Jeffrey Everett, MD, joined Novant Health in February 2026 to launch the Charlotte region’s first dedicated robotic mitral valve program. He brings more than two decades of experience with the da Vinci robotic platform, having been the first surgeon in Iowa to perform robotic surgery after the technology’s initial introduction. He and his Charlotte-based team have been treating patients since early March.
In this Q&A, Dr. Everett addresses key questions about robotic mitral valve surgery and referral considerations.
What is robotic minimally invasive heart surgery, and how does it differ from sternotomy?
Robotic cardiac surgery is performed through several small keyhole incisions without dividing the breastbone. Traditional sternotomy requires a full midline incision through the sternum.
By avoiding sternotomy, patients often experience less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, lower infection risk, shorter hospitalization and a faster return to normal activity. Sternotomy patients typically require eight to 12 weeks for sternal healing with lifting restrictions. With a robotic approach, those limitations are largely avoided.
Which conditions are most appropriate for referral?
Robotic techniques are well suited for:
● Mitral valve repair or replacement
● Tricuspid valve repair
● Atrial septal defect (ASD) repair
● Atrial myxoma resection
● Single-vessel coronary artery bypass (typically LAD)
Many patients who would traditionally undergo sternotomy may be candidates for a sternal-sparing approach with appropriate selection.
What symptoms should prompt early referral?
For mitral or tricuspid valve disease, symptoms such as progressive fatigue, dyspnea or new-onset atrial fibrillation should prompt consideration of surgical evaluation.
For coronary disease, key indicators include chest pain, exertional dyspnea or declining functional capacity. Early referral allows for intervention before ventricular dysfunction or adverse remodeling develops.
What echocardiographic findings should trigger referral?
In mitral regurgitation, referral is appropriate with:
● Severe regurgitation
● LVEF ≤ 60%
● LV end-systolic dimension ≥ 40 mm
These thresholds represent important inflection points where earlier repair can preserve ventricular function and improve long-term outcomes.
How does the robotic platform enhance precision, particularly for mitral repair?
The robotic system provides high-definition, 3D visualization with up to 10× magnification, allowing the camera to be positioned millimeters from the valve. This often provides superior visualization compared with traditional approaches.
The instruments articulate with up to 540 degrees of rotation and translate hand movements into precise micro-movements while filtering tremors. This enables meticulous leaflet reconstruction, chordal repair and complex suturing within tight intracardiac spaces.
What are the key benefits for patients?
Patients typically experience less pain, reduced need for narcotics and discharge within two to three days. Because the sternum is not divided, there are no prolonged lifting restrictions, allowing a faster return to work and normal activities, which is especially beneficial for people with physically demanding jobs.
When is mitral repair preferred over replacement?
Repair is always preferred whenever a durable result can be achieved. Preserving the native valve maintains left ventricular geometry and function, and is associated with better long-term ventricular performance and survival compared with replacement.
Repair also avoids lifelong anticoagulation required with mechanical valves and avoids the durability limitations of bioprosthetic valves. Repaired valves also carry a lower risk of endocarditis.
What distinguishes the Novant Health program, and how can clinicians refer patients?
Novant Health is the only cardiac surgical program in the Charlotte region offering robotic cardiac surgery. We utilize the latest da Vinci platforms and have a dedicated robotic cardiac team. I bring more than 24 years of experience in robotic cardiac surgery with a focus on mitral repair and sternal-sparing revascularization.
We work closely with referring physicians to ensure clear communication and coordinated follow-up.
