Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting: how I teach it

The first robotic cardiac operation was performed more than two decades ago. This paper describes the distinct steps and components necessary for teaching robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (R-MIDCAB). It also provides a general overview of the surgical robotic setup and ways to troubleshoot potential complications. The focus of robotic training is not only on the surgeon but includes an entire dedicated cardiac team and administrative institutional support. This team approach ensures that R-MIDCAB can be performed safely and reproducibly. Meticulous planning, incremental learning, and teamwork are the main factors leading to program success and optimal patient outcomes. Robotic-assisted internal mammary artery (IMA) harvesting and coronary revascularization via a small, anterior mini-thoracotomy has provided an alternative to sternotomy in selected patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Benefits include less postoperative atrial fibrillation, fewer blood transfusion, less time in the operating room (OR), less ventilatory support, fewer strokes, decreased intensive care unit stay and shortened postoperative length of stay all of which manifests as a decrease in institutional resource utilization. Recent data show that R-MIDCAB and hybrid coronary revascularization provides good long-term outcomes. In addition to patient satisfaction, there is an additional overall cost benefit to R-MIDCAB over traditional sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), secondary to decreased hospital length of stay. Robotically harvesting the IMA, operating on a beating heart, and performing anastomoses through a small incision all require advanced training and incremental learning. Increased experience generally leads to shortened surgical times and fewer complications.