Robotic coronary artery surgery--the evolution of a new minimally invasive approach in coronary artery surgery

Minimal invasive coronary surgery is not associated with increased mortality or morbidity during the period of learning curve

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive procedures for coronary revascularization have been performed for over 20 years; however, their technical complexity, steep learning curves and absence of training programs explain the weak acceptance of these techniques. The aim of this study is to describe the step-by-step learning process on how to establish a minimally invasive coronary artery revascularization program. The short-term outcomes of our first 30 patients were compared to our left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery off pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) cohort as a quality control baseline.

METHODS

All patients who benefited from an endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass (Endo-ACAB) in our hospital, from July 2018 to May 2020 (n = 30) were identified. Baseline demographics, peri, postoperative and laboratory data were extracted from each patient's medical records. These results were compared to our LIMA-LAD OPCAB cohort (n = 23).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were planned for a single LIMA-LAD Endo-ACAB. The remaining two had a T-graft double Endo-ACAB. Ten patients had a hybrid revascularization with the culprit lesion being treated first. Three patients were converted to sternotomy because of a LIMA lesion during thoracoscopic harvesting. We accounted three major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Demographic, peri and postoperative data showed no significant differences between the Endo-ACAB and the OPCAB group.

CONCLUSION

Endo-ACAB is a technically demanding operation, however, it can safely be introduced in centers with no previous experience with no extra cost in terms of morbidity or mortality. Thoracoscopic LIMA harvesting is the most demanding surgical skill to acquire.

Recent Advances in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Techniques and Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, driven by innovative techniques and refined approaches that have transformed patient outcomes and treatment paradigms. This review article comprehensively explores the latest advances in CABG techniques and their consequential impacts on patient outcomes. The advent of minimally invasive CABG techniques has revolutionized traditional surgical approaches. Robotic-assisted surgery and small thoracotomy methods offer reduced invasiveness, yielding shorter recovery times and improved patient satisfaction. Integrating CABG with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), hybrid procedures have emerged as a versatile strategy, providing tailored treatment solutions for complex coronary anatomies. The paradigm shift to off-pump CABG, which preserves the beating heart during surgery, has shown promise in reducing perioperative complications and neurocognitive deficits. Advances in graft selection, particularly the utilization of arterial grafts such as the internal thoracic artery and radial artery, have significantly enhanced graft patency rates and long-term survival. Adjunctive technologies, such as intraoperative imaging and graft flow assessment, have bolstered the precision of CABG procedures. Pharmacological agents have demonstrated their potential to improve graft outcomes. Surgical decision-making is now optimized based on patient characteristics and disease severity owing to the development of patient selection and risk stratification tools. Long-term results have also significantly improved. Patients undergoing CABG have higher survival rates, less angina, and better quality of life. Developing more resilient grafts through tissue engineering, using bioresorbable materials in graft fabrication, and using gene therapy to improve graft patency and overall cardiac recovery are all exciting future research directions. This review's summary of current developments in CABG procedures highlights their profoundly positive effects on patient outcomes. These developments can change the face of cardiovascular care by giving clinicians more tools to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) and enhance patients' quality of life.

Senhance Robotic Platform in Pediatrics: Early US Experience

INTRODUCTION

Different robotic systems have been used widely in human surgery since 2000, but pediatric patients require some features that are lacking in the most frequently used robotic systems.

HYPOTHESIS

The Senhance^® robotic system is a safe and an effective device for use in infants and children that has some advantages over other robotic systems.

METHODS

All patients between 0 and 18 years of age whose surgery was amenable to laparoscopy were offered enrollment in this IRB-approved study. We assessed the feasibility, ease and safety of using this robotic platform in pediatric patients including: set-up time, operative time, conversions, complications and outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight patients, ranging from 4 months to 17 years of age and weighing between 8 and 130 kg underwent a variety of procedures including: cholecystectomy (3), inguinal herniorrhaphy (3), orchidopexy for undescended testes (1) and exploration for a suspected enteric duplication cyst (1). All robotic procedures were successfully performed. The 4-month-old (mo), 8 kg patient underwent an uneventful robotic exploration in an attempt to locate a cyst that was hidden in the mesentery at the junction of the terminal ileum and cecum, but ultimately the patient required an anticipated laparotomy to palpate the cyst definitively and to excise it completely. There was no blood loss and no complications. Robotic manipulation with the reusable 3 mm instruments proved successful in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience with the Senhance^® robotic platform suggests that this is a safe and effective device for pediatric surgery that is easy to use, and which warrants continued evaluation. Most importantly, there appears to be no lower age or weight restrictions to its use.

