Heart Surgery for Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Heart Surgery for Mitral Valve Regurgitation
【Tungs' MetroHarbor Hospital】 Tungs’ Hospital introduced the Da Vinci robotic surgical system as early as 2012 and further upgraded it in 2021 with two fourth-generation Da Vinci robotic systems. That same year, Dr. Cheng Po-Chih, a renowned cardiac surgeon with over 30 years of experience and approximately 520 Da Vinci heart surgeries, was appointed Vice President of the hospital. Under his leadership, the cardiac surgery team has consistently innovated, performing groundbreaking procedures and helping over 100 patients regain their health through minimally invasive heart surgeries, improving the lives of countless families. In June, the hospital held an event to celebrate its milestone of surpassing 100 successful Da Vinci minimally invasive heart surgeries. Among the attendees was Ms. Sun, a 29-year-old patient who shared her recovery journey and expressed gratitude to Dr. Cheng, Dr. Kuo Chia-Cheng, and the medical team. Ms. Sun had experienced unexplained hemoptysis in June of the previous year, which led her to an emergency room visit at a nearby hospital. She was diagnosed with pulmonary edema caused by severe mitral valve regurgitation, necessitating urgent mitral valve replacement surgery. Mitral valve regurgitation, a heart valve disorder, occurs when the mitral valve fails to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward from the left ventricle to the left atrium. If untreated, it can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, or heart failure. Understandably, Ms. Sun was anxious about undergoing heart surgery and worried about the aesthetic impact of surgical scars due to her young age. Following recommendations from friends and family, she sought treatment from Dr. Cheng at Tungs’ Hospital. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Cheng recommended Da Vinci minimally invasive mitral valve replacement surgery to meet her medical needs and personal preferences. The surgery, performed on August 23, was successful. Ms. Sun recovered well, spending just one day in the intensive care unit before being transferred to a regular ward. She was discharged within seven days to continue her recovery at home. Ms. Sun expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Cheng, Dr. Kuo, and the medical team, sharing how her health improved significantly post-surgery. Before the procedure, her heart rate would spike to 170 bpm during exercise, but it now stabilizes at 130 bpm with no discomfort or fatigue. She also appreciated the minimal scarring, which preserved her aesthetic concerns, crediting the hospital’s advanced medical technology and expertise. Vice Superintendent Cheng Bo-Chih stated that traditional sternotomy-based heart surgeries, which have been performed for over 70 years, remain highly reliable and are still considered the most direct and effective surgical approach. However, the long scar on the chest from the procedure has been a psychological burden for many heart disease patients. Issues such as post-operative pain and slow recovery have discouraged older patients, those with limited mobility, or individuals with compromised organ function from pursuing treatment. Consequently, the pursuit of minimally invasive and fast-recovery heart surgeries has become not only a patient expectation but also the ultimate goal for surgeons. This is why the da Vinci robotic-assisted minimally invasive heart surgery has emerged as the preferred choice for both patients and doctors. The cardiac surgery team at Tungs’ Hospital has been continuously advancing in performing da Vinci robotic-assisted heart surgeries. First Advancement: They have combined the da Vinci system with a hybrid X-ray fluoroscopy system to simultaneously treat damaged heart valves and coronary artery blockages. This eliminates the psychological stress patients face from requiring a second surgery and accelerates post-operative recovery. Second Breakthrough: By integrating the da Vinci system with a myoma morcellator, the team successfully removed an 8 cm heart tumor through a 1 cm incision, ensuring precision and minimal invasiveness. Third Innovation: They combined the da Vinci robotic arms with sterile ultrasound technology to enable simultaneous diagnosis and treatment. This approach effectively addresses complex conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with mitral valve regurgitation, without the need to replace the mitral valve. This spares patients the lifelong requirement of taking anticoagulant medication. Dr. Cheng emphasized that while both traditional sternotomy-based surgeries and da Vinci minimally invasive surgeries can address cardiac conditions, structures like the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, left atrial tumors, atrial fibrillation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involve deep cardiac anatomy. Traditional surgeries require opening the sternum and using elongated instruments to access these areas. In contrast, the da Vinci robotic arms approach the heart from the right side and target the back of the heart directly at the affected area. This method eliminates the need for sternotomy and the tedious steps of hemostasis. By minimizing tissue damage and improving post-operative pain, some patients can even walk and perform rehabilitation exercises in the intensive care unit shortly after being taken off the ventilator. Currently, 54 hospitals in Taiwan have installed 72 Da Vinci robotic systems, making the country a global leader in adopting this advanced technology. Dr. Cheng urged patients not to fear heart disease or surgery, as consulting a skilled cardiac surgeon and following a tailored treatment plan can effectively resolve their condition. Dr. Tung Min-Che, the hospital’s president, affirmed that Tungs’ Hospital remains committed to patient-centered care, continuously introducing state-of-the-art technology to meet international standards. The Da Vinci robotic system is employed across various specialties, including cardiothoracic, urology, general surgery, ENT, gynecology, colorectal, pediatric, and thoracic surgery. With nearly 5,000 Da Vinci surgeries performed, Tungs’ Hospital plans to expand its capabilities further, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care. If you have further questions: Read the article 【What You Need to Know About Mitral Valve Regurgitation】 Contact 【Tungs’ Hospital International Medical Center】 Visit 【IMedS Facebook Page】 for more information.