In patients with mitral valve dysfunction, how does mitral valve repair using Da Vinci surgery compare to open surgery in terms of safety? | Polygence

In patients with mitral valve dysfunction, how does mitral valve repair using Da Vinci surgery compare to open surgery in terms of safety?

Project by Polygence alum Yueyun

In patients with mitral valve dysfunction, how does mitral valve repair using Da Vinci surgery compare to open surgery in terms of safety?

Project's result

Comparing the unique benefits and challenges of robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery with traditional open mitral valve surgery, robotic surgery offers advantages such as lower complication rates, reduced infection risks, shorter operative times, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Patients undergoing robotic surgery also experience better long-term survival rates compared to those undergoing open surgery. Despite challenges regarding the learning curve in using the robot and high upfront costs, robotic mitral valve repair appears to be a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional surgery in select patients with mitral valve disease.

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Summary

P: patients with mitral valve dysfunction I: Da Vinci surgery C: open surgery O: fewer infections and fewer complications

Mitral valve dysfunction is a common cardiac disease that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood, often requiring surgical intervention to repair the valve. The two most common surgical methods for mitral valve repair are traditional open surgery and robotic surgery, specifically the Da Vinci surgery. Open surgery is a more traditional method in which the surgeon opens the chest to allow direct surgery. In contrast, the Da Vinci system allows surgeons to operate through small incisions, using robotic arms for better accuracy and visualization.

Da Vinci surgery and open surgery both have advantages and risks. But we’ll only discuss infections and complications. Therefore, to determine whether the da Vinci procedure or open surgery is better, we need to assess the outcomes of da Vinci-assisted mitral valve repair versus traditional open surgery in patients with mitral valve dysfunction.

To help us compare them visually, we can find data; such as: success rate, infection rate, and complication rate..., and then do data analysis to find out which one is better.

Ethan

Ethan

Polygence mentor

MD/MPH Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health candidate

Subjects

Medicine, Neuroscience, Biology

Expertise

public health, global health, medicine, surgery, cardiovascular disease, orthopedics, neuroscience

Yueyun

Yueyun

Student

Graduation Year

2026

Project review

“When the first time I heard my mentor say this essay must be 10 pages long, I was worried that I couldn't do it. But now, I finished it! I am proud of myself and I am really grateful for my mentor!”

About my mentor

“Ethan is very knowledgeable, and the best mentor :)”