Most heart problems that are present from birth show symptoms quickly and require prompt medical and/or surgical care. Others may either show symptoms more slowly or may only gradually worsen until symptoms occur. At Vanderbilt Heart Surgery we provide appropriate surgical care for congenital heart problems among patients of all ages.

When appropriate, we use minimally invasive heart surgery techniques for coronary bypass grafts, aortic valve replacements and mitral valve repairs. These techniques offer patients less pain and scarring and more rapid recovery than conventional open-heart surgery because surgeons are able to repair the heart through small incisions in the chest wall.

As a part of its minimally invasive surgery program, the Department also employs the Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System. The robotic arms of the system are connected to microscopic surgical instruments. These instruments, along with a high resolution camera, are passed through keyhole incisions above the heart. The surgeon works at a display console, manipulating levers that control the camera and the surgical instruments.