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PubMed2004

The roles of humans and robots in exploring the solar system.

Historically, advocates of solar system exploration have disagreed over whether program goals could be entirely satisfied by robotic missions. Scientists tend to argue that robotic exploration is most cost-effective. However, the human space program has a great deal of support in the general public, thereby enabling the scientific element of exploration to be larger than it might be as a stand-alone activity. A comprehensive strategy of exploration needs a strong robotic component complementing and supporting human missions. Robots are needed for precursor missions, for crew support on planetary surfaces, and for probing dangerous environments. Robotic field assistants can provide mobility, access to scientific sites, data acquisition, visualization of the environment, precision operations, sample acquisition and analysis, and expertise to human explorers. As long as space exploration depends on public funds, space exploration must include an appropriate mix of human and robotic activity.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Robotic pediatric cardiac surgery: present and future perspectives.

Advances in robotic technology and imaging systems have enabled the broad application of minimally invasive techniques in cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair in adults. In pediatric cardiac surgery, however, current robotic systems have been used primarily to facilitate thoracoscopic pediatric procedures on extracardiac lesions, such as ligation of patent ductus and division of vascular rings. The use of smaller instruments with sophisticated robotic wrists may make it possible to perform more complex extracardiac procedures even in young infants. Additionally, future technological improvements, including incorporation of tactile feedback, instrument tracking, and intracardiac imaging (such as real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography), may enable intracardiac robotic surgery to be performed in children. This article reviews the current and potential future applications of pediatric robotic surgery and the developmental work required to enable performance of these procedures, along with an overview of the problems associated with the use of current robotic surgical systems in children.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Results of a Phase One study on robotically assisted myocardial revascularization on the beating heart.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of computer assisted myocardial revascularization on the beating heart. METHODS: Ten patients underwent at least one robotically assisted internal mammary artery (IMA) anastomosis utilizing the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Mountain View, CA) performed through an open incision as part of standard multivessel off pump revascularization. Following chest closure a selective IMA angiogram was performed to assess patency. Three month follow-up included a stress echocardiogram. RESULTS: There were 12 anastomoses performed in 10 patients. The average age was 61 years with a mean ejection fraction of 56%. No patient required inotropic support. Eight of 10 patients were found to have fully patent IMA anastomoses by angiogram. One patient was noted to have an occluded left anterior descending coronary artery distal to the anastomosis and one had occlusion at the anastomosis. Both patients had immediate manual revision of the anastomosis. One patient who required anastomotic revision experienced postoperative myocardial infarction and sternal wound infection requiring pectoralis flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Because robotic instrumentation is meant for closed chest procedures, there were major issues with positioning of the robotic arms in this study since the chest was open. Although two patients required anastomotic revision, there were no complications or technical failures related to the robotic system. Thus, based upon this study robotically assisted beating heart revascularization appears to be feasible, safe, and effective. Further evaluation will be necessary to determine the role of robotically assisted totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass on the beating heart in the United States.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Combining robotic mitral valve repair and microwave atrial fibrillation ablation: techniques and initial results.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial microwave ablation for atrial fibrillation has become popular for isolating autonomous atrial foci. Previously, mitral valve repairs (MVP) with atrial fibrillation ablation have been performed through sternotomy. We present a technique that combines robotic MVP with left atrial fibrillation ablation. METHODS: Through a 4-cm right minithoracotomy and using cardiopulmonary bypass, the transverse and oblique sinuses are accessed. A Flex-10 microwave catheter is passed around the pulmonary veins, and after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, peripulmonary vein microwave ablations are performed. After cardioplegic arrest, the da Vinci system is used to manipulate the catheter to create endocardial lesions around the left atrial appendage. Another endocardial lesion is made connecting the pulmonary venous line with the mitral annulus near P3. The left atrial appendage is closed, and the MVP performed robotically. Data are expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent this combined procedure, with 80% returning to a normal sinus rhythm at 6 weeks and 73% remaining in normal sinus rhythm at 6 months. Only 1 patient was in atrial fibrillation at 6 months. The ablation procedure added 42 +/- 16.1 minutes to a robotic MVP. The average length of hospital stay was 6.3 +/- 2.2 days, 1.3 days longer than the mean of the prior 50 consecutive robotic MVP patients without a concomitant ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic microwave ablation during robotic MVP is a safe, effective way to resolve atrial fibrillation. These methods offer a promising prelude to the combined totally endoscopic treatment of atrial arrhythmias and mitral insufficiency.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Behavioural comparison of human-animal (dog) and human-robot (AIBO) interactions.