Does plastic surgery need a rewiring? A survey and systematic review on robotic-assisted surgery

Background

This is a paucity of data regarding plastic surgeons' opinions on robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We developed a questionnaire aimed to survey plastic surgeons regarding training in robotics, concerns about widespread implementation, and new research directions.

Methods

A survey was created using Google Forms and sent to practicing plastic surgeons and trainees. Responses regarding desired conference proceedings about robotics, robotic residency training, and perceived barriers to implementation were elicited. Survey responses were utilized to direct a systematic review on RAS in plastic surgery.

Results

The survey received 184 responses (20.4%; 184/900). The majority (92.8%) of respondents were/are plastic surgery residents, with the most common fellowships being microsurgery (39.2%). Overall, 89.7% of respondents support some integration of robotics in the future of plastic surgery, particularly in pelvic/perineum reconstruction (56.4%), abdominal reconstruction (46.5%), microsurgery (43.6%), and supermicrosurgery (44.2%). Many respondents (66.1%) report never using a robot in their careers. Respondents expressed notable barriers to widespread robotic implementation, with cost (73.0%) serving as the greatest obstacle. A total of 10 studies (pelvic/perineum = 3; abdominal = 3; microsurgery = 4) were included after full-text review.

Conclusions

Evidence from our survey and review supports the growing interest and utility of RAS within the plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) and mirrors the established trend in other surgical subspecialties. Cost analyses will prove critical to implementing RAS within PRS. With validated benefits, plastic surgery programs can begin creating dedicated curricula for RAS.

The learning curve of robotic coronary arterial bypass surgery: A report from the STS database

BACKGROUND

There is limited data to inform minimum case requirements for training in robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RA-CABG). Current recommendations rely on nonclinical endpoints and expert opinion.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the minimum number of RA-CABG procedures required to achieve stable clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We included isolated RA-CABG in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) registry performed between 2014 and 2019 by surgeons without prior RA-CABG experience. Outcomes were approach conversion, reoperation, major morbidity or mortality, and procedural success. Case sequence number was used as a continuous variable in logistic regression with restricted cubic splines with fixed effects. Outcomes were compared between operations performed earlier versus later in case sequences using unadjusted and adjusted metrics.

RESULTS

There were 1195 cases performed by 114 surgeons. A visual inflection point occurs by a surgeon's 10th procedure for approach conversion, major morbidity or mortality, and overall procedural success after which outcomes stabilize. There was a significant decrease in the rate of approach conversion (7.7% and 2.5%), reoperation (18.9% and 10.8%), and major morbidity or mortality (21.7% and 12.9%), as well as an increase in the rate of procedural success (72.9% and 85.3%) with increasing experience between groups. In a multivariable logistic regression model, case sequences of >10 were an independent predictor of decreased approach conversion (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.84) and increased rate procedural success (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.00-3.84).

CONCLUSIONS

The learning curve for RA-CABG is initially steep, but stable clinical outcomes are achieved after the 10th procedure.

A Systematic Review of the Role of Robotics in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-From Inception to the Future

Background

The use of robots in surgery has become commonplace in many specialties. In this systematic review, we report on the current uses of robotics in plastic and reconstructive surgery and looks to future roles for robotics in this arena.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus was performed using appropriate search terms in order to identify all applications of robot-assistance in plastic and reconstructive surgery. All articles were reviewed by two authors and a qualitative synthesis performed of those articles that met the inclusion criteria. The systematic review and results were conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

A total of 7,904 articles were identified for title and abstract review. Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Robotic assistance in plastic and reconstructive surgery is still in its infancy, with areas such as trans-oral robotic surgery and microvascular procedures the dominant areas of interest currently. A number of benefits have been shown over conventional open surgery, such as improved access and greater dexterity; however, these must be balanced against disadvantages such as the lack of haptic feedback and cost implications.

Conclusion

The feasibility of robotic plastic surgery has been demonstrated in several specific indications. As technology, knowledge, and skills in this area improve, these techniques have the potential to contribute positively to patient and provider experience and outcomes.

