15 years of experience
Team Responsible for the First Robotic Heart Surgery in Latin America
Robotic Cardiac Surgery Training Program for Latin America
This intensive one-week pre-clinical training program is designed to enable cardiac surgeons to become proficient in robotic cardiac surgery using the da Vinci® platform. Through structured theoretical instruction, simulation, and hands-on operating room exposure, participants acquire the technical and cognitive skills required to safely initiate robotic cardiac surgery in their home institutions.
Background / Pioneer Group
In 2010, the Poffo Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery began its Robotic Cardiac Surgery program with the first case performed in Latin America. Since then, it has established itself in Brazil as the only team with 15 years of experience in the field.
By completing all the stages of this training course, the surgeon will be eligible to apply to the Brazilian College of Surgeons (CBC) for the Robotic Surgery Certification, issued in partnership with the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB). This certification can only be obtained after completing all training stages at a CBC-accredited center.
Program Director
Dr. Robinson Poffo is the only tutor in robotic cardiac surgery recognized by the CBC, enabling complete and accredited training for the student at the end of all course stages (AMB).
1 - Objectives
To provide comprehensive theoretical and practical training in robotic cardiac surgery, allowing surgeons
to understand the fundamental principles of robotic surgery, master system controls and instrumentation,
and develop decision-making and problem-solving skills specific to the da Vinci® platform.
2 - Target Audience
This program is designed for experienced cardiac surgeons, particularly those with prior experience in
video-assisted or minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Younger or less experienced surgeons may also
be accepted, provided they have solid experience in independently performing complex conventional
cardiac procedures.
3 - Eligibility Requirements
Participants must be fully trained cardiac surgeons with independent operative experience.
4 - Course Structure
Step 1
Online Theoretical Training:
Asynchronous online instruction introducing the robotic platform, system architecture, terminology, and operational concepts, completed prior to on-site training
1
Step 1
Step 2
In-person Theoretical Course (4 hours):
Covers patient selection, indications, system docking, preoperative preparation, and postoperative management.
2
Step 2
Step 3
Simulation and Hands-on Training (28 hours):
Twenty-four hours of simulation using the Mimic® system, complemented by four hours of hands-on training on plastic and animal heart models, focusing on video-assisted skills and bedside surgeon techniques.
3
Step 3
Step 4
In-service Operating Room Training (4 hours):
Hands-on practice using the da Vinci Xi system, including core robotic skills and procedural simulation for mitral valve repair (neochordae
implantation and annuloplasty).
4
Step 4
5 - One-Week Detailed Timetable
Pre-course (Remote):
Completion of preparatory theoretical activities
Monday
Morning | 08:00–12:00In-person theoretical course
Afternoon | 13:00–17:00Simulation training
Tuesday and Wednesday
Morning | 08:00–12:00Simulation training
Afternoon | 13:00–17:00Simulation training
Thursday
Morning Hands-on training on plastic and animal heart models
AfternoonCase discussions
and procedural planning
Friday
Morning Simulation training
AfternoonLive observation of one robotic cardiac surgery case.
Saturday
Morning Simulation training
AfternoonFree time (self-guided)
Domingo
Morning In-service operating room training
Afternoon Live-in-a-Box case presentation and course wrap-up
6 - Certification
Successful participation in all components of this intensive one-week program prepares surgeons to transition into the clinical phase at their home institutions. Participants will receive an official certificate summarizing the complete pre-clinical training pathway.
Additional Information
Further information and enrollment:
coordenacao@institutopoffo.com
Course Director / Technical Director:
Dr. Robinson Poffo
Program Supervisor and Instructor:
Dr. Sergio Curcio
Instituto Poffo – Cirurgia Cardiovascular
Av. Guaramomis, 1176, Sala 41 – 4º andar
04076-012 | São Paulo – SP – Brazil
Tel.: +55-11 4393-3523 | coordenacao@institutopoffo.com