The behavioural analysis of human-robot interactions can help in developing socially interactive robots. The current study analyzes human-robot interaction with Theme software and the corresponding pattern detection algorithm. The method is based on the analysis of the temporal structure of the interactions by detecting T-patterns in the behaviour. We have compared humans' (children and adults) play behaviour interacting either with an AIBO or a living dog puppy. The analysis based on measuring latencies and frequencies of behavioural units suggested limited differences, e.g. the latency of humans touching the dog/AIBO was similar. In addition other differences could be accounted for by the limited abilities of the robot to interact with objects. Although the number of interactive T-patterns did not significantly differ among the groups but the partner's type (whether humans were playing with dog or AIBO) had a significant effect on the structure of the patterns. Both children and adults terminated T-patterns more frequently when playing with AIBO than when playing with the dog puppy, which suggest that the robot has a limited ability to engage in temporally structured behavioural interactions with humans. As other human studies suggest that the temporal complexity of the interaction is good measure of the partner's attitude, we suggest that more attention should be paid in the future to the robots' ability to engage in cooperative interaction with humans.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Robot-assisted laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease: early clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: Robotic technology may facilitate laparoscopic aortic reconstruction. We present our early clinical experience with laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass, aided by two different robotic surgical systems. METHODS: Between February 2002 and April 2004, we performed eight robot-assisted laparoscopic aorto-bifemoral bypasses for aortoiliac occlusive disease. All patients were male; median age was 55 years (range: 36-64). Dissection was performed laparoscopically and the robotic system was used to construct the aortic anastomosis. RESULTS: A robot-assisted anastomosis was successfully performed in seven patients. Median operative time was 405 min (range: 260-589), with a median clamp-time of 111 min (range: 85-205). Median blood loss was 900 ml (range: 200-5800). Median anastomosis time was 74 min (range 40-110). In two patients conversion was necessary, one due to bleeding of an earlier clipped lumbar artery after completion of the anastomosis, the other because of difficulties with the laparoscopic exposure of the aorta. On post-operative day 3 one patient died unexpectedly as a result of a massive myocardial infarction. Median hospital stay was 7.5 days (range: 3-57). CONCLUSION: Our initial experience with robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) shows it is a feasible technique for aortoiliac bypass surgery. However, laparoscopic aortoiliac surgery demands considerable experience and operative times need to be reduced before this technique can be widely implemented.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Computer-assisted robot-enhanced laparoscopic fundoplication in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Robotic surgery improves laparoscopic surgery through a more natural interface, tremor filtration, motion scaling, and additional degrees of freedom of the instruments. Here, the authors report that experience with robot-assisted fundoplication in children. METHODS: The authors have performed 15 laparoscopic fundoplications with the Zeus Robotic Surgery System and retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on set-up time, operating time, and outcome. RESULTS: All cases were completed successfully: one Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and 14 Nissen fundoplications. Patients ranged from 2 months to 18 years old (mean, 4.3 years) and from 3.4 kg to 37.7 kg (mean, 13.0 kg). There were no technical errors, equipment errors, or conversions. There were no complications in the first 30 days after surgery. The operating time declined from 323 minutes for the first case to 180 minutes for the last (mean, 195 minutes). The 14th case was the shortest at 123 minutes. Setting up the robotic surgery system took an average of 11 minutes. The surgeons perceived benefits of greater ease and confidence in suture placement and knot tying. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have successfully used surgical robots for gastric fundoplication at a pediatric teaching hospital. Our experience with this operation has shown the additional dexterity that the robot provides and will pave the way to more complex procedures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of clinical outcomes of robotic versus open pyeloplasty in infants under 6 months.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic pyeloplasties have become the popular approach for surgical repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in the pediatric population. In infants less than 6 months old, there is concern for lack of intra-abdominal working space and lack of benefit compared to an open approach. Our aim was to compare the peri-operative and post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing open versus robotic pyeloplasty under six months of age. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients less than six months of age undergoing robotic or open pyeloplasty between 2020 and 2024 at a single institution. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were collected and compared. Surgical success was defined as a >50% reduction in the antero-pelvic diameter (APD) of the affected kidney at one year post pyeloplasty. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were identified (16 robotic and 16 open), median age at surgery was 4 months old. There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay or narcotic usage between the two groups. The robotic cohort had a significantly longer operative time (209.5 min vs 142.5 min, p < 0.001) compared to the open cohort. There was no significant difference between post-operative complication or surgical success rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this small series, robotic and open pyeloplasty both remain viable options for infants less than 6 months of age with equivalent surgical outcomes and lengths of hospital stay.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

Effect of sensory substitution on suture-manipulation forces for robotic surgical systems.

