When Rodney was just 35 years old, his primary care physician at another health system noticed he had a heart murmur and diagnosed Rodney with moderate mitral valve prolapse. Rodney’s condition—in which one of the heart’s valves doesn’t close properly and allows blood to back up into the heart—seemed manageable. He continued regular checkups and stayed active by hiking, interval training, and scuba diving. He was living life without major limitations or symptoms.  

However, after he moved to Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rodney saw a new primary care physician—and that doctor determined his condition progressed beyond the initial diagnosis and became more serious. 

“My physician thought the mitral valve prolapse was more than moderate and urged me to see a cardiologist,” Rodney says. 

His cardiologist explained that if the mitral valve failed to seal properly, Rodney may develop a condition known as mitral regurgitation where blood leaks into the heart, overworking it, and eventually leading to heart failure. Rodney’s life was at risk. 

“I was told I’d need to get my mitral valve repaired, and it might be better to do it while I was younger and in good health,” Rodney says. “That way, the recovery would likely be easier and faster.” 

Late last year, Rodney, now 55, decided it was time to have the surgery. However, Rodney didn’t want to endure open-heart surgery—he was hoping for something less invasive. He found exactly that at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the only hospital within 200 miles offering an innovative robotic mitral valve repair and the closest location to where he lived in Arkansas.  

Barnes-Jewish Hospital, with WashU Medicine, provides a comprehensive range of treatments available for patients with varying valve conditions. 

Rodney’s cardiologist referred him to Tsuyoshi Kaneko, MD, a WashU Medicine cardiothoracic surgeon, who performed the hospital’s first robotic mitral valve surgery earlier that year.  

Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which involves spreading the breastbone, the robotic procedure goes between the ribs. Using a small incision that is less than two inches and a high-definition 3D camera, the physician controls the robotic instruments while viewing detailed images on monitoring screens. This allows better visualization and precision, leading to a smoother recovery and less pain.  

“We operate through tiny ports between the ribs,” Dr. Kaneko says. “Our instruments articulate like a human wrist. It’s like having super-fine forearms inside the chest. Patients often experience faster recovery time, minimal scarring, minimal pain, and are up and walking within a day. For active patients like Rodney, it’s a game-changer.” 

Rodney’s experience echoed that. In November 2024, he became one of the few patients in the United States to undergo the robotic mitral valve repair, and the surgery was a success.  

“I attribute my recovery to the surgery being robotic,” Rodney says. “I was out of intensive care in under 24 hours. I was able to sit up and move around after the surgery. Physical therapy came to see me to make sure I could walk, and I did great. They didn’t have to come back.” 

“The team at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine was amazing,” he continues. “They were professional, kind, and caring. It made all the difference.”  

Dr. Kaneko says that for patients with mitral regurgitation, early detection and timely repair is important. Since Rodney’s surgery, Dr. Kaneko continues to perform this innovative procedure to treat patients with mitral regurgitation.  

“Each successful case reinforces our commitment to this technology,” Dr. Kaneko says. “Our goal is to combine surgical excellence with patient comfort to deliver world-class care.” 

Now back home in Arkansas, Rodney is looking forward to getting back to hiking, scuba diving, interval training, and finally taking a trip to Quebec that he’s been putting off.  

“This surgery gave me my momentum back,” Rodney says. 

More importantly, it gave him perspective.  

“I’ve learned not to take the heart for granted and to take care of my health,” he says. 

To learn more about the cardiac surgery program at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center or to make an appointment, call 888-230-8832.