Jan. 30, 2026 — Lee Health is raising the bar for heart care in Southwest Florida, becoming the first health system in the region to offer robotic-assisted mitral valve repair using the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robot. This innovative approach dramatically shortens recovery time, allowing patients to get back to their lives faster. Although the procedure is new to the region, it is delivered by a robotic cardiac surgery team with decades of combined experience spanning multiple generations of robotic technology.

The mitral valve plays a critical role in regulating blood flow through the heart. When the valve leaks or becomes stiff or narrowed, blood can flow backward into the lungs, placing strain on the heart and leading to serious complications. Mitral valve disease is often first detected as a heart murmur and confirmed through imaging, but many patients experience few or no symptoms until the condition becomes advanced.

Traditionally, a mitral valve repair required open-heart surgery through a full sternotomy and a lengthy recovery, whereas robotic-assisted mitral valve repair allows surgeons to perform complex repairs through small incisions with greater precision and less trauma, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and a faster return to normal activity.

Compared with conventional minimally invasive techniques that rely on larger incisions and rigid, shafted instruments, robotic-assisted cardiac surgery provides high-definition, three-dimensional visualization and wristed instruments that enhance dexterity and control, enabling complex valve repairs through smaller access points which minimize chest wall trauma.

“All of it is done without spreading the rib or cutting the bone,” said chief physician executive for the Lee Health Heart Institute, Dr. Daniel O’Hair. “It’s more like having your appendix removed than undergoing traditional open-heart surgery. This is an incredible breakthrough and a true game-changer for the Southwest Florida community, enabling patients to receive the most advanced heart care close to home while strengthening the Lee Health Heart Institute’s reputation as a national destination for leading-edge cardiovascular care.”

Early detection and treatment are critical. Left untreated, severe mitral valve disease can progress to heart failure or increase the risk of stroke. When repaired successfully, however, patients can expect a normal life expectancy, avoid long-term complications, and remain active well into their later years.

A heart surgeon will determine whether robotic-assisted mitral valve repair is the right option for each patient’s individual needs. While robotic surgery can be used for both mitral valve repair and replacement, repair is the preferred approach whenever feasible and is most often achieved with a high level of success.  The specific surgical strategy depends on the severity and progression of the valve disease.

For more information on the robotic-assisted mitral valve repair, please visit www.leehealth.org/heart.

 About Lee Health

Lee Health has been a cornerstone of health care in Southwest Florida since opening its first hospital in 1916. As a non-profit, integrated health system, Lee Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong commitment to community health and wellness, Lee Health commits to evolving with the growing and changing needs of the region. The system offers comprehensive services through four acute care hospitals, Golisano Children’s Hospital, three skilled nursing locations, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and a wide network of primary care and specialty practices. Lee Health supports every step of the health journey, from preventive care to advanced treatment for every member of our community. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.