OBJECTIVES: Direct haptic (force or tactile) feedback is not yet available in commercial robotic surgical systems. Previous work by our group and others suggests that haptic feedback might significantly enhance the execution of surgical tasks requiring fine suture manipulation, specifically those encountered in cardiothoracic surgery. We studied the effects of substituting direct haptic feedback with visual and auditory cues to provide the operating surgeon with a representation of the forces he or she is applying with robotic telemanipulators. METHODS: Using the robotic da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif), we compared applied forces during a standardized surgical knot-tying task under 4 different sensory-substitution scenarios: no feedback, auditory feedback, visual feedback, and combined auditory-visual feedback. RESULTS: The forces applied with these sensory-substitution modes more closely approximate suture tensions achieved under ideal haptic conditions (ie, hand ties) than forces applied without such sensory feedback. The consistency of applied forces during robot-assisted suture tying aided by visual feedback or combined auditory-visual feedback sensory substitution is superior to that achieved with hand ties. Robot-assisted ties aided with auditory feedback revealed levels of consistency that were generally equivalent or superior to those attained with hand ties. Visual feedback and auditory feedback improve the consistency of robotically applied forces. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory substitution, in the form of visual feedback, auditory feedback, or both, confers quantifiable advantages in applied force accuracy and consistency during the performance of a simple surgical task.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed2006

Robotic assistance for video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy: technique and initial results.

OBJECTIVES: There is little experience with telerobotic assistance for video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy. We developed a technique for robotic assistance during video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy and report our initial results. METHODS: Video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy with the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, Calif) was attempted in 34 patients (median age, 69.0 years; age range, 12-85 years). Robotic instruments were used for individual dissection of the hilar structures through 2 thoracoscopic ports and a 4-cm utility incision without rib spreading. Data on patient characteristics and perioperative results were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Robot-assisted video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy was accomplished in 30 patients (19 female and 11 male patients). Every type of lobectomy was performed. Four (4/34 [12%]) patients required conversion to thoracotomy. The majority of patients had non-small cell lung cancer (32/34 [94%]), and 1 patient each had a typical carcinoid tumor and an extranodal B-cell lymphoma. Every patient underwent an R0 resection. The median number of lymph node stations dissected with robotic assistance was 4 (range, 2-7). Operative mortality was 0%, with no in-hospital or perioperative deaths. Nine (26%) patients experienced National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 grade 2 or 3 complications. The median chest tube duration was 3.0 days (range, 2-12 days), and the median length of stay was 4.5 days (range, 2-14 days). The median operative time was 218 minutes (range, 155-350 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Robot assistance for video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy is feasible and safe. The utility and advantages of robotic assistance for video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy require further refinement and study of the technique.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Survey of residency training in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

PURPOSE: We determined the current status of residency training in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the United States and Canada. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,188 surveys were sent via the Internet to all 1,056 current urology residents and 132 program directors with an Internet address registered with the American Urological Association. RESULTS: Responses were received from 372 residents (35%) and 56 program directors (42%). Of respondents 47% reported greater than 100 laparoscopic procedures performed yearly by 1 (36%) or more (51%) faculty members. Robotic procedures were performed at 54% of the institutions, mainly consisting of prostatectomy and pyeloplasty. At all institutions laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed and those at 69% of the institutions believed that it is the gold standard for renal tumors today. Urologists were involved in 87% of adrenal surgeries and 54% of respondents believed that is the gold standard approach. However, only 35% of respondents had participated in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Of respondents 36%, 42% and 17% reported that laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed by only urologists, only a nonurology transplant team and shared equally, respectively. Of respondents 41% planned on performing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in the next year. Laparoscopic needle ablation renal surgery was done in 51% of the programs and percutaneous needle ablation was done in 63%. None of the respondents (0%) believed that it is the gold standard but 51% believed that ablative procedures look promising for renal tumors. Of respondents 39% had participated in robotic radical prostatectomy and 53% thought that it looked promising but was not the gold standard. Of respondents 31% believed that they will be performing robotic surgery after residency, 30% were unsure and 29% will not be using the robot. Overall 38% of residents thought that their laparoscopic experience was at least average or acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of laparoscopic urological procedures are being performed at training institutions with robotic procedures being performed at 54% of respondent facilities. Residents are participating in most cases but only 38% consider their laparoscopic experience to be satisfactory. A need still exists for increased laparoscopic training for residents, which can be accomplished by expanding training facilities and increasing the number of faculty members performing laparoscopic procedures.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Robot assisted pyeloplasty in the infant-lessons learned.

