No Sternotomy
Avoids opening the breastbone for select procedures, reducing restrictions and discomfort.Shared Content Block:
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Robotic Cardiac Surgery
Advanced, minimally invasive heart care—smaller incisions, faster recovery, less pain.
Our cardiothoracic surgeons use the latest robotic platforms to perform complex heart procedures through small incisions, helping you heal faster and get back to life sooner.
Smaller Incisions
Less tissue trauma, less scarring, and typically less pain.Faster Recovery
Patients often leave the hospital sooner than with traditional open heart surgery.Enhanced Precision
3D high-definition visualization and fine instrument control for delicate cardiac repairs.What Is Robotic Cardiac Surgery?
Robotic cardiac surgery is a type of minimally invasive heart surgery performed through a few small openings between the ribs. A high-definition 3D camera gives the surgeon a magnified view inside the chest, and slender, wristed instruments translate the surgeon’s hand movements into precise actions—the surgeon is in full control the entire time. This approach avoids the large breastbone incision (sternotomy) used in traditional open-chest surgery and is designed to reduce pain, limit blood loss, and speed recovery for appropriately selected patients.
Avoiding a sternotomy with a minimally invasive robotic approach can be a game-changer for the right patient.
How It Works:
- Small ports between the ribs allow the camera and instruments to enter the chest; no rib spreading is required.
- The surgeon operates from a console with a magnified, high-definition 3D view for fine, controlled movements.
- The entire procedure is performed by the surgeon; the technology does not act independently.
Why Surgeons Use This Approach:
- Smaller incisions instead of cutting the breastbone.
- Potential for less pain, less scarring, and lower infection risk.
- Often less blood loss and fewer transfusions needed.
- For many patients, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to daily activities.
Important: Not everyone is a candidate; results vary by condition and overall health. Your surgeon will explain all options and their risks and benefits.
Procedures We Offer
Robotic Mitral Valve Repair & Replacement
Repairs or replaces a leaking/diseased mitral valve through small chest incisions—no breastbone opening. When feasible, repair is often preferred and may support faster recovery, less pain/scarring, lower infection risk, and less blood loss than traditional open surgery.
Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG)
For carefully selected one- or two-vessel disease, bypass can be performed through a small incision, sometimes without a heart lung machine (off-pump). Potential benefits include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss/fewer transfusions, and quicker recovery compared with traditional open-chest bypass.
Robotic Arrhythmia Surgery
For certain rhythm conditions (e.g., some atrial fibrillation procedures), a small incision approach offers enhanced visualization and instrument control. Candidacy depends on the type of arrhythmia and anatomy; your team will discuss whether a robotic approach is appropriate.
Robotic Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Repair or replace the tricuspid valve through small ports designed to avoid sternotomy, which may help lessen discomfort and support a smoother recovery compared with open surgery.
Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement
A minimally invasive technique to remove and replace a damaged aortic valve through small chest incisions. This approach is designed to provide the same surgical effectiveness as traditional open-chest valve replacement while reducing trauma to the body, minimizing blood loss, and supporting a faster, smoother recovery.
Is Robotic Cardiac Surgery Right for Me?
Good candidates may include people who:
- Have conditions addressable through small-incision approaches (e.g., isolated mitral valve disease or limited-vessel coronary disease).
- Wish to avoid a sternotomy and are appropriate anatomically and medically for minimally invasive techniques.
You may not be a candidate if:
- You have complex multi-vessel coronary disease or other factors requiring a traditional approach.
- Your surgeon identifies anatomy or medical issues that make a small-incision approach unsafe.
Your care team will review imaging, overall health, and goals to recommend the safest, most effective approach for you.
Benefits & Considerations
Potential Benefits (procedure-dependent):
- Smaller incisions / no sternotomy.
- Less pain and scarring; lower infection risk.
- Less blood loss and fewer transfusions for some procedures.
- Shorter hospital stay and faster return to daily life in many cases.
Considerations & Risks (everyone should know):
- Not all patients or conditions are suited to a small-incision/robotic approach.
- All heart surgery carries risks (e.g., bleeding, infection, stroke, arrhythmia); your surgeon will review what applies to you.
What to Expect
Recovery timelines vary. Your exact plan will be tailored to your procedure and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Team
Joseph Cleveland, MD
David A. Fullerton Professor of Surgery; Division Chief, CT Surgery; Vice-Chair, Faculty Affairs
Focus areas: robotic mitral valve surgery, durable mechanical circulatory support, adult cardiac surgery, structural heart disease clinical trials, database registry research.
Jessica Rove, MD
Director of Robotic Cardiac Surgery; Associate Professor of Surgery; John T.M. Wright Chair of Heart Valve Surgery
Focus areas: robotic AVR, robotic mitral repair, robotic CABG, valve surgery, arrhythmia surgery, aortic surgery.
Nicholas Teman, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery; Surgical Co-Director, CTICU
Focus areas: robotic CABG and advanced minimally invasive heart procedures.
Meredith Stasi, PA-C
Senior Instructor
Focus areas: Advanced perioperative management, patient education, intraoperative assistance, robotic cardiac surgery support, and coordination of pre- and postoperative care.
Sarah Longyhore, PA-C
Senior Instructor
Focus areas: Advanced perioperative management, patient education, intraoperative assistance, robotic cardiac surgery support, and coordination of pre- and postoperative care.
Daniel Connolly, PA-C
Senior Instructor
Focus areas: Advanced perioperative management, patient education, intraoperative assistance, robotic cardiac surgery support, and coordination of pre- and postoperative care.
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand whether robotic heart surgery is right for you, and guide you through next steps—please use the options below to request an appointment or learn more about our cardiothoracic surgery providers.
Explore these related services to support you as you continue your care journey.
Robotic Heart Surgery in Action
Learn how robotic heart surgery is transforming care through real examples and clinical advances at the University of Colorado. These articles highlight how less invasive approaches can support faster recovery and better outcomes.
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Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement Reaches Major Milestone at the University of ColoradoOpens in a new window
Apr 2, 2026University of Colorado surgeons have performed the region’s first robotic aortic valve replacement, offering patients a less invasive option that avoids opening the breastbone. Using tiny incisions and advanced robotic technology, this approach can lead to faster recovery, fewer transfusions, and shorter hospital stays—while expanding treatment options for patients with complex heart valve disease.Opens in a new window Full story -
Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Surgery Reduces Time a Patient Spends in the HospitalOpens in a new window
Mar 26, 2026Robotic mitral valve repair offers patients a gentler, less invasive alternative to traditional open‑heart surgery. Using tiny incisions and advanced robotic technology, surgeons can repair a leaky mitral valve with greater precision—helping patients recover faster, experience less discomfort, and return home sooner. Patients typically spend only about four days in the hospital after robotic repair, compared with a week after conventional surgery, making it a meaningful step forward in heartcare recovery.Opens in a new window Full story -
Cardiothoracic Surgery Adds Heart Bypass to Its List of Robotic ProceduresOpens in a new window
Mar 26, 2026Robotic heart bypass surgery at the University of Colorado offers patients a less invasive option for treating blocked coronary arteries. Instead of opening the breastbone, surgeons use tiny incisions between the ribs, which can mean less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities. This advanced approach avoids the heart‑lung machine in many cases and is a great option for patients with one‑ or two‑vessel coronary disease, helping them get back to their lives faster with fewer limitations.Opens in a new window Full story