BackTable / Cardiology / Podcast / Episode #18
The Role of Minimally Invasive Robotic Cardiac Surgery in Modern Cardiology Practice
with Dr. Amber Edwards
From sternotomy to software, the booming field of robotic cardiac surgery is bringing new minimally invasive treatment approaches to well-traveled cardiology conditions. This week on the BackTable Cardiology Podcast, Dr. Amber Edwards, a distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon from Ascension St. Thomas in Nashville, shares her expertise in robotic cardiac surgery with host and Tennessee neighbor Dr. Hady Lichaa. The two physicians discuss the growth and technical advancements within robotic cardiac surgery, including the burgeoning field of hybrid revascularization.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, December 30). Ep. 18 – The Role of Minimally Invasive Robotic Cardiac Surgery in Modern Cardiology Practice [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Synopsis
Dr. Edwards outlines her journey in the cardiothoracic field, sharing her experiences with pioneers of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgeries. The discussion explores various procedures, including totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), and robotic LIMA to LAD bypass. Dr. Edwards also elaborates on robotic left atrial appendage ligations, robotic mitral and aortic valve surgeries, and conversion procedures for atrial fibrillation, highlighting their technical challenges, patient selection, and potential for broader adoption.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
03:33 - MIDCAB and TECAB Procedures
07:11 - Preoperative Testing and Considerations
09:09 - Challenges and Complexities in Robotic Surgery
17:20 - Hybrid Revascularization and Antiplatelet Therapy
26:02 - The Future and Adoption of Robotic Surgery
30:56 - Exploring Robotic Left Atrial Appendage Ligation
32:03 - The Convergent Procedure for AFib Patients
40:56 - Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery: Techniques and Benefits
47:11 - The Future of Robotic Cardiac Surgery
50:20 - Conclusion
Resources
Dr. Amber Edwards
https://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1699031591/amber-edwards
Dr. Hady Lichaa
https://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1336267533/hady-lichaa
REvascularization CHoices Among Under-Represented Groups Evaluation: The RECHARGE Trial - Women (RECHARGE:W)
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06399692
The Materials available on BackTable are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the independent professional judgment of a qualified healthcare professional in diagnosing or treating patients. Any opinions, statements, or views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, platform, or any affiliated organization.














