Robotic mitral valve surgery.

Abstract

Currently, cardiac surgery is an evolving field. Not only has there been a technological explosion, but there also is a strong interest in minimally invasive operations. Mitral valve surgery can now be performed with the use of sophisticated robotic systems through small incisions. The patient of today and the future will demand minimally invasive operations. Initial clinical experience with robotic systems will allow for further developments that, ultimately, may result in completely endoscopic heart surgery. In this rapidly evolving field, we review the recent history and clinical results of robotically assisted mitral valve surgery at our institution.