Robotic-enhanced coronary surgery in octogenarians

Objectives

Robotic-enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (RE-MIDCAB) is based on the use of a robotic console and instrumentation for the dissection of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA). The LITA to left anterior descending (LAD) artery anastomosis is subsequently constructed through a mini thoracotomy. The purpose of this study is to present our experience of RE-MIDCAB outcomes in elderly patients.

Methods

From 2002 until 2015, 44 octogenarians (the mean age of 82.9 years) underwent RE-MIDCAB. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 9.2. The majority of the patients were male with a medical history of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and previous coronary interventions. Of these patients 25% underwent RE-MIDCAB combined with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of multi-vessel disease (hybrid revascularization).

Results

All RE-MIDCABs and combined 'hybrid' PCI procedures were successfully completed. The mean intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay were 1.6 days and 10.9 days, respectively. There was 1 in-hospital mortality (2.3%). After an average follow-up period of 29.2 months, 5 patients required repeat revascularization procedures (9.1%). Mortality on follow-up was estimated at 25.6%.

Conclusions

Our report suggests that considering the age and frailty of the octogenarian population, RE-MIDCAB is a feasible and safe procedure which is associated with acceptable mid-term results.

Defining the Learning Curve for Robotic-Assisted Endoscopic Harvesting of the Left Internal Mammary Artery

Objective

Robotic-assisted techniques are continuing to cement their role in coronary surgery, particularly in facilitating the endoscopic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), regardless of how the subsequent bypass grafting is performed. As more surgeons attempt to become trained in robotic-assisted procedures, we sought to better define the learning curve associated with robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest.

Methods

Between January 2011 and July 2012, a total of 77 patients underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution. The LIMA was harvested endoscopically in all patients, using standard robotic instruments, followed by direct grafting to anterior wall myocardial vessels via a small thoracotomy. Intraoperative times for various components of the procedure were collated and analyzed.

Results

The mean ± SD time taken to insert and position the ports for the robotic instruments was 3.9 ± 1.4 minutes. The mean ± SD LIMA harvest time was 31.8 ± 10.1 minutes, and the mean ± SD total robotic time was 44.2 ± 12.9 minutes. All time variables consistently continued to decrease as the experience of the operating surgeon increased, with the greatest magnitude of improvement being evident within the first 20 cases. The logarithmic learning curves for LIMA harvest time and total robot time during our entire experience were both calculated as 90%, correlating to an expected 10% improvement in performance for each doubling of cases completed.

Conclusions

Coronary surgeons can rapidly become proficient in robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest, with significant improvement in operative times evident within the first 20 cases completed. These data may be useful in designing appropriate training programs for newer surgeons seeking to gain experience in robotic-assisted coronary surgery.

Hybrid Coronary Artery Revascularization—Review and Update 2007

Hybrid coronary revascularization is a combination of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The concept is now 10 years old. Implementation was slow, but major developments have taken place. The surgical part of the procedure can be performed in a totally endoscopic fashion instead of by a mini-incision approach and catheter-based intervention includes the use of drug-eluting stents. Whereas during early development staged approaches were taken, simultaneous interventions have become feasible. Hybrid procedures are an attractive option for high-risk patients or for patients who seek a less traumatic revascularization option.

Endo-robotic resection of the submandibular gland in a cadaver model

BACKGROUND

By means of a prospective, nonrandomized investigation, we evaluated the feasibility of performing endo-robotic resection of the submandibular gland in a cadaver model and compared the results of robotically enhanced endoscopic surgery with those from a conventional endoscopic technique.

METHODS

Procedural times were recorded in a consecutive series of 11 endoscopic submandibular gland resections using the daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and a modified endoscopic surgical approach previously developed in a porcine model. The presence of neurovascular injury was assessed postoperatively, and the specimens were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Eleven endo-robotic submandibular gland resections were successfully performed in six cadavers (no conversions to open resection were necessary). The median duration of the procedures was 48 minutes (range, 33-82 minutes). Creation of the operative pocket took an average (+/-SD) of 12.2 +/- 5.3 minutes, assembly of the robot required 9.3 +/- 4.1 minutes, and the mean time for submandibular gland resection was 29.4 +/- 8.9 minutes. The time required for robotic assembly was offset by the reduced operative time necessary compared with conventional endoscopic resection. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of normal glandular architecture, without evidence of excessive mechanical or thermal injury. There were no cases of apparent neurovascular injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically enhanced endoscopic surgery in the neck is feasible and offers a number of compelling advantages over conventional endoscopic neck surgery. Clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether these advantages can be achieved in clinical practice.

