Robotic mitral valve surgery.

Traditionally mitral valve surgery has been performed via median sternotomy. However, a renaissance in cardiac surgery is occurring. Cardiac operations are being performed through smaller and alternative incisions with enhanced technological assistance. Specifically, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery has become standard for many surgeons. At our institution, we have developed a robotic mitral surgery program with the da Vinci(TM) telemanipulation system. This system allows the surgeon to perform complex mitral valve operations through small port sites rather than a traditional median sternotomy. Our techniques and initial results are reported as is a brief overview of the evolution of robotic cardiac surgery.