Houston Methodist 14th Annual Re-Evolution Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Summit 2026

29 Videos + Subtitles | Minimally Invasive • Robotic • Endoscopic • Transcatheter Cardiac Surgery

Explore contemporary techniques and emerging technologies in minimally invasive cardiac surgery with the Houston Methodist 14th Annual Re-Evolution Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Summit 2026.

Held March 26–27, 2026, at the Houston Methodist Research Institute in Houston, Texas, the Re-Evolution Summit brought together international cardiovascular experts to discuss practical strategies for modern minimally invasive, robotic, endoscopic, hybrid, and transcatheter cardiac procedures.

The MedicalAmboss digital package provides:

• 29 Expert Video Presentations
• Videos + Subtitle Files
• Approximately 11 Hours of Educational Content
• Download & Watch Offline
• Digital Delivery
• No PDFs
• No Presentation Slides
• No Syllabus Files
• No Handouts

Important Package Notice

VIDEOS + SUBTITLES ONLY

This package does not contain PDF files, PowerPoint presentations, syllabus documents, or other handouts.

Course Details

• Course: 14th Annual Re-Evolution Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Summit
• Provider: Houston Methodist
• Year: 2026
• Dates: March 26–27, 2026
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Venue: Houston Methodist Research Institute / MITIE
• Videos: 29
• Total Duration: Approximately 11 Hours
• Files: Videos + Subtitles
• PDFs / Slides: Not Included
• Primary Specialty: Cardiac Surgery / Cardiology
• Focus: Minimally Invasive & Robotic Cardiac Surgery
• CME / Certificate with MedicalAmboss: Not Included

Program Overview

Modern cardiac surgery is increasingly moving toward procedures that reduce surgical access while maintaining the technical goals of conventional cardiac operations.

The Re-Evolution Summit focuses on practical approaches involving:

• Direct-vision minimally invasive surgery
• Endoscopic mini-thoracotomy
• Robotic cardiac surgery
• Minimally invasive valve surgery
• Transcatheter valve therapies
• Hybrid cardiovascular procedures
• Minimally invasive coronary surgery
• Advanced cardiovascular imaging
• Enhanced recovery
• New surgical technologies
• Artificial intelligence in cardiac surgery

The overall educational pathway can be summarized as:

Patient Selection → Imaging & Planning → Access Strategy → Surgical Technique → Technology Integration → Complication Avoidance → Recovery

Major Educational Areas

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

Mitral valve surgery remains one of the major areas in which minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques have become established.

The symposium reviews concepts relevant to:

• Mitral valve repair
• Minimally invasive mitral access
• Mini-thoracotomy
• Endoscopic visualization
• Robotic approaches
• Cannulation strategies
• Valve exposure
• Repair planning

Mitral Valve Repair

Successful mitral repair requires an understanding of:

• Valve anatomy
• Leaflet pathology
• Annular abnormalities
• Chordal pathology
• Mechanism of regurgitation
• Appropriate repair strategy

Minimally invasive access changes the surgical corridor but does not eliminate the need for fundamental reconstructive principles.

Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery

Total or near-total endoscopic techniques depend heavily on:

• Camera orientation
• Instrument ergonomics
• Peripheral access
• Exposure
• Team coordination
• Reproducible operative workflow

The Re-Evolution program examines the continuing transition toward increasingly endoscopic cardiac procedures.

Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery

Robotic platforms provide another approach to limited-access cardiac surgery.

Important elements of a successful robotic program include:

• Patient selection
• Team development
• Standardized workflows
• Robotic platform proficiency
• Cannulation strategy
• Endoscopic visualization
• Structured training
• Progressive case complexity

From First Case to Mastery

Developing a sustainable robotic cardiac surgery program involves more than acquiring a robotic system.

A program must integrate:

Technology + Surgeon Skills + Cardiac Anesthesia + Perfusion + Nursing + Imaging + Standardized Protocols

The learning curve therefore involves the entire cardiac surgical team.

Atrial Fibrillation Surgery

The official Re-Evolution curriculum includes atrial fibrillation ablation as a major minimally invasive cardiac surgery topic.

