Robotic‐assisted beating heart mitral valve surgery: Preliminary report

Robotic mitral valve surgery is a challenging issue, particularly in patients who are not suitable for aortic cross-clamping. In this study, we aimed to determine the feasibility and benefits of robotic, beating heart mitral valve surgery.From February 2019 to February 2022, 17 patients underwent robotic beating heart mitral valve surgery. Fourteen of the patients had previous cardiac surgery. The mean age was 58.1 ± 10.3. Dense periaortic adhesions, heavily calcified aorta, and low ejection fraction were retained as indications for beating heart surgery.Mitral valve replacement was performed in 14 patients. Mitral ring annuloplasty was performed in two patients with low ejection fraction (EF). A severe paravalvular leak was repaired in one patient. Additional tricuspid annuloplasties were performed in three patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass time were 185.6 ± 55 min. There were no cases of conversion to sternotomy or thoracotomy. No cerebrovascular event occurred in the follow-up. One patient died as a result of secondary hepatorenal syndrome and multiorgan failure.Robotic beating heart mitral valve surgery is a feasible and effective technique with favorable early and mid-term results, especially in patients who are not suitable for aortic cross-clamping, secondary to periaortic adhesions, severe aortic calcifications, and low ejection fraction.