Long Island Hospital Performs Region's First Robotic Double-Valve Repair

BAY SHORE, NY — South Shore University Hospital recently performed what Northwell Health says was Long Island's first robotic double-valve repair surgery using the next-generation da Vinci 5 robotic system.

The procedure was performed on a 68-year-old woman by Dr. Robert Kalimi, chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at South Shore University Hospital, and Dr. Joshua Newman, a cardiac surgeon at the hospital.

During the operation, the surgeons repaired dysfunction affecting both the patient's mitral and tricuspid valves in a single robotic-assisted procedure.

The milestone comes about a year after Kalimi and Newman performed what Northwell said was Long Island's first robotic mitral valve surgery using the da Vinci Xi system.

South Shore University Hospital is currently the only hospital on Long Island with a robotic cardiac surgery program, according to Northwell.

"Performing a double valve repair robotically is a tremendous leap forward for our program and for patients across the region," Kalimi said. "The da Vinci 5 system provides us with even greater precision, enhanced visualization, and improved instrument control, enabling us to tackle more complex valve pathology with confidence, all while maintaining the minimally invasive benefits our patients deserve."

Robotic valve repair allows surgeons to operate through several small openings between the ribs instead of making a larger incision through the chest and breastbone, according to Northwell.

Patients who undergo robotic valve repair may experience smaller incisions, less pain and blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared with conventional open-heart surgery, hospital officials said.

The da Vinci 5 system includes three-dimensional high-definition visualization, increased instrument dexterity and force-feedback technology designed to give surgeons greater control during procedures.

Hospital officials said the approach can be particularly beneficial for eligible patients with mitral valve disease because it limits disruption to surrounding tissue and avoids a sternotomy. Hospital officials aim to give Long Island patients access to advanced cardiac procedures without requiring them to travel into New York City.

"South Shore University Hospital continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in cardiac care right here in our community," said Irene Macyk, president of South Shore University Hospital. "From performing the first robotic mitral valve surgery on Long Island to now achieving the first robotic double valve repair with the most advanced robotic platform available, our team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence."