The History and Evolution of Robotic Cardiac Surgery: An Interview With Dr. Volkmar Falk

This interview highlights the history and evolution of robotic cardiac surgery. At the 2026 American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Annual Meeting, CTSNet JANS Editor Dr. Mateo Marin-Cuartas, a cardiac surgeon at Leipzig Heart Center, Germany, spoke with Dr. Volkmar Falk, Medical Director and Director of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the German Heart Center Berlin and Chair of the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Charité Berlin, about this vital topic.

The discussion explored the history and development of robotic cardiac surgery, addressing early limitations such as lack of clinical experience. They also discussed the evolution of robotics, from the development of the first protypes to the establishment of modern robotic programs, while examining the factors that initially stalled widespread adoption. Furthermore, the conversation detailed how Berlin successfully re-established a world-leading robotic program. The session concluded with Dr. Falk offering advice to young surgeons on the value of pursuing training in robotic surgery.

At the 106th American Association for Thoracic Surgery Annual Meeting, surgeons gathered from around the word to discuss essential topics in cardiothoracic surgery. Interviews with leading surgeons addressing these critical issues were captured, and more interviews from the meeting will be available in the coming weeks.

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