Trinity Health Performs Aortic Valve Replacement Robotically, Expanding Access to Advanced Cardiac Surgery
September 22, 2026
Photo L to R: Robert Lyons, M.D., Andrew Pruitt, M.D.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Von Lozon
Pager: (248) 725-2400
von.lozon@trinity-health.org
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Trinity Health Michigan has successfully performed a robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement (AVR), offering patients living with aortic valve disease a minimally invasive surgical option that avoids the need for traditional open-heart surgery.
The procedure was performed at Trinity Health Ann Arbor by Cardiovascular Surgeon Robert Lyons, M.D., with support from fellow Cardiovascular Surgeon Andrew Pruitt, M.D., and the hospital’s experienced robotic cardiac surgery team. The patient is recovering well and has experienced no complications following the procedure.
Traditional surgical aortic valve replacement requires an open-chest sternotomy, in which the breastbone is separated to provide access to the heart. With robotic-assisted aortic valve replacement, Trinity Health Michigan surgeons can now operate through several small incisions between the ribs, with the largest incision measuring only three centimeters.
With this robotic approach, cardiac patients now have an expanded set of minimally invasive treatment options that complement current therapies, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
“The adoption of robot-assisted valve surgery expands the options we can offer patients, providing the same durable and effective valve replacement while minimizing the physical impact of surgery,” said Dr. Lyons. “By avoiding a sternotomy and operating through small incisions, patients experience less pain, recover more quickly and can return to normal activities sooner than they otherwise would with traditional open-heart surgery.”
Compared with conventional surgical aortic valve replacement, robotic-assisted procedures offer several benefits, including:
- Less pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Quicker return to normal daily activities
- Fewer activity restrictions during recovery
This milestone builds on Trinity Health Michigan’s longstanding commitment to robotic cardiac surgery and reflects years of investment in advanced heart care across the state.
“This milestone reflects the strength of our robotic cardiac surgery team,” said Dr. Pruitt. “These procedures are complex and require seamless coordination among many highly skilled caregivers. I’m proud of the expertise our team brings to every case and the innovative treatment options we are offering patients.”
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About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 25,000 full-time employees, Trinity Health Michigan is composed of nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Livingston, Livonia, Muskegon, Oakland and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 1,459 employed physicians and a medical staff of more than 5,766 providers. With operating revenues of $5.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $357 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 16 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents.
As members of Trinity Health, our services are connected to the national network of one of the largest health systems in the country. That means more access to experts, research, facilities, support, clinical trials and leading technology.