CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Novant Health’s renowned Heart & Vascular Institute is expanding advanced cardiac services with the launch of a robotic mitral valve repair program, offering patients in the Carolinas access to minimally invasive heart surgery led by nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Everett.
The new program advances Novant Health’s commitment to delivering innovative, patient-centered heart care close to home. Robotic mitral valve repair allows surgeons to treat complex mitral valve disease without the need for traditional open-heart surgery. This technique results in smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery for many patients.
“Minimally invasive heart surgery is transforming how we care for patients with mitral valve disease,” said Dr. Everett. “I am honored to join the world-class cardiology and cardiac surgery experts at Novant Health to expand access to robotic mitral valve repair in our region. This approach allows us to deliver the same durable results as traditional open surgery while helping patients return to their lives more quickly.”
The mitral valve plays a critical role in maintaining proper blood flow through the heart. When the valve leaks or becomes narrowed, patients may experience fatigue, shortness of breath or heart rhythm abnormalities. While mitral valve repair has traditionally required opening the chest, robotic-assisted surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to repair - and in some cases replace - the valve without dividing the breastbone. On average, patients who undergo robotic mitral valve repair experience recovery times that are twice as fast compared to traditional surgery methods.
Robotic mitral valve repair is offered at a limited number of highly specialized centers nationwide. With the addition of this program, Novant Health expands access to advanced cardiac care in the Charlotte region and beyond.
“This program represents a significant step forward for Novant Health and for patients across the Carolinas,” said Howard L. Haronian, MD, FACC, physician in chief of the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “Robotic mitral valve repair strengthens our ability to provide leading-edge, minimally invasive heart care. It reinforces our position as a destination for complex cardiac surgery and reflects our ongoing investment in innovation that benefits our patients.”
Dr. Everett brings more than 24 years of experience in robotic cardiac surgery, with a particular focus on mitral valve repair. He completed medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, a general surgery residency at University of Minnesota and a thoracic surgery fellowship at University of Michigan. He has previously served as a professor at Indiana University Health and as a cardiothoracic surgeon at University of Tennessee Medical Center. He has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and has authored numerous publications in cardiovascular surgery.
For more information about robotic mitral valve repair at Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute, or to request an appointment, visit NovantHealth.org/heart.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of nearly 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 41,000 team members along with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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