Relevant concepts include:

• Surgical AF treatment
• Concomitant procedures
• Energy-based ablation
• Left atrial procedures
• Patient selection
• Integration with valve surgery

Mitral Valve Surgery + Atrial Fibrillation

Patients undergoing mitral valve surgery may also have atrial fibrillation.

This creates opportunities to consider combined treatment strategies when clinically appropriate.

Treatment planning requires consideration of:

• AF duration
• Left atrial anatomy
• Structural heart disease
• Concomitant valve pathology
• Stroke risk
• Patient characteristics

Aortic Valve Surgery

The symposium includes a strong focus on contemporary aortic valve treatment.

Major approaches include:

• Conventional AVR concepts
• Minimally invasive AVR
• Endoscopic AVR
• Robotic AVR
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

Minimally invasive AVR can involve smaller surgical access than a full sternotomy.

Planning may include:

• Patient selection
• Access
• Cannulation
• Aortic exposure
• Valve implantation
• Operative efficiency

Endoscopic Aortic Valve Replacement

The evolution toward endoscopic AVR reflects the broader trend toward increasingly limited-access cardiac surgery.

Important considerations include:

• Visualization
• Working-port strategy
• Instrumentation
• Annular exposure
• Suture techniques
• Valve implantation
• Team experience

Robotic Aortic Valve Surgery

Robotic technology is also being explored and adopted for selected aortic valve procedures.

Building a robotic AVR program requires careful attention to:

• Anatomy
• Access
• Cannulation
• Robotic positioning
• Surgical workflow
• Patient safety

AVR & TAVR

The Re-Evolution curriculum includes both:

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement – AVR

and:

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement – TAVR / TAVI

This reflects the modern heart-team environment in which treatment decisions increasingly require comparison among:

• Conventional surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Transcatheter intervention

TAVR / TAVI

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has transformed the treatment of aortic stenosis.

Relevant decision factors include:

• Age
• Anatomy
• Surgical risk
• Valve characteristics
• Coronary anatomy
• Vascular access
• Long-term treatment strategy

The course places transcatheter therapies within the broader evolution of contemporary cardiac surgery.

Structural Heart & Valve Surgery

A major theme is the transition toward increasingly less invasive structural heart procedures.

This includes integration between:

• Cardiac surgeons
• Interventional cardiologists
• Cardiovascular imaging specialists
• Anesthesiologists
• Perfusionists
• Heart-team professionals

Total Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery

The transition from:

Open Surgery → Mini-Thoracotomy → Endoscopic Surgery → Robotic / Hybrid Techniques

represents one of the major themes of the Re-Evolution Summit.

The goal is not simply to make the incision smaller.

Successful minimally invasive surgery must maintain:

• Safety
• Reproducibility
• Adequate exposure
• Technical quality
• Appropriate outcomes

Coronary Artery Disease

The official program includes different strategies for minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery.

Topics within this field can include:

• Limited-access CABG
• Minimally invasive coronary revascularization
• Robotic-assisted strategies
• Hybrid coronary revascularization
• Patient selection
• Conduit planning

Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass

Traditional CABG is generally performed through median sternotomy.

Minimally invasive strategies aim to perform selected coronary bypass procedures through more limited access.

These approaches require careful evaluation of:

• Coronary anatomy
• Number of vessels
• Target location
• Conduit strategy
• Patient characteristics
• Institutional expertise

Robotic Coronary Surgery

Robotic technology may contribute to selected coronary procedures through enhanced visualization and limited-access harvesting or reconstruction.

A successful program requires:

• Proper case selection
• Reproducible technical workflow
• Experienced teams
• Appropriate bailout strategies

Hybrid Coronary Revascularization

Hybrid treatment can combine:

Surgical Revascularization + Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

in selected patients.

This concept illustrates the increasingly collaborative relationship between cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology.

Aortic Disease

The Re-Evolution Summit also includes aortic disease as one of its major program areas.

Contemporary cardiac surgical planning increasingly incorporates minimally invasive and hybrid strategies where appropriate.

