First robot-assisted heart valve replacement performed in North Cyprus

The operation took place on October 1, treating a patient in their 50s with a leaking heart valve. Known as the mitral valve, it helps control blood flow between two chambers of the heart.

Cardiovascular surgeon Dr Ozan Emiroğlu said the faulty valve was replaced through four small openings in the chest, avoiding the need to open the breastbone as in conventional surgery.

Dr Dinçyürek, who visited the patient following the operation, said they were recovering well and in good spirits.

He said the robot-assisted approach offered significant benefits, including smaller incisions and the potential for shorter intensive care stays, quicker wound healing and fewer complications.

The minister added that steps were being taken to expand the use of robotic surgery across medical specialties, thanking the surgical team and everyone involved.

“Healthcare in North Cyprus is developing,” he said.

Dr Emiroğlu said the country’s cardiovascular surgery services, established around 20 years ago, were continuing to adopt technological advances in line with developments internationally.

He added that heart bypass operations could also be performed through four small openings in the future, and thanked the ward, intensive care and operating theatre teams, alongside the minister and ministry officials, for supporting the introduction of the technology.

Speaking after the operation, the patient said their recovery had been comfortable.

“I had no pain in intensive care, and I had no problems when I moved to the ward,” the patient said. “I feel very well now. I thank everyone involved.”