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The Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia has reached another remarkable milestone, performing its 300th robotic heart surgery.

“In just two years, we’ve demonstrated that robotic cardiac surgery can be performed safely, effectively, and with high patient satisfaction,” says Dr. Arnar Geirsson, director of the Cardiovascular Institute and the surgical heart valve program at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and professor of surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “This achievement would not have been possible without our extraordinary team of specialists including surgical assistants, scrub techs, nurses, anesthesiologists, and perfusionists.”

Robotic surgery utilizes advanced machines to aid surgeons in operating on hard-to-access areas of the body with more precision. Robotic assistance during cardiac surgery improves patient outcomes, shortens recovery time, and results in less scarring.

NewYork-Presbyterian’s team of experts utilize smooth and dexterous robotic instruments combined with a high-definition 3D camera to perform precise procedures through very tiny incisions. This allows for unmatched precision and the best possible patient outcomes.

In addition to mitral valve repair, the robotic surgery programs perform a wide range of hybrid minimally invasive treatments, including mitral valve replacement, isolated tricuspid valve repair, aortic valve replacement, treatments for congenital heart defects in both adults and children, intracardiac tumor resection, and reoperative mitral valve repair or replacement.

As the number of procedures performed robotically expands, so do the potential benefits for patients. “For years, surgery has moved towards less invasive strategies,” says Dr. Geirsson. “For cardiovascular disease, robotic surgery offers that option. And more options are always a good thing for the patient.”

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s robotic cardiac surgery program, led by Dr. Stephanie Mick, recently celebrated its own milestone. For the third consecutive year, the program was recognized with the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award by the Mitral Foundation for demonstrated excellence in heart valve repair. NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell was one of only 23 centers across the U.S. to receive this award.

“We are pleased to offer this minimally invasive surgery that can improve patients’ quality of life and help them get back to their lives faster,” says Dr. Mick, director of robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Carrie and David Landew Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. “This recognition is a testament to the excellence of our treatment and our team’s unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality care,” said Dr. Mick of the program, which launched in 2016.