This cardiac session features leading surgeons providing updates on imaging, robotics, and autonomy at the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting 2026.
To begin, Feras Khaliel, Chairman of Cardiac Surgery and Deputy Executive Director at the Heart Center of Excellence at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Professor of Surgery at Alfaisal University, presented on “Benefits of Imaging for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.” He discussed the importance of imaging in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, the specific surgical questions imaging must answer, and choosing the right approach for patients. He also covered computed tomography (CT)-based cannulation planning and port placement, as well as the roles of echocardiography and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).
Next, David Kalfa, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery and Co-Director of the Heart Institute at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida, USA, discussed “Pediatric and Congenital Robotic Cardiac Surgery.” He explored developing skills in robotic congenital surgery, as well as various types of operations, including secundum atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. He also examined the potential benefits, challenges, and limitations of robotic cardiac surgery in children.
Finally, Ashok Kumar Coimbatore Jeyakumar, System Director of the Aortic Disease Center at the Baptist Health Heart and Vascular Care in Miami, Florida, USA, and Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Florida International University, spoke on “Are Autonomous Robots Taking Over?” He discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the evolution of cardiac surgery, the six levels of surgical autonomy, autonomous robots in surgery, and humans versus robots in cardiothoracic surgery.
Each presentation concluded with a panel Q&A.
The International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery brought together professionals to analyze and share knowledge on minimally invasive techniques. Watch for more ISMICS 2026 videos in the coming weeks.
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