Robotic heart surgery
Heart surgeons at Sharp are leaders in cardiac surgery.
Surgeons at Sharp Memorial Hospital perform minimally invasive heart surgery using the da Vinci Robotic surgical system. Procedures include mitral valve repairs, minimally invasive bypass procedures for patients with coronary artery disease, closing atrial septal defects, and removing some tumors from the heart without having to open the sternum. The robotic approach to cardiac surgery delivers the same excellent results of traditional open-heart surgery while allowing patients to recover more quickly.
A leader in robotic heart surgery
Heart surgeons at Sharp have been leaders in cardiac surgery, performing the first heart transplant in San Diego. And in 2007, Sharp was the first hospital in San Diego to perform robotic heart surgery. Sharp-affiliated doctors are active in clinical trials for minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement techniques.
Sharp is recognized as a Network of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, the first system on the West Coast to receive this designation. For our patients, this accreditation signifies our ability to consistently deliver the safest, highest-quality surgical care.
Frequently asked questions about robotic heart surgery
Robotic technology is an extension of your surgeon, who is still in full control of everything that happens during the surgery. The robotic technology moves like the human wrist and allows for surgeons to perform the surgery using smaller instruments in a more precise and steady movement. With zooming capabilities, the incision is 1 to 2 centimeters, compared to traditional open surgery, where the surgeon must make an incision large enough to fit the surgical instruments and view the area.
A camera inside your body will send real-time images to your surgeon, who is controls the robot from a console in the operating room. These images are highly magnified with a sharper resolution, giving your surgeon a better view than what they would see standing over you.
Your surgery will result in smaller incisions. which will allow for:
A shorter hospital stay
Less risk of infection
Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions
Less pain
Minimal to no prescription pain medication
Less scarring
Faster recovery
A quicker return to daily routine
Our skilled surgeons have access to the latest technology, including the da Vinci® 5, Xi and X robotic systems. Each is optimized for certain types of general surgery procedures, including colon, gallbladder, gynecologic, abdominal and hernia repair.
Robotic-assisted and laparoscopic are both types of minimally invasive surgery.
In a laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon stands directly over you, manually controlling the surgical instruments and utilizing a laparoscope — a long narrow tool that has a camera and a light — to see inside your body.
In robotic-assisted surgery, your doctor will be seated at a console, controlling the surgical instruments directly with the robotic arms. The robotic system gives your surgeon greater control and a 360-degree range of motion, as well as providing a high-definition, 3D camera to see inside your body.
Unlike robots you may see in the movies, the robotic system does not have a mind of its own. Your surgeon will be in complete control of every movement in real time — nothing is automatic. In addition, every member of your Sharp care team has received specialized training in operating the robotic surgery system.
But as with any medical procedure, talk to your doctor about any potential risks.
There are two simple ways to find the right doctor for you:
Search online with our quick, easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool.
Call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) to speak with one of our specially trained physician referral specialists. They know our doctors and can help you find the perfect fit.
In some cases, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor.
Some medical groups offer direct access to certain types of specialists. And some health plans, such as PPOs, offer direct access to all specialists. Contact your health plan's member services department to confirm your coverage.
Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and most managed care and private insurance plans.
Be sure to check with your insurance company to verify specific coverage. Insurance companies frequently add new plans, and update provider networks and covered services under existing plans.
San Diego robotic heart surgery locations
We offer robotic-assisted surgery at the following hospital.
