PHOTO GALLERY: Cardiac surgery technologies at the AATS 106th Annual Meeting

A mitral valve annular ring for annuloplasty surgical repair made by Genesse at AATS 2026.

Aortic stent grafts to seal aortic aneurysms displayed in the Terumo booth.

A demo simulator for the AtriCure surgical left atrial appendage occluder (LAAO) on the expo floor at AATS 2026.

The Medtronic Mosaic Neo surgical mitral valve placed in a 3D-printed heart cutaway.

The FDA-cleared Abbott Tendyne transcatheter mitral valve replacement device. While the implant does not technically require surgery, the first-generation device does rely on surgical support for transapical access through the wall of the heart and sutures to both prevent bleeding and secure the device. Abbott said its second-generation device will enable a fully transcatheter delivery.

The Intuitive DaVinci robotic system on the expo floor at AATS 2026. The booth was packed most of the conference with attendees wanting to try out the robotic system that helps make minimally invasive heart surgeries possible with more controlled, precise movements.

The Medtronic Mosaic Neo surgical mitral valve.

The Navitor transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device along with MitraClip and TriClip mitral and tricuspid valve leaflet repair devices in a heart model at Abbott's booth during AATS 2026.

The self-expanding nitinol frames of the Navitor transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on display in Abbott's booth at AATS 2026.

The Medtronic Avalus aortic surgical valve.

Mitral surgical valves on display in Abbott's booth at AATS 2026.

An AATS 2026 structural heart presentation showing the rapid rise in TAVR and related drop in SAVR procedures after the American College of Cardiology guidelines endorsed the wider use of TAVR. 

The small robotic tips of the arms on the Intuitive DaVinci robotic system performing a demonstration surgery. 

The Intuitive DaVinci robotic system on the expo floor at AATS 2026. The booth was packed most of the conference with attendees wanting to try out the robotic system that helps make minimally invasive heart surgeries possible with  more controlled, precise movements.

The American Association for Thoracic Surgeons (AATS) logo was a popular spot for selfies at the conference.

The Intuitive DaVinci robotic system on the expo floor at AATS 2026. The booth was packed most of the conference with attendees wanting to try out the robotic system that helps make minimally invasive heart surgeries possible with much more controlled and precise movements.

An attendee trying out the controls to manipulate the arms of a DaVinci surgical robot on the expo floor of AATS 2026.

The Berlin Heart pediatric, neonate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system on display at AATS 2026.

A Cook aortic stent graft on display at AATS 2026.

Cardiovascular surgery chest retractor displayed in the Exler Surgical booth at AATS 2026.

A pulsed field ablation (PFA) surgical ablation system shown as a work in progress by Pulse Bioscience. It uses nano-pulse energy waves to cause electroporation of cell walls to initiate cell death, and it is considered safer than traditional ablation systems. The company also has a catheter-based nPulse energy system in trials for EP labs. The system is not yet cleared by the FDA.

Hand movements can be used to rotate, enlarge and cut through 3D renderings of CT images on an overhead screen during procedures without the surgeon needing to break the sterile field. This was a demo in the Ziosoft booth at AATS 2026.

Lung tumor measurements and its relation in the anatomy from a pre-operative advanced visualization workup that can be referenced during surgery.

A tricuspid annular ring surgical repair device used to change the geometry of the leaflets to create a better seal to prevent regurgitation. Displayed in the Genesse booth. Unlike mitral and aortic annuloplasty rings, the tricuspid rings are open on one side to prevent sutures cause arrhythmias because of the close proximity of the atrioventricular (AV) node in the atrial septum. 

Chest retractor for open heart surgery displayed by Arthrex at AATS 2026.

Sternotomy retractor for neonates and pediatric patients made by Rultract on display at AATS 2026.

Sternotomy retractor for neonates and pediatric patients made by Rultract on display at AATS 2026.

Titanium sternal closure bracket to help close the chest after cardiac surgery, displayed in the J&J MedTech booth at AATS 2026.

A specialized women's medical bra made by Masthead to help support the chest and breasts better during recovery from cardiac surgery. The company originally started out making bras for women undergoing breast radiation therapy, but other subspecialities like cardiac surgery began using them as well.

The FDA cleared Abbott Tendyne transcatheter mitral valve replacement device seen implanted into a 3D printed heart model. While it is technically transcatheter, the first generation device requires surgical support for transapical access through the wall of the heart and sutures to both prevent bleeding and tyo secure the device. Abbott said its second generation device enable a fully transcatheter delivery.

The Abbott Navitor TAVR stent frame.

The Edwards Lifesciences Resilia valve uses specially prepared tissue for the leaflets to prevent calcification and to better preserve longevity. New 10-year results from the COMMENCE trial showed 97.9% freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) and 97.8% freedom from re-operation due to SVD.