Groundbreaking heart surgery performed using robotic arm
A remote controlled robotic arm has been used for the first time whilst performing heart surgery at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.
The technique allows surgeons to operate remotely and, according to consultant cardiologist, Dr Andre Ng (pictured), who carried out the procedure, the new robotic procedure is an important step forward.
"Because X-rays are used to allow the doctor to monitor what is going on inside the patient, it means that doctors standing close to the patient wear radiation shields such as lead aprons which are burdensome," said Ng. "Protracted procedures can lead to clinician fatigue and high cumulative radiation exposure. The benefit of the robotics system to the patient is that movement of the catheter could be done with great precision."
