Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor 
Informed patients make better patients.

Question:

Can robotic surgery be used to correct double valve disease and a fib?

I am a 72-year-old male with a few developing symptoms of heart valve degeneration. I am otherwise healthy and in good shape. I have been advised that I need mitral valve repair (or replacement), aortic valve repair (or replacement), a Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation and blockage of my left atrial appendage. Can robotic or other minimally invasive surgery be used to correct these conditions?

submitted by Samuel from Meadow Vista, California on 3/20/2015

Answer:

Although some surgeons promote the robot in treatment of cardiac disease, our surgeons believe results are unproven. If there are clear indications for surgery, we recommend conventional techniques.

by Texas Heart Institute cardiovascular surgeon, Denton A. Cooley, MD 

See also on this site:

• Diseases of the Aortic Valve
• Mitral Valve Prolapse
  
• Valve Repair or Replacement
• Heart Information Center

Has your question or a similar one already been answered?
Search all the Heart Doctor questions and answers.

To search for a doctor or access St. Luke's physician referral service, use the "Find a Doctor" link at the top of this page.

---

Updated March 2015