Revolutionizing Heart Surgery with Robotic Technology at AdventHealth Waterman

Dr. Allen: With small incisions and high-definition, magnified 3D imaging, the da Vinci system gives us better visibility inside the body for more precise movements. Avoiding incisions in the breast bone has advantages such as:

• Ability to walk on the day of your surgery
• Decreased need for blood transfusions
• Fewer complications
• Less pain
• Rare need for a breathing machine after surgery
• Reduced recovery time with average discharge home within 2 to 3 days

Dr. Allen: Robotic heart surgery utilizes the latest da Vinci Xi robot platform, which permits small incisions, high-definition visualization and fast-track recovery. The da Vinci robotic system enables us to perform intricate heart surgeries with greater precision, leading to better patient outcomes than traditional open-heart surgery, which uses bigger incisions and includes a longer, riskier recovery process.

Dr. Allen: Some of the prime candidates for robotic heart surgery are patients with coronary artery disease who are interested in rapid recovery, as well as patients with atrial fibrillation who do not want to take blood thinning medication.

Patients who were not previously candidates for traditional surgery, may be candidates for robotic surgery despite co-morbidities or other previous concerns on a case-by-case basis.

Our practice can see you within a day or two to determine if you’re a candidate for robotic surgery with direct access or physician referral options.

Dr. Allen: At AdventHealth Waterman, we approach each patient as a potential robotic heart surgery candidate. Our heart team evaluates each patient to provide a science-driven individual surgery plan based on the patient’s unique needs.

Our team trained hundreds of hours to achieve the highest level of proficiency with this technology before unveiling new procedural offerings. From simulations in computer labs and the operating room, we ensured the entire team was fully prepared to provide the highest level of care.

Dr. Allen: Since the program's inception in 2011, more than 2,500 heart surgeries have been performed. AdventHealth Waterman's practice culture is based on quality outcomes, multidisciplinary care and process improvement. Our tight-knit, experienced team supports an exceptional environment for new technology and contemporary care that is typically only found in academic medical centers.

Above all, patients and their families no longer need to leave the area for lifesaving robotic cardiac surgeries. We aim to ensure that everyone has access to top-quality cardiovascular surgical care right here, close to home.