Robotic Heart Surgery

Robotic Heart Surgery is a form of minimally invasive cardiac surgery that pairs the expertise of our surgeons with the enhanced precision, dexterity and high-definition visualization of a robotic system. This approach allows for intricate heart repairs through small ports, minimizing trauma while offering superior control and faster patient recovery.

The Human-Machine Partnership

Robotic surgery utilizes a robotic system to create a uniquely advantageous surgical environment. The procedure is performed through three to four dime-sized incisions placed between the ribs, which allows access to the heart without dividing the breastbone (sternotomy). This technique is especially useful for procedures that require fine suturing or access to confined spaces within the chest.

How Robot-Assisted Surgery Works:

  • The Surgeon’s Console: Your surgeon sits at an ergonomic console, viewing the operating field through a console that provides a magnified, high-definition 3D image. This superior visualization gives the surgeon exceptional depth perception.
  • Articulated Instruments: The robotic arms hold instruments that feature specialized, flexible joints (EndoWrists), which mimic and exceed the range of motion of a human hand. These instruments allow for micrometer-level precision in cutting, suturing and dissection.
  • Continuous Surgical Support: Although the surgeon operates from the console, robotic heart surgery is a true team effort. A highly trained surgical assistant – or sometimes a second surgeon – remains scrubbed at the patient’s side throughout the procedure to manage instruments, exchange tools and provide hands-on support, ensuring safety at every step.

Crucially, the surgeon is always in complete control of the robotic system. The robot is a tool that enhances the surgeon’s capabilities, not an autonomous machine.

Robotic Heart Surgery

Procedures Performed with Robot Assistance

Our dedicated team utilizes robotic technology for various heart procedures, including:

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Used to bypass blocked arteries, robotic assistance is often applied to prepare the internal mammary artery (LIMA) and perform the bypass, which is associated with better outcomes than stents in certain patients.

  • Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): The surgeon uses the robot to perform a precise ablation on the outside surface of the heart to correct the erratic electrical signals causing arrhythmia. At the same time, the procedure can include left atrial appendage ligation, which may allow most patients to be free from long-term anticoagulation.

Why Choose Robot-Assisted Heart Surgery?

By avoiding the trauma of a full sternotomy, robotic surgery delivers proven clinical benefits that significantly accelerate the recovery process, allowing patients to regain their independence quickly.

BenefitDifference
Incision SizeMultiple keyhole-sized incisions (around 2 cm each) vs. a single, large incision down the center of the chest for open-heart surgery.
Hospital StayAverage of 3–4 days in vs. 5–7 days for sternotomy-based patients.
Pain LevelSignificantly reduced pain, often managed with over-the-counter pain relievers at home.
Return to ActivityMost patients resume normal, non-strenuous activity within 2–4 weeks, compared to 2-3 months of sternal healing restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are minimally invasive, avoiding a sternotomy and rib spreading. The core difference is the instrumentation: Robotic surgery uses computer-aided instruments with flexible “wrists” and a high-definition view, while TECS is performed by the surgeon using endoscopic instruments under 3D 4K video guidance.

Only surgeons who have undergone extensive dedicated training and credentialing on the robotic platform can perform these procedures. St. Elizabeth has a team of highly experienced cardiac surgeons who have achieved proficiency in this advanced technique.

Absolutely. The robot is a tool; it does not move on its own. Your cardiac surgeon sits at the console and is in complete, direct control of every movement made by the robotic instruments throughout the entire procedure.

Eligibility depends on your heart condition, anatomy, overall health, and any prior chest surgeries. Your surgeon will review imaging (such as an echocardiogram and CT scan) and talk through whether robot-assisted, Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery (TECS), a hybrid approach, or a traditional technique is the safest and most effective for you.

Most patients start walking the day of or the day after surgery, go home after a short hospital stay (about 3–4 days) and gradually increase activity at home. Many return to routine daily activities within 2–4 weeks, depending on the procedure and personal recovery. Your care team will give you specific instructions about wound care, activity limits, driving, pain control and follow-up.

In most cases, insurance plans cover medically necessary heart surgery regardless of whether it’s performed through a traditional or minimally invasive approach. Coverage details (e.g., prior authorization, copays, deductibles) vary by plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and obtain any required approvals so you know what to expect before surgery.

Find Out If Robotic Surgery Is Right for You

Choosing heart surgery is a major decision. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and reassured about the path forward. If you or a loved one are exploring minimally invasive robotic heart surgery, we invite you to connect with an expert who performs these procedures every day.

Call (859) 301-9010 to schedule a consultation.