Evaluation requires attention to:

• Anatomy
• Extent of disease
• Valve involvement
• Aortic dimensions
• Imaging
• Surgical risk
• Treatment durability

Advanced Imaging

Advanced cardiovascular imaging is a central component of modern minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Useful modalities can include:

• Echocardiography
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• CT
• 3D reconstruction
• Procedural imaging

Imaging for Surgical Planning

Limited-access procedures can reduce the surgeon’s direct exposure to anatomy.

This makes preoperative imaging especially important.

A practical pathway is:

Define Anatomy → Identify Pathology → Plan Access → Anticipate Technical Challenges → Perform Procedure

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is particularly important in:

• Mitral valve disease
• Aortic valve disease
• Structural heart procedures
• Intraoperative assessment
• Post-repair evaluation

CT Planning

CT can provide useful information regarding:

• Aortic anatomy
• Peripheral vascular access
• Calcification
• Chest anatomy
• Cannulation planning
• Structural heart procedures

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery – ERAS

The 2026 educational content includes Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

ERAS aims to standardize perioperative pathways to support:

• Faster recovery
• Early mobilization
• Better pain management
• Reduced unnecessary variability
• Improved multidisciplinary coordination

ERAS in MICS

Minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery are related but distinct concepts.

A smaller incision alone does not create an effective recovery pathway.

ERAS requires coordination involving:

• Preoperative preparation
• Anesthesia
• Surgery
• Pain management
• Mobilization
• Nutrition
• Postoperative care

Standardized Recovery Pathways

A practical framework is:

Prehabilitation → Optimized Anesthesia → Minimally Invasive Surgery → Multimodal Analgesia → Early Mobilization → Structured Discharge

The exact pathway should be adapted to local clinical practice.

Artificial Intelligence in Cardiac Surgery

One of the particularly forward-looking topics in the 2026 Re-Evolution educational content is:

Artificial Intelligence in Cardiac Surgery: Building the AI-Enhanced Operating Room

AI may increasingly contribute to areas such as:

• Surgical planning
• Imaging interpretation
• Workflow optimization
• Decision support
• Data analysis
• Intraoperative information integration
• Outcome prediction
• Training

AI-Enhanced Cardiac Operating Room

The future cardiac operating room may integrate information from:

• Imaging
• Hemodynamics
• Anesthesia systems
• Surgical video
• Robotic systems
• Electronic medical records
• Predictive algorithms

The educational challenge is determining how these technologies can support—not replace—clinical judgment.

The Future Cardiac Surgeon in the Age of AI

The 2026 Re-Evolution educational series also explores how cardiac surgical practice and training may evolve as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare.

Future surgeons may need competency not only in:

• Anatomy
• Operative technique
• Perioperative care

but also in:

• Data interpretation
• AI-assisted decision-making
• Robotic technology
• Digital surgery
• Advanced imaging

Emerging Technologies in Cardiac Surgery

Innovation in MICS may include:

• Robotic platforms
• Endoscopic instruments
• Automated suturing technologies
• Advanced imaging
• Transcatheter devices
• AI-assisted systems
• Simulation
• Hybrid procedures

The key principle remains that technology should support:

Safe, Reproducible and Clinically Appropriate Surgery

rather than innovation for its own sake.

Training the Next Generation

The official Re-Evolution curriculum specifically includes discussion of how to train future cardiac surgeons.

This is particularly important because minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery introduces a different learning environment from conventional open procedures.

MICS Training

A structured learning pathway may involve:

Anatomic Knowledge → Simulation → Observation → Hands-On Lab → Mentorship → Selected Cases → Progressive Complexity

Fellowship Training & International Mentorship

The 2026 educational content also addresses building minimally invasive cardiac surgery skills through:

• Fellowships
• Mentorship
• International collaboration
• Structured exposure
• Progressive procedural responsibility

Learning Curve

The learning curve in minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves more than the surgeon.

The entire team must adapt.

