Patient selection in robotic mitral valve surgery

National databases reveal increased application of the surgical robot to facilitate mitral valve repair. Single-center and multiinstitutional studies confirm that excellent results are achievable with robotic mitral valve repair. However, not all patients with degenerative mitral valve disease are appropriate candidates for robotic mitral valve repair.

With increased experience, surgeons have successfully applied the surgical robot to perform mitral valve repair in conjunction with concomitant procedures. Concurrently, selection criteria have expanded, enabling more patients to enjoy the benefits of a less invasive approach. A small group of patient-related and anatomic factors are best managed via a standard sternal approach.

Approaching 15% of all mitral valve repairs for degenerative disease, robotic mitral valve repair has reached an inflection point in its growth. Well tolerated application of this technology requires understanding of both its advantages and its limitations.