Los Robles completes first robotically assisted open heart surgery in Ventura County
Los Robles Health System is proud to announce the successful completion of the first robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) heart surgery. Dr. Nels Carroll performed this minimally invasive, beating-heart procedure for his patient to address blockages in the arteries of his heart. This is the first surgery of its kind performed in Ventura County, opening a new chapter for cutting-edge medical therapy in our community. Los Robles' dedication to remaining at the forefront of healthcare reinforces our promise to provide exceptional healthcare for the Southern California community.
"It really is a privilege to be able to serve our community in the Conejo Valley where we live and to care for our neighbors," said Dr. Carroll, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Los Robles Health System. "We take pride in that and are always striving to improve our practice. This is a big step forward for all of us."
The procedure is available as a treatment of choice for those diagnosed with coronary artery disease, a condition that affects the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The first patient to undergo this procedure at Los Robles, Dr. Michael Glazer, is doing well and is recovering at home two days post-surgery. "Dr. Glazer is a well-informed and well-respected member of our community and I'm very appreciative of him entrusting us with his care," stated Dr. Carroll.
While highly effective, traditional CABG surgery requires dividing the sternum and arresting the heart. This can be demanding for the body. Utilizing robotic technology, Dr. Carroll was able to perform this surgery through very small incisions and without dividing or spreading any bones. The robotic platform allows for a wide range of motion and precision throughout the procedure while producing enhanced high-definition visuals of the area being operated on. A patient does not need to rely on a heart-lung bypass machine to pump blood throughout their body, but rather, their heart continues to function normally throughout the procedure. "As a surgeon, in all that we do we are focused on improving the patient's experience through less pain, quicker recovery and personal attention while making no compromises to achieve the absolute highest standard of care," said Dr. Carroll. "Tremendous credit also goes to Dr. Aamer Jamali, his cardiologist, who has been instrumental in championing the absolute best care for Dr. Glazer and for all his patients."