Routine endoscopic robotic cardiac tumor resection using an 8-mm working port and percutaneous cannulation

Prior studies have demonstrated robotic excision of cardiac tumors as a safe and effective treatment option. The procedure is performed with five incisions: three robotic arm ports, one atrial retractor port, and one working port. We report our unique initial experience in robotic tumor removal. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports demonstrating cardiac myxoma and fibroelastoma removal with use of exclusively 8-mm ports.

All data for robotic cardiac tumor resection at our institution from June 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected; 18 cases were included, including 13 cardiac myxomas and five fibroelastomas. Baseline demographics, intraoperative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated; continuous variables were reported as median [interquartile range], and categorical variables were reported as percentages.

Median patient age was 64 [55, 70] years old. The cohort consisted of primarily female (67%) and white (83%) patients. Median body mass index was 26.3 [23.0, 31.5] kg/m² . 11% of patients were current tobacco users and 50% had hypertension. All patients underwent myxoma or fibroelastoma removal with the use of five 8-mm robotic ports. Each patient underwent percutaneous cannulation via the femoral arteries. Aortic occlusion was achieved via an endoaortic balloon (67%) or transthoracic cross-clamp (33%). Cross-clamp time was 30 [26, 41] minutes. Concomitant procedures performed during myxoma removal included patent foramen ovale closure (28%), mitral valve repair (8%), left atrial appendage closure (8%), Cox-maze procedure (6%), and coronary artery bypass grafting (6%). All cardiac tumors were packaged with use of the endo-bag and subsequently removed through the working port. Maximal myxoma and fibroelastoma diameters were 2.5 [1.7, 3.5] and 0.6 [0.4, 0.7] cm, respectively. Procedural cardiopulmonary bypass time was 77 [65, 84] minutes. No intraoperative mortality, reoperation for bleeding, or postoperative cardiac issues were recorded. One in-hospital mortality occurred as the result of a thrombotic event in the context of a hypercoagulable state unrelated to the patient's operation. No other mortalities were observed at 30 days. Hospital length of stay was 4.5 [3.0, 7.8] days.

In our study, the robotic platform facilitated safe and effective cardiac tumor excision. Our results highlight the efficacy of 8-mm port sizing and the concurrent use of other minimally invasive techniques, including percutaneous cannulation, in this patient population. In general, patients prefer the least invasive treatment option available. Our findings emphasize the importance of training cardiac surgeons to perform robotic procedures using the least invasive means possible to provide patients with various options for their treatment.