Robotic cardiac valve surgery: transcending the technologic crevasse!

With the profound public stress for minimally invasive surgery that guided General Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery has progressed with warranted enthu siasm. The explosion of technological advancements in optics, instrumentati on and cardiopulmonary bypass has permitted minimally invasive cardiac proc edures to be performed with safety, efficiency, and efficacy. In this chapter, we review the evolution of minimally invasive cardiac valv e surgery. The articles of leading minimally invasive valve surgeons, both European and American, are reviewed. The indications for minimally invasive surgery are explained. Furthermore, the present day state of "robotic" mit ral valve surgery is described. Curr Opin Cardiol 2001, 16:146-151 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.