The Condition: Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. MG frequently affects muscles that control eyelid movement, facial expression and swallowing. It most commonly occurs in women under 40, men over 60 and affects all ethnic groups.  In the US, only about 14 in every 100,000 people are diagnosed with MG. However, MG is thought to be underdiagnosed because muscle weakness is a common symptom of so many disorders.  While scientists do not fully understand the exact cause of MG, they do know that the thymus gland - which is located in the upper chest and plays an important role in the development of the immune system - contributes to the disease. With MG, antibodies block, alter or destroy the body’s neurotransmitter receptors. The result is that muscle contractions cannot occur. Thus, MG is an autoimmune disease because the body’s immune system - which is supposed to protect against foreign invaders - instead attacks itself.

The Surgical Treatment: Thymectomy
For those suffering from MG, there are several types of treatment options available, of which one is surgery. Typically, this involves the removal of the thymus gland, a procedure called thymectomy.  There are two widely used approaches for thymectomy – the transcervical and the transsternal approaches. The transcervical approach requires
an incision across the neck. The surgeon may also create a secondary incision below the xiphoid (the lowest point of the sternum). A transsternal approach may require up to a 10-inch incision through the sternum.

The Enabling Technology: da Vinci Surgical System
The da Vinci Surgical System is powered by advanced robotic technology. The System allows your surgeon’s hand movements to be scaled, filtered and translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site.

The da Vinci System enhances surgical capabilities by enabling the performance of complex surgeries through tiny surgical openings. The System cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own. The da Vinci System requires that every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from your surgeon. The da Vinci Surgical System has been successfully used in tens of thousands of minimally invasive procedures worldwide.