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Published on: March 26, 2018
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Novel Automated Suturing Technology for Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacements
Joshua K Wong1, Amber L Melvin1, Juan A Siordia1
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 28, 2017
Summary
Novel automated suturing technology simplifies minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MI-AVR). This innovation shows feasibility in early clinical experience, potentially reducing surgical challenges for this complex procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Annular suture placement in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MI-AVR) presents significant technical challenges.
- Improving the efficiency and safety of MI-AVR is a key goal in cardiac surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the early clinical experience of a novel automated suturing technology for MI-AVR.
- To assess the feasibility and potential benefits of automated suturing in reducing technical difficulty during MI-AVR.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized an automated articulating suturing device for simultaneous dual-curved needle insertion and remote pledgeted horizontal mattress suture placement.
- A secondary device with straight needles was employed to secure sutures through the prosthetic heart valve sewing cuff.
Main Results:
- Automated annular suturing was successfully implemented in five MI-AVR procedures.
- No paravalvular leaks were detected post-procedure, with a mean aortic valve gradient of 6.4 mm Hg.
- Mean aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 100 and 134 minutes, respectively. All patients were discharged successfully.
Conclusions:
- Automated suturing is a feasible approach for MI-AVR, potentially mitigating surgical complexities.
- Further investigation is warranted to ascertain the long-term impact of this technology on patient outcomes.
