What is Robotic Cardiac Surgery?

Robotic cardiac surgery is a minimally invasive approach to heart surgery that uses robotic technology to assist surgeons with cardiac procedures. Less risky than traditional open heart surgery, instead of surgically opening the chest, only tiny incisions are made for the procedure.

The surgeon uses a high-definition camera to guide small robotic surgical arms and tools to perform the cardiac procedure through the small incisions. The robotic arms translate the surgeon's hand movements into precise actions within hard-to-reach areas in the patient's body — with maximum range and precision.

All robotic cardiac surgeries are performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, which gives the surgeon enhanced, magnified views of the surgical area. It also allows them to successfully perform delicate, yet complex procedures that may be extremely difficult with other methods.

What are the Benefits of Robotic Cardiac Surgery?

Less invasive than traditional cardiac surgical techniques, the robotic approach offers a quicker, easier recovery for patients because there is less blood loss, less scarring, less pain, and a lower risk of infection.

One of the main advantages of cardiac robotic surgery is that it minimizes the risks related to complex heart procedures. With robotic surgery, the surgeon makes tiny incisions between the ribs. Additional benefits include:

  • Smaller incisions and less trauma to surrounding tissues
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stays and recovery time
  • Less post-operative pain
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Minimal scarring
  • Quicker return to normal activities

Types of Robotic Cardiac Surgery

Our team of highly skilled surgeons at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center utilize minimally invasive, robotic surgery methods for the following cardiac procedures: 

This minimally invasive approach restores blood flow to a patient’s heart and previously clogged arteries without cutting through the chest bone or placing the patient on a heart–lung machine.

Minimally invasive robotic technology is used to place ablation catheters to target and eliminate the abnormal tissue that causes atrial fibrillation.

A robotic approach to tumor removal provides an extremely precise technique that targets and removes the existing tumor cells without the need for open heart surgery.

Am I a Candidate For Robotic Cardiac Surgery?

To determine whether robotic cardiac surgery is an option for you, your doctor will consider which type of procedure can best address your cardiac issue while offering the least risk of complications. The following diagnostic tests may be performed to determine if you’re a candidate for robotic surgery:

  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiogram
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan

In addition to considering the severity of your heart condition, your doctor will review your medical history and the results of these diagnostic tests to determine if you’re a candidate for robotic cardiac surgery.

Meet the Team

Albert Christopher DiMeo, MD

Albert, DiMeo, MD

Chair, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center