Integrated coronary revascularization: percutaneous coronary intervention plus robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) coupled with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a second coronary artery has been investigated in patients with multivessel disease to provide a minimally invasive therapeutic option.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TECAB of the LAD was performed using the left internal mammary artery (LIMA). A second lesion was treated with PCI before surgery, simultaneously, or after surgery. Three-month angiographic follow-up was performed in all patients and was subject to independent review. A total of 27 patients requiring double vessel revascularization were treated at 7 centers. Eleven patients underwent PCI before surgery, 12 patients underwent PCI after surgery, and 4 patients underwent simultaneous surgical and percutaneous intervention. Ten patients (37%) were treated with bare metal stents, whereas 17 patients (63%) were treated with drug-eluting stents. Postoperative angiographic evaluation demonstrated an overall LIMA anastomotic patency of 96.3% and PCI vessel patency of 66.7%. There were no deaths or strokes. One patient experienced a perioperative myocardial infarction. Eight of 27 patients (29.6%) required reintervention, 1 LIMA anastomotic stenosis (3.7%), 3 after bare metal stent (30%), and 4 after drug-eluting stent placement (23.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated revascularization treatment plans provide minimally invasive options for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. This approach may be accomplished with no mortality, low perioperative morbidity, and excellent angiographic LIMA patency. The reintervention rate after PCI in this series was higher than that reported elsewhere and should be investigated further. The choice of suitable vessel, type of stent and timing of the treatment must be carefully considered before implementing this hybrid strategy.

Does Robotic Technology Make Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Too Expensive? A Hospital Cost Analysis of Robotic and Conventional Techniques

BACKGROUND

While potential benefits of robotic technology include decreased morbidity and improved recovery, some have suggested a prohibitively high cost. This study was undertaken to compare actual hospital costs of robotically assisted cardiac procedures with conventional techniques.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of clinical and financial data of 20 patients who underwent atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and 20 patients who underwent mitral valve repair (MVr) using either robotic techniques or a conventional approach with a sternotomy. Total hospital cost (actual resource consumption) was subdivided into operative and postoperative costs.

RESULTS

Robotic technology did not significantly increase total hospital cost for ASD closure or MVr (p = 0.518 and p = 0.539). However, when including the initial capital investment for the robot through amortization of institutional costs, total hospital cost was increased by $3,773 for robotic ASD closure and $3,444 for robotic MVr (p = 0.021 and p = 0.004). The major driver of cost for robotic cases (operating room time) decreased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic technology did not significantly increase hospital cost. While the absolute cost for robotic surgery was higher than conventional techniques after taking into account the institutional cost of the robot, the major driver of cost for robotic procedures will likely continue to decrease, as the surgical team becomes increasingly familiar with robotic technology. Furthermore, other benefits, such as improvement in postoperative quality of life and more expeditious return to work may make a robotic approach cost-effective. Thus, it is possible that the benefits of robotic surgery may justify investment in this technology.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass: program development and learning curve issues

BACKGROUND

The introduction of new procedures in heart surgery is a critical phase that includes learning curves and the risk of increased mortality or morbidity. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting using robotic techniques represents such an innovative procedure. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the safe introduction of totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting using a stepwise and modular approach.

METHODS

From June 2001 until December 2002, 50 procedures were performed using the da Vinci telemanipulator system. After baseline training the following procedure modules were carried out in a stepwise manner: robotically assisted endoscopic left internal thoracic artery harvesting and completion of the procedure as conventional coronary artery bypass grafting, minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass, or off-pump coronary artery bypass (n = 19), robotically assisted suturing of left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending anastomoses during conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 15), totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting on the arrested heart using remote access perfusion and aortic endocclusion coronary bypass grafting (n = 15). One patient was excluded intraoperatively from a robotic procedure due to pleural adhesions.

