases. Also, the surgeons would not require to spread the ribs to reach the heart and perform the repair. The incisions are made through the sides and are smaller than 2 inches.

The world-class cardiac surgeons at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, have years of training & experience to perform this procedure exceptionally. We are committed to follow the patient-centric approach for successful & satisfactory outcomes.

Preparing for A Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

If you have been prescribed a mitral valve repair, talk to your surgeon about what to expect during and after the procedure. You may want to schedule your important activities accordingly before the surgery. Talk to your loved ones about how long the hospital stay will be and how they can help you during your hospital stay. Talk to your doctor about the pain afterwards, the recovery period and what you should and shouldn’t do after the surgery.

You will be put under general anaesthesia for the surgery. The surgery will take 2-4 hours, and you might require to stay in the hospital for 4-7 days, depending on your condition. You will need pain medications and IV fluids post-surgery.

Robotically assisted Mitral Valve Repair Procedure Performed at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka.

This type of mitral valve repair uses a robot that has a camera and surgical instruments attached to its arms and wrists. The surgery is normally performed by two or more especially trained and certified surgeons specialising in robotic surgery.

The surgeons will make a small incision that is less than 2 inches and place the robot inside through the ribs. The incision is made in the left upper chamber or left atrium of the heart to access the mitral valve.

During the procedure, one surgeon may sit at a remote console and view your heart using a magnified high-definition 3D view on a screen. The other surgeon may work at the operating table, ensuring the safe movement of the robotic arms. The robotic movement is controlled through the console. The robot will mimic the movement of the surgeon’s hands and wrist with utmost precision.

The patient will need to be placed on a heart-lung bypass machine to allow the surgeons to stop the heart briefly and insert instruments into the inner chambers to repair the mitral valve. Once the valve is repaired, the incision will be closed seamlessly.

Benefits of Robotically assisted Mitral valve repair over traditional open heart surgery.

Robot-assisted mitral valve surgery is mostly the preferred option in most cases due to the following benefits:

• Smaller incisions
• Minimal scarring
• Less blood loss
• Quicker recovery period
• Less trauma and pain for the patient
• Reduced risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stays
• Less use of pain medication

You may also want to talk to the doctor about lifestyle changes that you should make after the procedure to help you regulate your heart health and reduce any further complications. Robotically assisted mitral valve repair can improve your heart health and enhance your quality of life without any complications that come with traditional surgical options. You can always visit the Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, to learn more and consult the top cardiologists & surgeons for assistance.