The da Vinci Robot is Cutting Edge Technology for Cardiac Surgery
By Alice Lane
We’ve come a long way from the days when the first open heart surgery operation took place in terms of cardiac rehabilitation programs. There may be a number of significant reasons for this progress including progress in the area of the surgery itself. One significant improvement is that of using robotic heart surgery and the impact that has on the recovery of the patient. The da Vinci surgical robot is being used quite regularly by skilled surgeons in the Chicago area.
The procedures are becoming more comfortable for the heart patients and thus an easier recovery. By using robotic-assisted surgical technique and allowing minimally invasive and extremely exacting surgical techniques, the patient has less trauma to their body, there is less pain and scarring which leads to faster healing and a reduction in the risk of infection. There is also the possibility of less blood loss during the surgery so the body is stronger coming out of the operation.
The use of robots in cardiothoracic surgery throughout the country may be on the increase but out of all of the hospitals, the Chicago area has perhaps some of the most prominent hospitals on the leading edge technology. The reasons for this commitment can be attributed to a number of reasons, but the number one reason is the patients. The focus on taking care of patients and on the path to healing is a driving force that allows this attention to detail. Being on the leading edge is not always the easy route to take.
Many places are limited by the cost, many are limited by ego or the fear to be the leader and some take the bull by the horns and step up to the task of figuring it out and getting it right. This type of leadership is common at Riverside and it bespeaks of the risks allowed and encouraged to help patients get in and get out with the least amount of trauma and injury. That is what doctors are and should be about. Do no harm. It is a long road to get people to understand that technology is a great assistant. For those who have been on the long road to being a trained surgeon it is hard to imagine wanting to take the time and effort to learn a new skill and become proficient at using a new tool.
In the United States and Canada it typically takes six to nine years as a resident to become a fully qualified cardiothoracic surgeon. This of course is after medical school and after undergraduate school. The dedication to their craft is undeniably astounding. The benefit to all this comes out when the patient now leaves the hospital after a few days instead of a few weeks. Not only are we able to do more with the heart and surgery, we are able to be more accurate and less invasive, all to the benefit of the patient.
| There many hospitals in the Chicago area. Choosing one for general healthcare or a specialty area like cardiothoratic surgery [www.riversidehealthcare.org/services/services-for-women.html] can be tough. Riverside Medical Center offers premier healthcare services in the Chicago area including robotic heart surgery with the da Vinci surgical robot and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Rest assured that you can get the information you are looking for at RiversideHealthcare.org.
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