For a long time, patients in the Cayman Islands who needed complex heart surgery often had to travel overseas. Health City Cayman Islands has been working to change that, steadily building its cardiac programme to deliver advanced procedures locally.

The introduction of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery marks the next step in that progression, enhancing surgical precision and improving recovery for patients receiving care on island. With this advancement, Health City brings a level of heart care that has typically only been available in a limited number of centres globally.

The development of this capability has been deliberate. It follows a period of structured training and collaboration with Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in the US, one of the highest-volume robotic cardiac centres. This includes ongoing mentorship from Dr Douglas Murphy, a recognised leader in robotic cardiac surgery.

Procedures are now being carried out independently by Health City’s cardiac team, reflecting a fully established and locally embedded capability. This ensures that advanced robotic cardiac care can be delivered consistently on island, with a strong focus on precision, safety, and patient outcomes.

Procedures are now being carried out independently by Health City’s cardiac team, reflecting a fully established and locally embedded capability

From a clinical standpoint, the benefits are well established. Robotic mitral valve repair, for example, is associated with lower complication rates, including a reduced risk of stroke when compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic cardiac surgery also enables procedures to be performed through small incisions, rather than opening the chest. In practical terms, that means less trauma to the body, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery for patients. In established programmes, patients are often discharged within a couple of days and can return to normal activity within weeks rather than months.

Equally important is the access this creates. Being able to undergo advanced cardiac surgery in Cayman reduces the need for patients and their families to travel overseas at what is often a stressful and time-sensitive moment. It eases some of the logistical and financial burden associated with seeking care abroad, while allowing recovery to take place closer to home. This is particularly relevant for the wider Caribbean, where access to highly specialised cardiac procedures remains limited.

The programme at Health City will continue to expand over time, with procedures including valve repair and replacement, intracardiac tumour excision, and other robotic interventions forming part of its scope. As with any advanced service, growth will be measured and structured. The focus is not simply on introducing new technology, but on ensuring that it is delivered safely, consistently, and in a way that genuinely benefits patients.

More broadly, this development reflects a clear direction for healthcare in the Cayman Islands – one that prioritises building local capability, reducing reliance on overseas care, and improving access to advanced treatment within the region.

For patients, the impact is clear. It means being able to access complex cardiac care locally, without the disruption and uncertainty that often comes with travelling overseas.