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Surgeons at The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati have performed a groundbreaking aortic valve replacement using the Da Vinci 5 robot. This marks the first instance of such a procedure being carried out in the United States. Dr. J. Michael Smith, an acclaimed robotic heart surgeon, led the operation, which is seen as a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgery for heart patients.
Dr. Smith emphasized the potential impact of this new technique: “This type of aortic valve replacement has the opportunity to revolutionize how heart surgeons perform aortic valve replacement,” he stated. He highlighted that this approach eliminates the need for open chest surgery and allows patients to recover more quickly, with discharge possible just three days after surgery compared to a week with traditional methods.
The Da Vinci 5 robot, created by Intuitive, is utilized for various cardiovascular and oncology surgeries. However, this operation was its first documented use in performing an aortic valve replacement.
Dr. Smith expressed optimism about future applications: “While this is still a new use for the Da Vinci 5 robot, we believe this could be the standard for aortic valve replacement surgery in the future.”
The Christ Hospital Health Network offers more cardiothoracic robotic surgery options than any other health system in its region.
For over 135 years, The Christ Hospital Health Network has been providing healthcare services through its facilities including an acute care hospital and multiple outpatient centers across Cincinnati. Recognized as the top hospital in Cincinnati by U.S. News & World Report and listed among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals in 2025, it remains committed to delivering exceptional outcomes affordably.
