For about 40 years, the sternotomy has been the gold standard for open heart surgery. Chest bones are split and patients' ribs are stretched open to allow access to the chest cavity.
The practice is still widely used, but many doctors are looking for less traumatic methods. A few surgeons in the nation are using some nimble-fingered robots to help repair hearts.
But as NHPR's Dianne Finch reports, not all surgeons are on board with the idea.
Web Extra: Robotic Surgery Slideshow
