by T. Sloane Guy, MD | Aug 4, 2019
The answer is yes. In about 1-5% of patients, conversion to an open standard sternotomy is performed and yes I am the surgeon who does that (I have a tremendous amount of experience with traditional surgery). We have all the necessary supplies, equipment, and... by T. Sloane Guy, MD | Aug 4, 2019
This is not an easy question to answer. What I tell patients is that my series and most large published series of robotic mitral valve repairs from high quality centers show a similar or even lower stroke risk with robotic mitral valve repair compared to large open... by T. Sloane Guy, MD | Aug 4, 2019
It depends on many things but most patients do tend to have some incisional pain during this period. Most patients leave the intensive care unit (ICU) the day after surgery. Our focus will include making the patient comfortable with appropriate pain medications. With... by T. Sloane Guy, MD | Aug 4, 2019
Yes. That is the short answer. The long answer is that medicare and private insurance companies view robotics and other minimally invasive procedures the same as standard surgery. In other words, they pay the same amount to hospitals and doctors regardless of how the... by T. Sloane Guy, MD | Aug 4, 2019
Some programs do have another “attending surgeon”. I prefer to have an experienced cardiothoracic physician assistant (PA) and a senior fellow assist me. These individuals have years of operative experience and my preference for this approach is based on the reality... 
