Frequently asked questions about cardiac surgery

The access route — whether the sternum will be opened or not — is determined by what the clinical case requires, not by the surgeon's preference or available technology. In minimally invasive and robotic surgery, the procedure is done through small incisions without sawing the sternum. Not every patient is a candidate: the indication depends on a complete individual evaluation.

It depends on three main factors: the patient's anatomy, the type of procedure required, and general clinical conditions. Younger patients tend to have a higher probability of indication, but this is not a fixed rule — successful cases have been performed via minimally invasive approach in patients aged 60, 65, and even 72.

Yes, in well-indicated cases. Since the sternum is not opened or required to heal, recovery tends to be significantly faster compared to conventional surgery. In robotic mitral valve repair cases, patients have reported hospital discharge in 2 to 3 days.

No. The surgical robot is a high-precision tool completely controlled by the surgeon in real time. It amplifies the surgeon's hand movements with millimetric precision, filters tremors, and provides three-dimensional high-definition vision. All clinical decisions and execution belong to the surgeon — the system has no autonomy.

It's not a trend. Robotic surgery in cardiology has existed for over 20 years, with thousands of published studies confirming its safety and efficacy. In Brazil, there are currently more than 200 robotic platforms installed. When properly indicated and performed by a certified team, results are comparable or superior to conventional surgery in selected cases.

This is a legitimate concern — and Dr. Poffo has addressed it publicly, including in an editorial published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery (JTCVS) in 2026, which discusses how misinformation and unequal access prevent more patients from benefiting from robotic surgery in Brazil. Instituto Poffo accepts health insurance plans. To check if yours is covered, contact us directly via WhatsApp.

Yes. Instituto Poffo performs aortic surgery — including ascending aortic aneurysms — and correction of congenital heart defects such as bicuspid aortic valve, as well as cardiac valve surgery, myocardial revascularization (CABG), and arrhythmia treatment.

In sternotomy, the central chest bone is opened to access the heart and requires several weeks to heal, imposing movement restrictions. In minimally invasive surgery, access is made through small intercostal incisions with a high-resolution camera and specialized instruments, without opening the sternum. Without that bone restriction, mobilization and return to daily activities tend to be faster.