Review of Surgical Outcomes associated with Robotic Assisted Mitral Valve Repair (RMVR)

Abstract

Purpose: There remains concern regarding the efficacy and safety of robotic mitral valve repair (RMVR) for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease. The purpose of this review is to examine how robotic assisted mitral valve repair affects surgical outcomes for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by examining literature from the US National Library of Medicine database. Literature which examined the surgical outcomes of robotic mitral valve repair (RMVR) and its comparison with conventional mitral valve repair (CMVR) was analyzed and compared. Results: The literature shows consistent surgical outcomes for mortality, morbidity, and mitral valve durability for patients who underwent RMVR. However, cardiopulmonary bypass (CB) and cross clamp (XC) times are significantly longer, hospital stay times are significantly shorter, and the quality of life for patients is significantly higher. Conclusions: RMVR is a safe and effective operation which provides consistent and even superior surgical outcomes for patients with degenerative mitral valve disease. While current research shows acceptable surgical outcomes in a 5 year period, further research into long term valvular durability (>10 years) for patients who underwent RMVR is recommended.