The evolution of and early experience with robot-assisted mitral valve surgery.

Cardiac surgeons have embraced minimally invasive surgery with warranted enthusiasm. The acceleration of technological advances in optics, instrumentation, and cardiopulmonary bypass has allowed safe, effective, efficient minimally invasive cardiac procedures. In this article we review the evolution of and early experience with robot-assisted mitral valve surgery. Articles by leaders in the field of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, both American and European, are reviewed to describe the development of cardiac robotic surgery. The current state of robotic mitral surgery is described.