Minimally Invasive Heart

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Is feeling more tired just part of getting older? Yes, but not all fatigue is created equal. Most of my patients in their 60s and 70s assume low energy is age catching up, and often that's a fair guess.  What isn't normal is change that happens fast, over a couple of months instead of years. I can't tell from the outside whether that's aging or your heart. So we check, and let the results decide. #CardiacSurgeon #HeartHealth #HeartDisease #HealthAwareness #patienteducation

A proud day for our team at St. Michael’s Hospital.

Yesterday, we successfully launched our robotically-assisted CABG program, further expanding the advanced surgical options available to our patients. This milestone represents another important step in the evolution of our minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery program and establishes the first robotically-assisted CABG program of its kind in Toronto.

Achievements like this are never the result of a single individual. My sincere gratitude goes to the entire multidisciplinary team—nursing, anesthesia, ICU, cardiology, surgical colleagues, hospital leadership, and industry partners—whose preparation, expertise, commitment, and support made this possible.

On a personal note, this experience was made even more meaningful by the presence of Dr. Rosati, who joined us to support the implementation of a novel robotic IMA harvesting technique. Many years ago, Fabrizio was one of my trainees and mentees. Seeing him become an internationally recognized expert in this field, and having him now return to support our team, was an incredible full-circle moment and a source of immense pride.

Innovation advances patient care, but mentorship ensures that knowledge, skills, and passion continue to grow across generations.

Excited for what lies ahead as we continue to push the boundaries of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.

A proud day for our team at St. Michael’s Hospital. Yesterday, we successfully launched our robotically-assisted CABG program, further expanding the advanced surgical options available to our patients. This milestone represents another important step in the evolution of our minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery program and establishes the first robotically-assisted CABG program of its kind in Toronto. Achievements like this are never the result of a single individual. My sincere gratitude goes to the entire multidisciplinary team—nursing, anesthesia, ICU, cardiology, surgical colleagues, hospital leadership—whose preparation, expertise, commitment, and support made this possible. On a personal note, this experience was made even more meaningful by the presence of Dr. Fabrizio Rosati, who joined us to support the implementation of a novel robotic IMA harvesting technique. Many years ago, Fabrizio was one of my trainees and mentees. Seeing him become an internationally recognized expert in this field, and having him now return to support our team, was an incredible full-circle moment and a source of immense pride. Innovation advances patient care, but mentorship ensures that knowledge, skills, and passion continue to grow across generations. Excited for what lies ahead as we continue to push the boundaries of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery. #CardiacSurgery #RoboticSurgery #MICS #Innovation #Mentorship

Still reflecting on what was truly an unforgettable evening.

I am deeply humbled and honored by the premiere of The Rhythm of Life and by the opportunity to share a journey that spans two continents, countless relationships, and a lifelong fascination with the marvels of the human heart.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Joseph Gulizia, UniversalCare, and the sponsors for creating such an extraordinary event, and to Anthony Sarracco, Aldo Di Felice, Agatha Pezzi and TLN Media Group for bringing this story to life with authenticity, passion, and heart.

It was a true privilege to share this special evening with my dear friend Joe Vitale, whose remarkable impact on our community continues to inspire so many.

I am forever grateful to Vittoria and Aurora, who are my daily inspiration, to our families in Italy for their unwavering love and support, and to the many friends in Toronto who have become our second family over the years.

I would also like to recognize the incredible team at St. Michael’s Hospital, the hospital leadership and the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation whose dedication makes innovation possible every day.

I am equally appreciative of the support provided by Bob Sacco and CIBPA Toronto, whose friendship and commitment have helped advance our vision for minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery.

Most importantly, I am touched by the incredible support shown by everyone who attended and contributed to our mission. From launching Toronto’s first minimally invasive cardiac surgery program in 2021 to becoming one of the largest programs in Canada, this journey has always been about improving the lives of patients and their families.

If there is one lesson I have learned, it is that success is never a destination—it is the privilege of walking alongside extraordinary people. I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many of them.

Grateful beyond words.

🎙️ Excited to share that I was recently invited on the STS podcast Same Surgeon, Different Light.

It was a real honor to join Dr. Sara Pereira and Dr. Cherie Erkmen for a thoughtful and engaging conversation exploring the human side of surgery—our motivations, challenges, and what shapes us beyond the operating room.

We discussed not only the evolution of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery, but also the importance of innovation, collaboration, and maintaining perspective in a field that continues to rapidly evolve. These conversations are a powerful reminder that behind every technical advancement, there is a story, a team, and a purpose.

I am truly grateful to the The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the incredible opportunity to be part of this series.

🔗 You can listen to the episode here: https://www.sts.org/podcasts/174-s6-same-surgeon-different-light-w-dr-gianluigi-bisleri

During the past weekend, on his birthday, my friend and outstanding anesthesia colleague, Dr. Thomas George, spent most of the night on call in the OR with us managing an urgent and complex case — grateful for you calm presence … and always with a smile!

Happy Birthday Thomas — and thank you for your commitment to patient care !!!

A powerful way to close the year—and a defining moment for the future of cardiac surgery—recently took place at St. Michael’s Hospital.

As shared by Global News, our team successfully completed a world-first robotic cardiac procedure to treat a rare congenital heart condition.
A milestone that goes beyond technical achievement—it reshapes how we imagine care.

This is about redefining what’s possible:
rethinking invasiveness, precision, recovery, and access.
Robotics is not the destination—it’s the enabler of a broader vision where complex cardiac care becomes safer, more reproducible, and truly patient-centered.

Progress like this is never about one individual.
It comes from aligned teams, shared ambition, and the courage to build something new—together with surgery, anesthesia, nursing, ICU teams, and hospital leadership who have consistently believed in and supported this vision.

Deeply grateful to our partners and donors whose relentless support makes innovation like this possible.

We are still at the beginning—but moments like this remind us that when vision meets preparation, transformation follows.

Grateful to be part of a team shaping what’s next—together.

Two robotic cardiac procedures completed by 4:30 pm!!
That’s what happens when preparation, precision, and exceptional teamwork come together.

Proud of this outstanding OR team which has been working seamlessly to push the boundaries of what’s possible in robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

This is not about speed alone.
It’s about efficiency without compromise, patient-centered innovation, and building a system that consistently delivers complex care at the highest level.

Grateful to be part of a team that keeps pushing the envelope—together.

Truly energized after being part of our annual Canadian Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) Conference in Canmore 🇨🇦🏔️

This meeting continues to be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our growing MICS community, witness a thriving and mature minimally invasive ecosystem, and engage in open, constructive, and collegial dialogue. The atmosphere of camaraderie and willingness to share experiences—successes and challenges alike—remains one of the defining strengths of this conference.

I was particularly thrilled to share the implementation of a robotic approach within our already robust MICS program, developed together with Dan Burns. Seeing the level of interest and the thoughtful discussions around robotics in the Canadian context was incredibly encouraging and speaks to where our field is heading.

Equally exciting was seeing how our simulation platform for minimally invasive mitral surgery has now become a regular and integral component of the educational experience for trainees. Watching learners engage, practice, and refine complex skills in a safe and structured environment reinforces how essential simulation has become for the next generation of cardiac surgeons.

Looking forward to building on this momentum—together.