Feasibility of Robotic Assisted Atrial Septal Defect Repair in a 6-Year-Old Patient.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility, safety and advantages of minimally invasive or robotic repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) in adult was reported previously. However, there is limited data forthe application of these systems in pediatric group of patients. Although current robotic systems still have large instruments for surgical repair in children, some appropriate patients may benefit from this technology.

METHOD: A 6-year-old child with ASD undergone robotic assistant repair via Da-Vinci Robotic Systems.Venous canulation was achieved by internal jugular and femoral veins (10F-14F) and arterial cannulation was performed via femoral artery under TEE guidance (10F). A 3 cm incision was made in the right 4th intercostal space and used for working and the camera port in the same time. The ports were placed considering not to damage the potential developing breast tissue. After the port implantation (8F) and cardiac arrest, the ASD repair completed with primary closure technique.

RESULT: The perioperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged from hospital 5 days after surgery.

CONCLUSION: ASD closure with robotic assistant was achieved in an enough sized pediatric patient. With the development of thinner and shorter robotic arms it will be possible to use robotic assitance more common during the repair of congenital heart diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.