HOW THE CHEST IS OPENED DURING CARDIAC SURGERY?
By Maitri
- The heart surgeon will make a 2-inch to 5-inch-long surgical cut in the chest wall. Muscles in the area will be divided so the surgeon can reach the heart. The surgeon can repair or replace a valve or perform bypass surgery.
- During endoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes one to four small holes in the chest. Then he uses special instruments and a camera to perform the surgery.
- During robot-assisted valve surgery, the surgeon makes two to four tiny cuts (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch) in the chest. The surgeon uses a special computer to control robotic arms during the surgery. The surgeon sees a three-dimensional view of the surgery on the computer. This method is very precise.
Author: Dr Bhasker Semitha
Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon
www.babyheart.in
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