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Cardiac surgery has evolved dramatically in recent decades, following the progress of technology and the need for less traumatic procedures. One of the most innovative methods that has been developed is Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery.

This is a technique that allows complex surgical operations on the heart to be performed, without the need for the classic opening of the sternum, but through small incisions, with the help of special tools and a high-definition endoscopic camera. Thus, it combines the safety and effectiveness of traditional methods with significant advantages for the patient.

How is it applied?

Endoscopic cardiac surgery is performed through small holes between the ribs of the chest, without opening the sternum. Through these incisions, special surgical instruments and a high-definition endoscopic camera are inserted, which offers the surgeon a magnified image of the area in which he is operating, minimizing the burden on the body and avoiding the median sternotomy. In this way, the burden on the body is significantly reduced, the risk of infection is limited, the need for blood transfusions is minimized and postoperative pain is clearly less. At the same time, recovery is faster and the aesthetic result is particularly satisfactory, as the incisions are very small, in fact in women they are made under the breast and remain virtually invisible.

Endoscopic cardiac surgery, when performed by specialized surgeons, allows the possibility of repairing and maintaining the mitral and tricuspid valves, ensuring normal function, without the need to replace them with an artificial prosthetic valve. In addition, it can be applied for aortic valve replacement, atrial septal defect closure, myxoma removal, and even for interventions in coronary artery disease, avoiding opening the sternum.

The course of Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery in Greece

Endoscopic and robotic cardiac surgery took its first steps in our country 17 years ago, pioneered by its founder in Greece and Switzerland, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aristotelis Panos, Director of the Endoscopic Cardiac and Aortic Surgery Clinic of the Athens Medical Center. 

In February 2008, Dr. Panos performed the first endoscopic surgery in Greece, paving the way for the first robotic valve repairs and bypass surgeries. It was the beginning of a path of innovation that established our country internationally in this field. In 2016, the accumulated experience led to the creation of the International Institute of Endoscopic and Robotic Cardiac Surgery, with the aim of training European surgeons and further disseminating these techniques. Today, teams from all over Europe are regularly trained in Greece and supported in their first steps in their countries, ensuring the safe implementation of the procedures.

First Congress of Endoscopic and Robotic Cardiac Surgery in Greece

The Department of Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery and Aortic Surgery of the Athens Medical Center is organizing theFirst Congress of Endoscopic and Robotic Cardiac Surgery in our country.  

The meeting will take place on November 8, 2025, at the Book Tower of theStavros Niarchos Foundation, and will be a quintessentially Greek scientific meeting, with the participation of all fellow cardiac surgeons who are actively involved in this field.

From the international community, two pioneers of Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery will attend and honor us with their presence, the Professor Olivier Jegaden and Dr. Patrick Perier, as well as the talented representative of the younger generation, Dr. Nia Sardari.

The aim of the Conference is to introduce the general public, both medical and non-medical, to the most modern techniques, to enhance the exchange of experiences between colleagues and to motivate more cardiac surgeons to adopt them in practice. It will present in this context, challenges will be discussed and common goals will be set for the benefit of our patients.

The team of the Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery and Aortic Surgery Clinic, applying aeronautical principles with continuous safety checks at every stage of the surgery, has developed a precision protocol in the surgical procedure and postoperative care. In this way, we offer the best possible result, with rapid extubation (fast track), rapid recovery and optimal support after the operation.