Berlin centre expands robotic heart surgery

The German Heart Centre at Charité (DHZC) has developed one of Europe’s largest programmes for robot‑assisted cardiac surgery, using the Da Vinci system at two German centres and completing 260 procedures so far. Clinicians say the robot enables minimally invasive approaches for selected valve and coronary patients, avoiding full sternotomy and generally shortening recovery times. Surgeons control wrist‑like robotic instruments from a console, allowing precise movements demonstrated in training exercises such as transferring gummy bears between bowls.

DHZC is preparing for the next generation of surgical robots expected next year by establishing protocols, technical training and research pathways. An existing experimental hybrid operating room is already used for training and trials; officials plan to expand that work as new systems arrive and to integrate imaging and interventional techniques with robotic operations.

A major modernisation at the Virchow‑Klinikum campus will support these aims: a planned 17‑storey tower will provide over 300 beds, 20 operating theatres, hybrid operating rooms, catheter laboratories and advanced imaging suites tailored to robot‑assisted cardiovascular care. The design allows surgeons to combine live imaging, interventional procedures and robotic tools in the same theatre, improving accuracy in complex heart operations and widening the use of minimally invasive techniques for valve repairs, congenital heart procedures and interventional cardiology.

Engineers and medical teams are preparing the site for installation of robotic systems, with full deployment scheduled to accompany completion of the new surgical complex in coming years. Hospital officials say the project reflects growing investment in medical robotics and artificial intelligence in Berlin, and they expect it to boost patient outcomes, support clinical research and enhance surgical training. If realised as planned, the upgraded DHZC will rank among Europe’s most technologically advanced cardiac centres, positioning it to expand high‑precision, less invasive cardiac care and to train the next generation of cardiac surgeons in integrated robotic and imaging workflows.