Robotic Endoscopic Mitral Valve Repair: Trans-thoracic Clamp Technique

Herein, we describe our approach to robotic mitral valve repair. We now use the trans-thoracic cross clamp to arrest the heart. Using robotic techniques, we have used both traditional and modified repair methods with excellent outcomes. We describe the entire operative process including patient positioning, anesthesia, robotic arm trocar placement, cardiopulmonary perfusion, aortic occlusion, cardioplegia, and execution of the robotic mitral valve repair. Operative tips and pitfalls are included as well as details of our repair results.