Robotic Heart Surgery
Robotic Heart Surgery
What is robotic heart surgery?
Robotic heart surgery is a less invasive way to perform heart procedures using surgical tools attached to robotic arms. Procedures go through small incisions between the ribs instead of opening the chest through the breastbone. This helps doctors work more precisely and causes less stress on the body than traditional open-heart surgery.
What kinds of patients do we treat with robotic heart surgery?
We currently offer robotic heart surgery to patients with coronary artery disease (blockages) who need more blood flow to their heart.
Robotic assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting uses a chest wall artery to go around blockages and restore blood flow. Using a bypass graft on the left anterior descending artery (also known as the “widow maker”) results in better outcomes compared with stents and has faster recovery than open-heart surgery.
What procedures are performed using robotic heart surgery?
Currently, we perform minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using the robot.
Soon, we will be performing:
- Epicardial lead placement
- Ablation for atrial fibrillation (Convergent procedure)
- Ligation of the left atrial appendage
- Minimally invasive mitral valve repair/replacement and tricuspid valve repair/replacement
- Atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale closure
Our Approach
The University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center provides world class care for complex coronary artery disease in the region. Our surgical outcomes are excellent and, as of early 2025, has the highest safety rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgery (3 stars).
As a referral center for the state and region, we work with patients to streamline care, limit travel, and provide seamless coordination across hospitals. Our patient satisfaction scores are consistently above the 97th percentile, underscoring our commitment to exceptional patient care.
Choosing U-M Health will allow our experienced multidisciplinary team of cardiologists and surgeons to select the best procedure for you. For many patients this will be robotic minimally invasive surgery, but you can be assured that all treatment recommendations are evidence based and right for you.
Appointment Information
To make an appointment to learn more about robotic cardiac surgery, call 888-287-1082. For more information about what to expect when you call, visit our Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page.
What are the benefits of robotic cardiac surgery?
- Shorter time in the hospital
- Faster recovery time with no restrictions after two weeks
- Less risk of infection and minimal scarring due to smaller incisions
- Less blood loss and need for transfusions
- Lower risk of stroke
Doctors
Robert Bruce Hawkins, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor
Thoracic Surgery
Locations
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Cardiac Surgery Clinic | Frankel Cardiovascular Center 1425 E Ann St
Floor 3 Reception C
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5856Get Directions
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