Doctors Perform First Robotic Heart Transplant In US Without Opening a Chest

Surgeons have successfully performed the first fully robotic heart transplant in the US, using advanced robotic tools to avoid opening the chest. The procedure involved making small, precise incisions to remove the diseased heart and implant a new one through the preperitoneal space. This approach eliminates the need to open the chest and break the breastbone, which can affect wound healing and delay rehabilitation. The robotic approach preserves the integrity of the chest wall, reducing the risk of infection and promoting early mobility and respiratory function. It also minimizes surgical trauma, excessive bleeding, and the need for blood transfusions, which reduces the risk of developing antibodies against the transplanted heart. The 45-year-old patient had been hospitalized with advanced heart failure and required multiple mechanical devices to support his heart function before the transplant. He received a heart transplant in early March 2025 and spent a month in the hospital before being discharged home without complications. The lead surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Liao, highlighted the benefits of the robotic approach, including reduced risk of infection and improved overall recovery. This innovative procedure has the potential to revolutionize heart transplant surgery and improve patient outcomes. The success of this procedure marks a significant milestone in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.