RESULTS

A significant learning curve was observed for left internal thoracic artery takedown time, y(min) = 181 - 39 x ln(x) (x = procedure number) (P <.001), and total operative time in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting, y(min) = 595 - 87 x ln(x) x = (procedure number) (P =.028). The conversion rate in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting was 2/15. Intensive care unit stay correlated significantly with total operative time (r =.427, P =.002). There was no hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting can be safely implemented into a heart surgery program. Learning curves are steep for robotic left internal thoracic artery takedown and for performance of totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. Long operative times translate into prolonged intensive care unit stay in specific cases but not into increased mortality.

Surgical robotic applications in otolaryngology

OBJECTIVES

To explore the feasibility of performing endo-robotic neck surgery in a porcine model and to compare the results of robotically enhanced endoscopic surgery with those from a conventional endoscopic technique.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized experimental investigation in a porcine model.

METHODS

We performed a consecutive series of endoscopic neck surgeries using the daVinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc.). The length of time required to establish the operative pocket and to assemble the robotic components, as well as the total duration of each operation, was recorded. The animals were continuously monitored for heart rate, blood pressure, and end-tidal CO(2) pressure, and evaluation for presence of pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema was undertaken postoperatively. The specimens were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Four different types of neck surgery were successfully performed on both sides of the neck of four animals using the daVinci surgical system. Creation of the operative pocket took, on average (+/-SD), 18.1 +/- 11.9 minutes, and assembly of the robot required 12.5 +/- 9.9 minutes, resulting in a mean preparation time for all procedures of 30.6 +/- 21.0 minutes. The mean operative time for submandibular resection (n = 3) was 19.0 +/- 6.6 minutes, with a total procedure time of 39.0 +/- 10.2 minutes. Selective neck dissections (n = 3) required a mean operative time of 66.0 +/- 18.5 minutes and a total procedure time of 85.7 +/- 16.7 minutes. One partial parotidectomy and one thymectomy were also performed. The median estimated blood loss was 0 mL (range, 0-10 mL). The end-tidal CO(2) pressure fell from the start to the end of the procedures by a mean of 4.4 +/- 7.9 mm Hg. The blood pressure fell by a mean of 1.9 +/- 7.5 mm Hg. There was one case of modest subcutaneous emphysema, and there were no cases of pneumothorax or air embolism. No conversions to open resection were necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically enhanced endoscopic surgery in the neck is feasible and offers a number of compelling advantages over conventional endoscopic neck surgery. Clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether these advantages can be achieved in clinical practice.

High thoracic epidural anesthesia for coronary artery bypass grafting using two different surgical approaches in conscious patients

Recent developments in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) without cardiopulmonary bypass made the sole use of high thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) in conscious patients feasible. Previously, TEA has been reported only for single-vessel CABG via lateral thoracotomy. We investigated the feasibility and complications of sole TEA in 20 patients undergoing beating-heart arterial revascularization via partial lower sternotomy for single-vessel disease (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting [MIDCAB] technique; n = 10) or complete median sternotomy for multivessel disease (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting [OPCAB] technique; n = 10). An epidural catheter was inserted at the T1-2 or T2-3 interspace. An epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.5% and sufentanil 1.66 micro g/mL was started to establish anesthetic levels at C5-6 for OPCAB and at T1-2 for MIDCAB. Nine OPCAB and eight MIDCAB procedures were completed while patients were awake and spontaneously breathing during the entire procedure. Because of surgical pneumothorax (OPCAB), insufficient anesthesia, or phrenic nerve palsy (both MIDCAB), three patients required intraoperative conversion to general anesthesia. The heart rate decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by 10%-15% in both groups during the procedure. Compared with baseline (B), mean arterial blood pressure (mm Hg) was decreased significantly only during coronary anastomosis (CA) (B(OPCAB), 95 +/- 11; CA(OPCAB), 68 +/- 9; B(MIDCAB), 86 +/- 10; CA(MIDCAB), 73 +/- 10; P not significant between groups). PaCO(2) increased from 42 +/- 2 mm Hg to 46 +/- 7 mm Hg (P < 0.05) throughout the perioperative course during OPCAB, whereas it remained almost unaltered during MIDCAB procedures. All patients rated TEA as "good" or "excellent." In conclusion, we demonstrated that the sole use of TEA for MIDCAB and OPCAB procedures was feasible and provided a high degree of patient satisfaction in our small and highly selected cohorts. IMPLICATIONS. The sole use of high thoracic epidural anesthesia was studied in 20 patients who underwent beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting using either median or partial lower sternotomy while awake.