Any form of cardiac surgery requires remarkable skill, precision and experience. But off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery – that is, a “beating heart” surgery – demands an even higher level of expertise. For Dr. Francis P. Sutter, DO, FACS, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Lankenau Medical Center just outside Philadelphia, this delicate procedure is not just a technical challenge—it’s an art form he has perfected over decades.
As part of our series celebrating mentorship in medicine, we are highlighting the incredible contributions Dr. Sutter has made to the field of cardiac surgery. His dedication to shaping both careers and surgical techniques has had a profound impact on the medical community.
And we would love to hear about your greatest mentor! Nominate them for Transonic’s Mentorship Award and help us honor the individuals who are making a difference in shaping the future of medicine.
A Pioneer in Robotic-Assisted Coronary Bypass Surgery
Dr. Sutter has dedicated his career as an osteopathic cardiac surgeon to advancing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), helping reduce the risks associated with traditional cardiac surgery and improving patient outcomes.
A passionate advocate of advanced technologies in surgery, Dr. Sutter has performed more robotic-assisted bypass surgeries than any other surgeon in the United States, cementing his reputation as a leader and mentor in the field.
His pioneering work in this area has both transformed how coronary artery disease is treated and set a new standard for patient care and surgical innovation. By minimizing the procedure’s invasiveness, Dr. Sutter helps his patients return to their lives faster, with fewer long-term complications.
The Art of the “Perfect Stitch”
Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional surgery where the chest is fully opened, the minimally invasive approach uses small incisions, limiting the surgeon’s ability to maneuver. Dr. Sutter, however, has mastered the challenge of creating the “perfect stitch” in these conditions.
“When you have the chest wide open, you can contort your arms, your hands, and your wrists to get the perfect stitch,” Dr. Sutter explains. “When you’re going through a small opening, you really have to have the perfect stitch, but you don’t have as many options to make it.”
We are proud that Dr. Sutter relies on Transonic’s flow measurement tools in every procedure. Our technology helps him verify blood flow through the coronary arteries is optimal and that his sutures are as precise as possible.
“Every day, I use it. Every day, I make sure the flows are perfect,” says Dr. Sutter about Transonic’s transit-time ultrasound technology. “I really think that it makes all the difference in the world to be able to use the Transonic.”
A Commitment to Innovation and the Medical Community
Dr. Sutter’s decades-long career as a cardiac surgeon has been marked by a relentless pursuit of better outcomes for his patients, reducing the risks and complications associated with traditional CABG procedures. Dr. Sutter’s work has advanced the field of coronary artery surgery as well as set the stage for the continued evolution of minimally invasive techniques.
His commitment to innovation and patient care aligns with our own mission here at Transonic to provide technology that empowers surgeons to achieve the highest levels of precision and success in their procedures. By combining innovation with mentorship, Dr. Sutter continues to make a profound impact on both his peers and the greater medical community.