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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Robotic surgical instruments for dexterity enhancement in thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass graft
A Garcia-Ruiz1, N G Smedira, F D Loop
1The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Objectives:
Endoscopically sutured vascular anastomoses are complex, time consuming, and require great dexterity. We decided to evaluate performance enhancement using a robotic device to create sutured coronary artery bypass anastomoses with endoscopic techniques in a plastic model.
Methods:
Seven coronary artery bypass anastomoses were endoscopically created in a plastic model using a robotic enhancement technology (Computer Motion, Goleta, CA). Anastomoses were created with a single running suture (7-0 monofilament). Our endpoints were operative time, intraoperative incidents, stability and dexterity of the robotic system, surgeon's fatigue, and anastomotic patency.
Results:
Operative time was 46+/-12 min (mean+/-SD). There were no intraoperative incidents. Patency was confirmed in all anastomoses. The system's stability and dexterity were high. Surgeon's fatigue was mild.
Conclusion:
The use of robotic enhancement technology leads to an efficient performance of sutured coronary artery bypass anastomoses in a plastic model. The robotic device enhances dexterity, precision, and reduces surgeon's fatigue while preserving the quality of hand suturing.
