WVU Heart and Vascular Institute welcomes global participants for second International Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement Symposium

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute hosted its second annual WVU International Robotic Aortic Valve Replacement (RAVR) Symposium  Nov. 13 and 14 in Morgantown, bringing together leading cardiovascular specialists from around the world to explore the latest innovations in robotic cardiac surgery. 

The symposium drew participants representing 14 countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, China, Pakistan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Mexico, and Brazil, alongside surgical and cardiology colleagues from across the United States.   

Over two days, participants engaged in interactive sessions and data-driven discussions centered on advancing robotic aortic valve replacement and its role in multidisciplinary cardiac care. The event provided a rare opportunity for attendees to observe complex robotic procedures in real time and exchange ideas at the forefront of surgical innovation. 

Led by Vinay Badhwar, M.D., executive chair of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, the symposium underscored WVU Medicine’s commitment to global education, innovation, and patient-centered cardiac care. 

“Our team and I consider it an honor and privilege to host colleagues in surgery and cardiology from around the world who traveled to Morgantown to share in experiences with robotic cardiac surgery innovation,” Dr. Badhwar said. “We are proud to help disseminate this new therapy to multiple centers through events such as this one, so they may assist their patients and achieve the excellent results our patients have experienced.” 

Performed through a tiny incision in the patient’s right axilla (or arm pit), the RAVR technique was developed at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute with the first case performed in January 2020.  

It allows for the native diseased valve to be replaced with a new one, except done with robotic assistance without opening the breastbone. Now, performed in over 30 hospitals in the U.S. and around the world, more than 450 patients have received this unique treatment globally, with the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute performing 350.   

For more information about the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart.