Heart specialists affiliated with Memorial Hermann are continually exploring and employing new and innovative techniques for treating heart disease, including coronary artery disease. Among these new techniques is robotic minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). For qualifying patients with coronary artery disease, the procedure can mean shorter hospitals stays, reduced risk and faster recovery.
Robotic MIDCAB is a robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedure used to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. The procedure is performed through tiny incisions in your chest through which the surgeon inserts small robotic arms and a small camera. The surgeon manipulates the robotic arms to perform the procedure while viewing magnified images on a computer console. While technically challenging, robotic MIDCAB is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional open-heart coronary bypass grafting (CABG) or non-robotic MIDCAB.
The robotic MIDCAB procedure is typically performed if you have been diagnosed with single-vessel disease, such as LAD disease, but can also be performed if you have been diagnosed with multiple-vessel disease. And it is used if you are at high risk for the more invasive sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Talk to your doctor to see if robotic cardiac surgery is right for you.
Robotic MIDCAB produces the same benefits as open-heart coronary bypass grafting (CABG) or standard MIDCAB surgeries, but often with reduced risk, shorter hospitalization and faster recovery.
Any type of cardiac surgery has associated risks, including bleeding, infection, damage to the heart, development of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and stroke. But robotic surgery, as compared to traditional, open-heart surgery, can minimize some of these risks.
Robotic cardiac surgery is a complex procedure that should be trusted to an experienced surgeon. The affiliated surgeons at Memorial Hermann can assess your condition to determine if robotic cardiac surgery is right for you, even providing you with a second opinion.
To learn more about robotic cardiac surgery, visit Find a Doctor to schedule an appointment.
If you’d like a referral to a heart and vascular specialist or want more information about our services, please fill out the form below or call us at (713) 219-3519. For other inquiries, such as obtaining medical records, imaging reports or test results, please call (713) 222-CARE (2273).