Using a minimally invasive procedure, doctors removed a mass from a patient’s heart
VALHALLA, N.Y. (August 27, 2025) – Westchester Medical Center has taken a groundbreaking step in cardiac care with the successful completion of its first-ever robotic cardiac surgery. The procedure, led by Makoto Hibino, MD, Director of the Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program, in collaboration with David Spielvogel, MD, marks the start of a new era in advanced, minimally invasive heart surgery for patients across the Hudson Valley and beyond.
In mid-July, Dr. Hibino and Dr. Spielvogel removed a mass from the left atrium of a patient’s heart using robotic-assisted technology. Traditionally, such surgery would require cutting through the breastbone and making a 15–20-centimeter incision in the center of the chest. Instead, the team performed the operation through a 5-centimeter incision on the right side of the chest – small enough to remain hidden even in summer clothing. This minimally invasive approach offers multiple benefits: faster recovery by keeping the chest structure intact, lower complication risks, and the elimination of the need for prolonged ventilator support after surgery. The patient has made a full recovery without necessitating ventilator support after surgery and is now doing well, said Dr. Hibino.
“This was the first cardiac operation of its kind at Westchester Medical Center, but it’s built on decades of surgical expertise, as well as the latest advancements in robotic technology,” said Dr. Hibino.
“We’ve long been a leader in the fields of both cardiology and robotic surgery, and now we’re ushering in a new era of advanced cardiac care for our patients,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “Westchester Medical Center is able to offer patients in the Hudson Valley the absolute best standard of care when it comes to heart health.”
Westchester Medical Center serves as a critical referral center for patients from across the Hudson Valley and beyond, including those transferred by helicopter from other hospitals. Unlike many major New York City hospitals, Westchester Medical Center features an on-site heliport, enabling rapid patient transport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
Westchester Medical Center and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital continue to be the only ACS-verified Level I trauma care programs in eastern New York State north of New York City, and west to Syracuse, making the hospital fully equipped to handle any cardiac emergency and any related trauma. The hospital is also ready to handle any follow-up care.
“Cardiac surgery isn’t just a one-time operation — it’s a commitment to ongoing, specialized follow-up,” Dr. Hibino explained. “When patients undergo surgery here, we can ensure consistency of care, safety, and access to the team that knows their case best.”
Robotic cardiac surgery is one of many cardiac care surgical solutions offered by WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute. The institute recently expanded its services with the addition of a Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program, led by Dr. Hibino, who is also part of the transcatheter valve team. The Robotic Cardiac Surgery Program at WMCHealth treats degenerative and infective heart valve diseases, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation. Physicians or families seeking consultations with WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute should call 914.493.8793, option number 4, to schedule an appointment or visit WMCHealth.org.