Key result
Robotic thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation proves feasible in 7 cadavers without paravalvular leak.
Why the study?
Sutureless valves have recently enabled closed chest aortic valve replacement, but feasibility of robotic telemanipulation during thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation was not established.
Is robotic telemanipulation during thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation feasible in a cadaver model?
Is robotic telemanipulation during thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation feasible in a cadaver model?
Closed chest and robot-assisted sutureless aortic valve implantation is technically feasible in a cadaver model, suggesting potential for future surgical applications.
Feasibility in cadavers supports further development; leaves open safety, efficacy, and clinical translation in patients.
BACKGROUND: Sutureless valves have recently enabled closed chest aortic valve replacement. This paper evaluates the feasibility of a robotic telemanipulation during thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation in cadavers. METHODS: Cadavers were prepared with a five thoracosopic trocar setting, with a transthoracic clamp inserted in the first right intercostal space and the optics inserted in the second. Seven sutureless valve implantations were scheduled using 5 Sorin Perceval and 2 Medtronic 3f Enable valves. RESULTS: In all cases performance of pericardial suspension, aortotomy and root exposure required less than 20 min. Native valve excision and sutureless bioprosthesis implantation was technically feasible in all cases. A satisfactory prosthesis sealing was ascertained visually and the absence of paravalvular leakages was assessed with a nerve hook test around the prosthetic flange. CONCLUSIONS: Closed chest and robot assisted sutureless valve implantation is feasible in cadavers. Robotic technology can enhance reproducibility of the technique.
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Vola et al. (2015) studied Aortic valve replacement (n=7). Robotic telemanipulation during thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation was evaluated on Feasibility of native valve excision and sutureless bioprosthesis implantation. Robotic telemanipulation for thoracoscopic sutureless aortic valve implantation was technically feasible in all 7 cadaveric cases, with satisfactory prosthesis sealing and no paravalvular leakages.
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