PURPOSE: Robot assisted pyeloplasty is emerging as an effective tool for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the pediatric population. However, access needed for the procedure is difficult in the small abdominal cavity of an infant. We present our experience with infant robot assisted pyeloplasty, along with some lessons learned that render this procedure possible in these small patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine children 3 to 8 months old (mean 5.6) underwent transperitoneal robot assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction using the da Vinci Surgical System. All patients underwent Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty without renal pelvis tapering. Outcome measures included operative time, length of hospital stay, and resolution of obstruction by ultrasonography and/or diuretic radionuclide imaging. RESULTS: All infants successfully underwent robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty without conversion to pure laparoscopy or open procedure. Mean operative time was 122.8 minutes, with a mean console time of 72.1 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 1.4 days. Of the 9 patients 7 (78%) had resolution of or improvement in hydronephrosis, while 2 had no evidence of obstruction based on followup diuretic renography. CONCLUSIONS: Robot assisted pyeloplasty is a safe and effective option in the surgical treatment of infant ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of robotics in minimally invasive pediatric surgery.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for treatment of vaginal vault prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: To describe and demonstrate the use and benefit of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in the treatment of posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The procedure combines the use of standard laparoscopy with the daVinci robotic system. The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position. One camera port, two robotic ports, and two standard laparoscopic ports are placed transperitoneally. Standard laparoscopic dissection, in combination with an intravaginal retractor, is used for initial anterior and posterior vaginal mobilization and exposure of the sacral promontory. The daVinci robot is then docked and used to suture a silicone Y-shaped graft from the vagina to the sacral promontory. Culdoplasty, with plication of the uterosacral ligaments, is then performed, with the final step, retroperitonealization of the graft. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 5 women have undergone this procedure, 3 with concomitant pubovaginal sling placement. All 5 women were discharged after 24 hours. No complications from the sacrocolpopexy were reported; however, 1 patient experienced transient vaginal bleeding related to the pubovaginal portion of the case. No recurrent anterior, posterior, or apical prolapse has occurred at mean of 4 months of follow-up. Using a robotic system for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy facilitated precise intracorporeal suture placement so that the procedure could be done in a fashion similar to that of the open method. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy may provide the same long-term durability of open sacrocolpopexy with the benefit of a minimally invasive approach.

Female↗

PubMed2005

Robotic radical prostatectomy with preservation of the prostatic fascia: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a feasibility study of our ability to preserve the prostatic fascia in men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. The prostate is covered anterolaterally by prostatic fascia, also called lateral pelvic fascia or the parietal layer of endopelvic fascia. The prostatic fascia is rich in vessels, nerves, and smooth muscle. We hypothesized that preservation of this fascial layer may result in improved postoperative potency. METHODS: The technique was first attempted in 15 men undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy, in which accidental entry to the prostatic tissue is not critical. Thereafter, it was performed in 6 impotent men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. The fascia was excised and stained for prostate-specific antigen and neural and muscle tissue. The technique was then performed in 35 potent men (Sexual Health Inventory for Men score greater than 21) undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. Postoperative potency was evaluated with a self-administered questionnaire (Sexual Health Inventory for Men). RESULTS: Under the magnification of the da Vinci robotic system, and also shown histologically, the prostatic fascia is a multifascial layer of fibrovascular tissue, covering the anterolateral aspect of the prostate. It stains positive for smooth muscle and nerves, but negative for prostate-specific antigen. The amount of neural tissue in the fascia is variable, but never exceeds that in the neurovascular bundle. At 12 months of follow-up, 34 (97%) of 35 men undergoing fascia-preserving robotic radical prostatectomy had erections strong enough for vaginal penetration, and 30 (86%) had normal erections (Sexual Health Inventory for Men greater than 21). CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the prostatic fascia is safe and feasible, without compromising the surgical margins, and allows enhanced preservation of neural tissue during robotic prostatectomy with an apparent improvement in potency.