Important team members include:

• Cardiac surgeons
• Anesthesiologists
• Perfusionists
• Operating-room nurses
• Surgical assistants
• Imaging specialists
• Interventional cardiologists

Building a MICS Program

Successful programs require:

• Appropriate patient selection
• Standardized protocols
• Experienced staff
• Reliable equipment
• Institutional support
• Appropriate training
• Quality monitoring
• Complication review

Complication Avoidance & Surgical Safety

Minimally invasive access introduces specific technical challenges.

Potential concerns can include:

• Vascular access complications
• Bleeding
• Inadequate exposure
• Conversion
• Neurologic complications
• Cannulation problems
• Valve-related complications
• Procedure-specific injuries

Patient safety requires both prevention and preparation for rescue strategies.

Direct Vision & Endoscopic Mini-Thoracotomy

The official 2026 summit specifically emphasizes:

Direct Vision & Endoscopic Mini-Thoracotomy Approaches

These approaches provide a bridge between conventional cardiac surgery and fully endoscopic or robotic procedures.

Patient Selection

Minimally invasive surgery is not automatically the best strategy for every cardiac patient.

Selection may involve:

• Cardiac pathology
• Anatomy
• Previous operations
• Chest anatomy
• Peripheral vascular anatomy
• Comorbidities
• Surgical complexity
• Team experience

The objective is:

Choose the Best Procedure for the Patient, Not Simply the Smallest Incision

Major Topics Covered

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
• MICS
• Robotic Cardiac Surgery
• Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery
• Mini-Thoracotomy
• Mitral Valve Repair
• Minimally Invasive Mitral Surgery
• Robotic Mitral Surgery
• Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
• AF Ablation
• Aortic Valve Replacement
• AVR
• Endoscopic AVR
• Robotic AVR
• TAVR
• TAVI
• Structural Heart Surgery
• Coronary Artery Disease
• CABG
• Minimally Invasive CABG
• Robotic Coronary Surgery
• Hybrid Coronary Revascularization
• Aortic Disease
• Advanced Cardiac Imaging
• ERAS
• Enhanced Recovery
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI in Cardiac Surgery
• AI-Enhanced Operating Room
• Cardiac Surgery Training
• Surgical Simulation
• Emerging Cardiac Technologies

Who Should Take This Course?

The official summit target audience includes:

• Cardiovascular Surgeons
• Cardiac Surgeons
• Cardiothoracic Surgeons
• Interventional Cardiologists
• Physician Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• Nurses
• Other Cardiovascular Healthcare Professionals
• Fellows
• Residents
• Students

The MedicalAmboss package is particularly relevant for:

• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgeons
• Robotic Cardiac Surgeons
• Structural Heart Specialists
• Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellows
• Cardiac Surgery Residents
• Interventional Cardiologists interested in heart-team procedures
• Surgeons developing MICS programs

Why This Course Is Useful

The Houston Methodist Re-Evolution MICS Summit 2026 provides a broad view of where modern cardiac surgery is moving.

The program connects:

Conventional Cardiac Surgery → Minimally Invasive Access → Endoscopy → Robotics → Transcatheter Therapy → Hybrid Surgery → AI

Learners can review:

• Mitral valve repair
• AF surgery
• Minimally invasive AVR
• Endoscopic cardiac surgery
• Robotic cardiac surgery
• TAVR
• Minimally invasive CABG
• Hybrid coronary strategies
• Aortic disease
• Advanced imaging
• ERAS
• AI in the operating room
• Surgical program development
• Training and mentorship
• Emerging technology

Original 2026 Summit Accreditation

The original live Re-Evolution Summit was designated for a maximum of:

9.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

for eligible physician participants completing the official activity requirements.

The original program also provided applicable continuing-education recognition for other eligible healthcare professionals according to the official accreditation structure.

Important MedicalAmboss CME Notice

The MedicalAmboss digital package does not include official live-conference CME access or a CME certificate.

Therefore, do not advertise the digital package as:

• 9 CME Credits Included
• Houston Methodist CME Included
• Amedco CME Included
• Official Re-Evolution Certificate Included

The accurate wording is:

Original 2026 Live Activity: Up to 9.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

and separately:

MedicalAmboss Digital Package: CME / Certificate Not Included

Important Package Scope

The original Re-Evolution Summit included:

• Live cases
• Hands-on training
• Laboratory activities
• In-person interaction with faculty

The MedicalAmboss package should not be presented as providing those in-person components.

