View a video about robotically assisted heart surgery with Tomislav Mihaljevic, MD, Department of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery.
What is robotically assisted heart surgery?
Robotically assisted heart surgery, also called closed-chest heart surgery, is a type of minimally invasive heart surgery performed by a cardiac surgeon. The cardiac surgeons use a specially designed computer console to control surgical instruments on thin robotic arms.
Robotically assisted technology has changed the way certain heart operations are being performed. This technology allows cardiac surgeons to perform certain types of complex heart surgeries with smaller incisions and precise motion control, offering patients excellent outcomes.
The Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic offers robotically assisted heart surgery to treat a variety of cardiac conditions.
What are the benefits of robotically assisted heart surgery?
Compared with traditional surgery, the benefits of robotically-assisted surgery may include:
- Small incisions with minimal scarring
- Short hospital stay (3 to 5 days)
- Low risk of bleeding or blood transfusion
- Low risk of infection
- Short recovery and quick return to daily and professional activities: The patient can resume normal activities and work as soon as he or she feels up to it; there are no specific activity restrictions after robotically-assisted surgery.
Who is a candidate for robotically assisted heart surgery?
To be considered for robotically assisted surgery, you will need diagnostic tests, including a chest X-ray and, in most cases, a cardiac catheterization. You also may need to have an echocardiogram and/or a computed tomography (CT) scan so the surgeon can learn more about your medical condition and determine if this is the best treatment option for you.
The type of treatment recommended for you depends on several factors, including the type and severity of heart disease, age, medical history and lifestyle.
What surgeries can be performed using the robotic technique?
At Cleveland Clinic, selected patients can have robotically assisted surgery for:
Cleveland Clinic surgeons who perform robotically assisted heart surgery
Robotically assisted surgery is performed by specially-trained cardiovascular surgeons. Cleveland Clinic heart surgeons who perform robotic assisted surgery include:
Some of these surgeons perform only specific types of robotically assisted heart surgery. We would be happy to help you find the right surgeon to treat your medical condition.
If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for robot assisted heart surgery or learn more about minimally invasive heart surgery, contact us or call the Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute Resource & Information Nurse at 216.445.9288 or toll-free at 866.289.6911.
We would be happy to help you.
For more information
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Reviewed: 07/11
This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace
the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider.
Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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