Fascia↗

PubMed2006

Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistula: case series of five patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a technique of robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and present our experience with 5 such patients. METHODS: A total of 5 patients were diagnosed with posthysterectomy (n = 4) or postmyomectomy (n = 1) VVF. All patients were first treated conservatively with continuous drainage using a Foley catheter without any success. After 12 weeks, these patients underwent robotic repair of the VVF. The steps of the technique of robotic repair are (a) vaginoscopy, (b) cystoscopy, (c) bilateral ureteral catheterization, (d) placement of ports for robotic repair, (e) peritoneoscopy, (f) lysis of adhesions, (g) incision of the bladder and cystotomy in reverse tennis racquet fashion encircling the fistula, (h) excision and freshening of the fistulous margins after complete separation of the bladder from the vagina, (i) closure of the vaginal opening horizontally and bladder opening vertically with interrupted Vicryl sutures, and, finally, (j) interposition of the omentum between these suture lines. RESULTS: Fistula repair was successful in all cases, with a mean operative time (from cystoscopy to the end of the procedure) of 233 minutes (range 150 to 330) and estimated blood loss of less than 70 mL. The length of hospital stay was a mean of 5 days (range 4 to 7). The Foley catheter was removed on the 10th postoperative day after voiding cystourethrography. At 6 months of follow-up, these patients continued to void normally without any recurrence of VVF. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that robot-assisted VVF repair is feasible and results in lower morbidity, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery. The minimally invasive approach of robot-assisted VVF repair may be a more attractive option for patients with VVF.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Self-guided robotic camera control for laparoscopic surgery compared with human camera control.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon no longer has direct visual control of the operation area, and a camera assistant who maneuvers the laparoscope is essential. Problems of cooperation between the two naturally arise, and a robotic assistant that automatically controls the laparoscope can offer a highly desirable alternative to this situation. METHODS: A self-guided robotic camera control system (SGRCCS) based upon a color tracking method has been developed and its use evaluated in 20 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and compared with using human camera control. RESULTS: In 83% of the patients the procedures were successfully completed with the SGRCCS. Set-up time for the robot averaged 21 minutes; and the surgical time with and without the robot averaged 54 and 60 minutes, respectively. Using the robot instead of a human camera assistant significantly reduced both the frequency of the camera correction, 2.2 per hour compared with 15.3 per hour, and frequency of the lens cleaning, 1.0 per hour compared with 6.8 per hour. Subjective assessment by the surgeon revealed that the robot performed better than the human assistant in 71 % of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: In laparoscopic surgery, the SGRCCS offered optimal camera guidance and helped to maintain the surgeon's concentration during the operation.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗

PubMed2003

[Advantages of using robotic Da Vinci system for unilateral adrenalectomy: early results].

STUDY AIM: The goal of this study was to report the early results of unilateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy using robotic Da Vinci system, and to compare them to the results of the laparoscopic standard adrenalectomy. METHODS: Prospective study included all patients operated on for unilateral laparoscopic or robotic adrenalectomy from November 2000 to November 2002. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy using either standard laparoscopy (14 patients) or robotic Da Vinci system (14 patients). Mean duration of robotic adrenalectomy seemed to be longer than standard laparoscopy (111 vs. 83 min; P = 0.057). This tendency decreased while surgeons' experience was increasing. Mean duration of operating room activity was similar for both types of surgery. Peroperative events without conversion, conversion rate (7%), drainage, morbidity (21%), duration of hospitalisation were similar for both types of surgery. Duration of standard laparoscopic adrenalectomy was positively correlated to patients body mass index. This correlation was absent in patients operated on by robotic Da Vinci system. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study found no objective data demonstrating that robotic Da Vinci system was superior to standard laparoscopic approach for unilateral adrenalectomy. However, we think that it is necessary to continue further evaluation of this system to demonstrate its possible superiority.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed2002

Robotically assisted versus conventional freehand technique during beating heart anastomoses of left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery.

BACKGROUND: Although robotically assisted coronary arterial anastomoses are being performed clinically, the short-term and long-term quality and integrity of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) anastomosis remains unknown. The goal of this study was to perform a histologic and angiographic assessment of porcine beating heart LITA to LAD anastomoses using either robotic assistance or a conventional freehand technique. METHODS: Twelve pigs underwent beating heart LITA to LAD anastomoses using either the robotically assisted (n = 6) or conventional freehand techniques (n = 6). Quantitative histologic analysis was performed in all animals in order to determine the degree of vascular wall damage. Selective coronary arteriography was performed in all animals immediately after the procedure in order to evaluate anastomotic patency. The unpaired Student's t test was used for all comparisons between groups. RESULTS: There were no differences in vascular wall damage between the robotically assisted and freehand techniques. Postoperative angiography revealed no stenoses in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the robotically assisted technique for creation of a LITA to LAD anastomosis was not associated with increased histologic damage when compared with the freehand technique in a beating heart porcine model. Furthermore, there was no difference between the two techniques in postoperative patency rate. These results support further clinical investigation of robotically assisted coronary bypass surgery.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