As robotic surgery expands globally, quality assurance becomes more vital.
In response, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has introduced a new, dedicated pathway for clinicians and institutions to adopt the technology and attain optimal outcomes.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) 2026 Expert Consensus Pathway on Robotic Cardiac Training was published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and Lead author Vinay Badhwar presented the paper at the recent 2026 STS Annual Meeting.
It outlines principles for the safe initial introduction and subsequent expansion of robotic cardiac programmes.
In the paper, the authors write: ‘The 25-year history of robotic cardiac surgery has established safety and efficacy while providing multiple innovations. There is currently a unique opportunity to coalesce best practices and evidence to inform a recent global surge in interest in incorporating robotic techniques into standard cardiac surgical practice.
‘This consensus is a collaborative effort between the STS Workforce on Evidence Based Surgery, the STS Robotic Cardiac Surgery Taskforce, and multinational leaders in robotic cardiac surgery that aims to standardise initial core principles of preparatory elements, followed by four phases of robotic cardiac training to proceed from programme commencement to mastery.’
It defines five phases of advancement through which surgical teams can achieve optimal outcomes with the technology:
• Zero: prerequisites and preparation
• One: baseline team training
• Two: initial clinical application
• Three: progressive case efficiency
• Four: advancement and mastery.
Speaking to tctmd, Vinay Badhwar said: ‘The interest in robotic cardiac surgery is surging and remains high, and we all must be committed to adopting and innovating new technologies, but always remembering that we must pursue quality first.’
It reports that he believes the new teaching paradigm aims to act as a ‘guide to assist surgeons and their teams in ensuring a staged approach to introducing robotic technology into their cardiac operations’.
Specifically, the group recommends having at least three years of practice or a fellowship in robotic surgery before starting. Additionally, institutional support is essential as hospitals build teams to work with the technology.
