Sandra Esquivel

First Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass Procedure

Performed at Methodist Hospital | Texsan by Dr. Renata Ford

Sandra Esquivel had been experiencing major chest pain and back pain that would occur sporadically while either driving home or simply just sitting down watching TV. As an optician, some of Juanita's tasks included cleaning, moving supplies, billing, and other related responsibilities, which at times could be challenging and stressful. After many visits with her cardiologist, Juanita was scheduled for a stent that unfortunately got canceled due to complications.

Sandra became the first patient at Methodist Hospital | Texsan to undergo robotic coronary artery bypass grafting or open-heart surgery.

Dr. Renata Ford, Robotic Minimally Invasive and Thoracic Surgeon, paid a visit to Sandra immediately after her failed stent surgery and advised her of the robotic-assisted procedure. “Dr. Ford took the time to talk to me, she was caring, and knowledgeable,” said Sandra. “I was very emotional and overwhelmed, but my family was also very supportive.”

Robotic-assisted open heart surgery is a minimally invasive approach that allows the attending surgeon to control a robotic arm equipped with different types of surgical instruments. The robotic arm mimics the surgeon's hands with delicate movements that reduce bleeding, scarring, incision sizes, and pain. “It's much more precise,” says Dr. Ford. The surgeon can access the heart without having to make a large incision or cut through the breastbone.

With robotic surgery, instruments slip through small incisions in the ribs. This reduces the risk of post-surgical complications like infections and blood loss and patients require a much shorter hospital stay. They usually return to normal activities faster and experience less pain during recovery.

“I did my research and I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I was prepared,” said Sandra. Dr. Ford performed the procedure on February 15 and Sandra completed her therapy by March 20.

“Dr. Ford is very professional and her entire team is wonderful,” said Sandra. “The care that I received was nothing short of excellent.”

“Now that I am healing, I look back and think about how I went through a lot,” she said. “I am very happy now and so grateful to have my life back. Overall, I prayed on it. My heart and mind were set on Dr. Ford. Just know that with her, you will be in excellent hands.”

For more information on robotic-assisted surgery at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, visit Methodist Hospital Texsan's robotic surgery page.