ECU surgeon performs 400th robotic-assisted heart valve repair

GREENVILLE, N.C. — W. Randolph Chitwood, a surgeon at Pitt County Memorial Hospital and a teacher at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, performed his 400th robotic-assisted heart valve repair on June 20.

Chitwood is a pioneer in the use of robotic devices in surgical procedures.

According to ECU, Chitwood has performed more of these procedures, which involve the mitral valve, than any other surgeon. ECU was the first place where such a procedure was performed in the U.S. in 2000.

Chitwood performed the 400th operation during a training program for 11 other cardiac surgeons.

“By integrating computer-enhanced technology with the surgeons’ technical skills, robotic-assisted procedures enable surgeons to perform better surgery in a manner never before experienced,” Chitwood said in a statement.