Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Surgery
Summary
Unlike traditional mitral valve repair surgery in which the sternum is cut and spread open, in a minimally invasive robotic mitral valve procedure, the surgeon manipulates a highly advanced robotic tool and makes only tiny incisions. The robotic arms are inserted through the side of the chest, which is even closer to the heart than opening the sternum. Keyhole incisions are made for the surgical arms, camera and access tube. The tiny camera provides a view of the diseased valve. If the valve is oversized, misshapen or doesn't close properly, which allows blood to leak backwards, the misshapen portion of the valve is removed and reconstructed with sutures. An artificial ring is inserted to reduce its size. The ring is then sewn into place, thus the valve closes properly and so, blood no longer leaks back.
Keywords: mitral valve surgery, mitral valve prolapsed, mitral valve regurgitation, mitral valve stenosis, University of Chicago, valvular heart surgery, Valluvan Jeevanandam, valve surgery, minimally invasive valve surgery, mitral valve repair, heart valve surgery, robotic valve surgery
