The mitral valve is located between the two left chambers of your heart — the left atrium and the left ventricle. When your heart contracts, the valve opens to allow blood to move from the atrium into the ventricle and closes to prevent blood from leaking backward. Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve does not open fully or close tightly enough, forcing your heart to work harder. Over time, this strain can enlarge or weaken your heart and increase the risk of serious complications, including abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, blood clots, stroke, and potentially life‑threatening outcomes.

Our expert cardiothoracic surgeons use robotic-assisted technology to repair or replace your mitral valve with greater precision, less risk, and fewer complications. Through small incisions and advanced 3-D imaging, we can help you get better with less pain and scarring. It’s our priority to help you get back to baseline as soon as possible.

Why Choose Us for Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery

  • Experts in mitral valve care: Our board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in mitral valve disease and perform high volumes of robotic and minimally invasive procedures. Using precise and efficient technology, we have the experience needed to provide you with world-class care. 
  • Minimally invasive technology: Robotics allows our surgeons to perform complex valve repairs through tiny incisions, offering faster recovery, less pain, and smaller scars compared to traditional open-heart surgery. 
  • Comprehensive care: From diagnosis to recovery, we collaborate closely with other specialized teams in our organization to help ensure you receive an effective, personalized treatment plan.
family smiling holding dog
family smiling holding dog
“If I hadn’t gone to LLU, I wouldn’t be doing the things I want to be doing...That noninvasive procedure changed my life for the better — I know that for a fact. I’d advise anyone who has the option to do the procedure to definitely do it.”

Conditions We Treat

  • Mitral valve regurgitation (leaky valve)
  • Mitral valve stenosis (narrowed valve)

Services We Provide

Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Repair

For mitral valve regurgitation: We use robotic techniques to repair leaky mitral valves. Repair can restore your valve’s natural function and can help reinforce it to improve closure and durability. Valve repair is typically preferred because it preserves your own tissue and can offer better long‑term results.

Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Replacement

For mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis: If the valve cannot be repaired, valve replacement may be recommended. With minimally invasive, robotic-assisted techniques, we can use mechanical valves or biological valves as a replacement. Our team will guide you in choosing the option that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Learn more about mitral valve disease and the difference between repair and replacement.

Recovery

Recovery timeframes may change depending on your specific needs, but patients typically spend 3 - 5 days in the hospital and begin cardiac rehab soon after recovery. We provide ongoing follow-up care, cardiac rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments to help you get back to daily activities.

We’ll provide you with more information about the recovery process upon discharge.

Take the Next Step

Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call our cardiothoracic surgery clinic at 909-558-4208 to learn more or ask your cardiologist or primary care provider for a referral.

Referring providers: Call 909-558-4208 to refer a patient for robotic mitral valve surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is robotic surgery different from traditional surgery?

Robotic surgery uses tiny incisions between the ribs rather than a large chest incision. This usually means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, smaller scars, and a quicker return to daily activities.

Is the robot performing the surgery?

No. The surgeon is fully in control at all times. The robotic system acts as an extension of the surgeon’s hands, translating precise movements while providing a high-definition, 3D view of your heart.

What are the benefits of robotic mitral valve surgery?

Benefits can include smaller incisions, lesser pain, shorter recovery time, and a lower risk of infection compared to open-heart surgery. Many patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.