Carolinas Medical Center provides many of the newest advancements in minimally invasive surgery - including procedures deploying a new robotic tool, a part of the da Vinci surgical system -- that significantly reduces incision sizes for heart, prostate and a number of abdominal surgeries.

Most medical experts agree that smaller incisions mean shorter, less painful post-operative recoveries. "The robot will extend the less invasive options available to patients for cardiac surgery," says cardiac surgeon Eric Skipper. "The robot complements the ongoing minimally invasive cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery program at Carolinas Heart Institute."

The da Vinci surgical system is a large console, controlled by the surgeon, with three interactive robotic arms, specialized surgical instrumentation, and a high-performance video system. The video system provides surgeons with a highly magnified, three-dimensional view inside the body. The surgical instrumentation improves precision and manipulation in tight spaces.

The Food and Drug Administration first approved the robotic system for heart valve surgery, following clinical trials in 10 medical centers nationwide. Initial trials evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the robotic-assisted technique, compared to traditional open-chest procedures, in repairing defective mitral valves.

Da Vinci is well-suited for many other procedures - such as coronary bypass surgery, and throat, vascular, gynecological and intestinal surgeries. Proper training and experience are the keys to success with highly sophisticated devices like da Vinci, doctors say.

Several teams utilize this innovative technology including the cardiac, urologic and hepatopancreatobiliary surgical teams.  Carolinas Heart & Vascular Institute team is headed by Dr. Skipper. The urological team is headed by Dr. Chris Teigland of McKay Urology. Dr. John Martinie of CMC Surgery, a national expert in laparoscopic surgery, leads the hepatopancreatobiliary team." 

Dr. Skipper says the clinical benefits of minimally invasive surgery are well documented. Patient benefits include reduced length of stay; reduced blood loss and need for transfusion; less post-operative pain and discomfort; less risk of infection; faster recovery time; and faster return to work or normal function. "The addition of the da Vinci system broadens the minimally invasive options to patients in the region," he says.