The digital package contains:

29 Recorded Video Presentations + Subtitle Files

only.

Package / Delivery Information

• Product: Houston Methodist 14th Annual Re-Evolution Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Summit 2026
• Provider: Houston Methodist
• Dates: March 26–27, 2026
• Videos: 29
• Subtitles: Included
• Duration: Approximately 11 Hours
• Format: Videos + Subtitle Files
• Offline Viewing: Available after download
• Delivery: Digital
• PDF Files: Not Included
• Slides: Not Included
• Syllabus: Not Included
• Handouts: Not Included
• CME Points with MedicalAmboss: Not Included
• Certificate: Not Included

4. Short Description

Houston Methodist 14th Annual Re-Evolution Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Summit 2026 provides advanced education in minimally invasive, robotic, endoscopic, hybrid, and transcatheter cardiac surgery.

The package includes 29 expert video presentations + subtitle files with approximately 11 hours of content covering mitral valve repair, atrial fibrillation surgery, AVR, TAVR/TAVI, endoscopic and robotic cardiac surgery, minimally invasive coronary bypass, aortic disease, advanced imaging, ERAS, surgical training, emerging technology, and artificial intelligence in the cardiac operating room.

Topics & Runtime

1. Severe Aortic Regurgitation: Endoscopic AVR — 69:14
2. Robotic Mitral Surgery: LAA Closure — 05:35
3. Building a Robotic Mitral Valve Program — 18:01
4. Minithoracotomy AVR: Step by Step — 13:22
5. Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2026 — 27:30
6. Mini Maze & Modern AF Surgery — 44:42
7. Re-Evolution Talks: Ramchandani & Velicki — 19:35
8. Re-Evolution Talks: Sarfaraz & Murtaza — 26:22
9. Re-Evolution Talks: Ramchandani & Knight — 26:53
10. AI-Enhanced Cardiac Operating Room — 15:49
11. Re-Evolution Talks: Sarfaraz & Bisleri — 25:27
12. TAVR-First vs SAVR-First in Younger Patients — 32:16
13. Mini-Thoracotomy AVR + Annular Enlargement — 23:38
14. MICS & ERAS: Faster Recovery — 18:42
15. When NOT to Offer Minimally Invasive Mitral Surgery — 22:52
16. Emerging TAVR, TMVR & TR Technologies — 17:07
17. Robotic Aortic Valve Surgery — 14:00
18. Re-Evolution Talks: Ramchandani & Granov — 26:11
19. Advanced Imaging in MICS — 21:50
20. Minimally Invasive Mitral Re-Operations — 18:27
21. 2026 Summit Welcome & Course Vision — 08:32
22. Transition to Total Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery — 23:06
23. MICS Training, Fellowships & Mentorship — 19:54
24. Endoscopic Mitral Repair in 2026 — 14:04
25. AVR Disaster: Houston, We Have a Problem — 11:55
26. TAVI vs SAVR: First-Line Therapy — 27:04
27. Endoscopic Aortic Valve Replacement — 20:22
28. Failed MitraClip: Endoscopic Mitral Valve Replacement + AF Ablation — 70:51
29. Ascending Aorta & Hemiarch via Mini-Thoracotomy — 13:33

Key Topics

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery • Robotic Cardiac Surgery • Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery • Mitral Valve Repair • Aortic Valve Replacement • TAVR/TAVI • SAVR • AF Ablation • Mini Maze • Structural Heart Surgery • Advanced Cardiac Imaging • ERAS • Artificial Intelligence in Cardiac Surgery

Target Audience

Cardiac Surgeons • Cardiothoracic Surgeons • Cardiologists • Structural Heart Specialists • Fellows • Residents • Healthcare Professionals involved in minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery

Format

Videos + Subtitle Files Only

⚠️ Please Note: There are no PDFs, presentation slides, syllabus files, or handouts included with this package.