Minimally Invasive Robot

Here at Spectrum we have 2 surgeons who perform many of their valves and myxomas via the DaVinci Robot system. The system is very cool, they typically start by grafting the arterial line to the femoral artery (which is great for the line pressure!), they Y the venous and place a venous cannula in the femoral vein up to the inferior vena cava and then into the jugular vein. They also typically try to place the retrograde catheter in via this route as well, but sometimes this can be difficult to accomplish. There are 2 to 3 incisions made, typically one large incision between the costals to reach the right side of the heart. Once all of the arms of the robots are in place the RNFA or the PA will usually place the arms and readjust, replace, readjust the arms as the surgeon needs it. Bypass is typically run as normal, go on early and stay on with vacuum assist as needed. There is really no large differences in our job which is nice, plegia is typically given both antegrade and retro (if they can place it). The system is a nice set up, the surgeon is right next to you working the robot which makes it nice for communication, the actual preparation for surgery takes a bit longer but the outcomes are phenominal being that there is no sternotomy. If you come across this type of pump case, it is interesting and a great learning experience! Don't be afraid of the DaVinci!