Diegeler A, Falk V, Walther T, Autschbach R, Mohr F W
Klinik für Herzchirurgie Universität Leipzig Herzzentrum.
Z Kardiol. 2000;89 Suppl 7:99-103.
The rigid design of conventional endoscopic instruments with limited degrees of freedom has not allowed for endoscopic cardiac surgery. Using a surgical telemanipulation system that is operated from a master console, endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair can be performed with high precision. Closed-chest cardiopulmonary bypass systems that allow cardioplegic cardiac arrest are required. After extensive experimental testing a telemanipulation system was used clinically.
