Robotic-Assisted Cardiothoracic Surgery: Platforms, Applications, and the Evidence Base

This chapter examines the current and emerging role of robotic surgical platforms in cardiothoracic surgery, covering applications in mitral valve repair, coronary artery bypass, thymectomy, lobectomy, and esophageal surgery. A balanced critical review of the comparative evidence — including operative times, conversion rates, perioperative morbidity, and long-term outcomes — is presented alongside an analysis of the learning curve, credentialing challenges, and cost-effectiveness considerations that govern institutional adoption. The chapter concludes with a perspective on the anticipated expansion of robotic platforms driven by advances in haptic feedback, imaging integration, and autonomous surgical assistance.