The feasibility of robotic-assisted concomitant procedures during mitral valve operations.

BACKGROUND

In this study, we present our clinical experience and midterm results with the robotic-assisted concomitant procedures during mitral valve operations.

METHODS

Between March 2010 and February 2018, a total of 34 patients (8 males, 26 females; mean age 58.3 years; range, 34 to 78 years) who underwent robotic-assisted concomitant procedures during mitral valve surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics of the patients, comorbidities, medical, and surgical histories, operative and laboratory results, electrocardiographic findings, postoperative intensive care unit and ward outcomes, and cardiac follow-up data were recorded. Atrial fibrillation-related medication use, stroke, or other thromboembolic events, and electrocardiographic reports in patients who underwent cryoablation were reviewed at three and 12 months after the operation.

RESULTS

A total of 76 robotic-assisted concomitant procedures were performed during mitral valve repair (n=11) or replacement (n=23) in 34 patients. These procedures were cryoablation (n=29), tricuspid valve repair (n=6), tricuspid valve replacement (n=2), left atrial appendage ligation (n=32), atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closure (n=5), and left atrial thrombectomy (n=2). The mean preoperative EuroSCORE values were 5.1±2.5. The mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp was 156±69.4 min and 101±42 min, respectively. Normal sinus rhythm was restored in 85% of the patients (24/28) after cryoablation and two patients (5.8%) had permanent pacemaker within a year during follow-up. There was one (2.9%) mortality in the early postoperative period due to hemorrhage related to the posterior left ventricular wall rupture. No blood product was used in 82.4% of the patients. One patient had a transient cerebral event and symptoms regressed completely within two months.

CONCLUSION

Technological improvements and growing experience can decrease the suspects related to prolonged operational duration during robotic-assisted cardiac surgery. Concomitant procedures in addition to mitral valve operations can be performed with low complication rates in centers with experience of robotic surgery.