El Camino Health Introduces Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery with da Vinci System

El Camino Health has started performing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the help of Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci robotic system. Surgeons at the El Camino Health Heart and Vascular Institute are now using the system to perform the procedure, which is the most common type of cardiac surgery in the world.

Despite being the most common type of cardiac surgery, only 1% of these procedures are performed with the help of robots. However, the da Vinci system is changing this by allowing surgeons to perform the procedure with smaller incisions, which results in faster recovery times for patients.

## Smaller incisions means faster recovery for cardiac patients

The biggest benefit of robotic surgery for cardiac bypass patients is in the recovery time. Surgeons at El Camino Health have reported that patients who undergo robotic-assisted CABG experience less pain and trauma compared to traditional surgery. This is because the robotic instruments and cameras can fit inside small incisions between the ribs, allowing surgeons to perform the procedure without cutting any bone or major muscle groups.

One patient who underwent the procedure is Raul Martin, a 64-year-old man who was able to walk three to five miles a day and do resistance training. After feeling his heart racing, Martin underwent a robotic bypass procedure and was able to walk the halls the day after surgery. He was back to his usual routine a couple of days later.

## Robotics takes the pressure off surgeons

Using a surgical robot isn’t just better for the cardiac patient, it can also take away some of the physical strain of the job for surgeons. Surgeons at El Camino Health have reported that the ergonomics of the robotic platform is dramatically different, reducing the physical strain of the job. This can also take off some of the mental load for surgeons, reducing the risk of burnout.

For new surgeons, surgical systems typically offer a virtual simulation environment, which makes an ideal training space. During procedures, a clear view of the patient and the work the surgeon is doing also helps. Heart surgery is a team sport, and the communication between team members improves when everyone can see what’s going on.

## Why aren’t more hospitals using robotics for cardiac procedures?

Despite the benefits of robotic-assisted CABG, less than 1% of these procedures are performed robotically. Surgeons at El Camino Health have reported that there are a few reasons for this. One reason is that this approach isn’t right for every patient. Some surgeries require a bigger incision, and full access to the heart is necessary.

Another reason is that more doctors need to know about this kind of technology. The heart surgeon is certainly not the first doctor a patient would see, so it’s essential for every doctor to understand robotics is a treatment option. There is also some hesitation from surgeons when it comes to implementing any new practice.

## How can robotics companies work better with surgeons?

Surgeons at El Camino Health have reported that interacting with engineers and developers in the operating room can lead to new ideas and approaches to problems. This can be achieved by having the engineering team observe cases and talk through the challenges of different clinical scenarios.

The time when the field is the most fertile for ideas for surgeons is when they are faced with a problem and can verbalize it. If there’s an engineer or a developer in the room, they can see what the cardiac surgeon is trying to do, and where the challenges are. This can lead to new ideas and approaches to problems, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

| Approach | Incision Size | Recovery Time | | --- | --- | --- | | Traditional Surgery | Large | Longer | | Robotic-Assisted CABG | Small | Faster |