Robotics in vascular surgery

The procedure for surgical correction of aortic disease has gone relatively unchanged over the last 50 years, requiring a xiphoid pubic incision as well as shifting of the abdominal viscera. These maneuvers produce significant pathophysiologic changes that consequently affect intraoperative and postoperative care and recovery. In approaching minimally invasive aortic surgery, advances in computer-enhanced technology have the potential to revolutionize aortic surgery and improve patient safety. A MEDLINE search specific to robotic aortic vascular procedures was performed and produced 7 articles (3 animal model and 4 clinical application). Robotically assisted technology became available for use in 2000. Since that time, computer-enhanced technology for aortic anastomoses has been applied successfully in the animal model. Early application in the clinical setting for aortoiliac disease also has been successfully initiated. Robotic technology provides the vascular surgeon with the ability to perform the delicate tissue handling necessary for aortic procedures. Based on their knowledge of current procedures, surgeons must redesign their surgical strategies to adapt to this computer-enhanced methodology.