Robotic technology in cardiovascular medicine

Robotically assisted techniques have been used in cardiovascular medicine since the late 1990s. The benefits of these approaches include increased procedural speed and accuracy, and reduced surgical trauma and exposure to radiation and contrast agents. However, learning curves and high costs have limited the widespread use of this technology. In this Review, Bonatti and colleagues outline the fields of application of robotic technology in cardiovascular medicine, the systems currently in use, and future directions in the field.