SARASOTA, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2025) – This week, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System marked its 1,000th minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). The milestone procedure, performed by Jonathan Hoffberger, DO, of First Physicians Group, repairs or replaces heart valves through a small incision between the ribs.
Instead of a sternotomy, which requires a 12- to 14-inch incision through the breastbone, many open-heart surgeries can now be performed through tiny 2 to 3-inch incisions between the ribs - thanks to advances in MICS, and the skill of experienced surgeons like Dr. Hoffberger. By avoiding cutting through the breastbone, MICS helps to reduce pain, infection risk, and recovery time. Patients typically spend less time in the hospital and are able to return to their normal routines much sooner, all while achieving the same excellent results as traditional open-heart procedures.
“Reaching 1,000 minimally invasive surgeries at SMH is a remarkable achievement for our entire heart team,” said Dr. Hoffberger. “It highlights the commitment we have made to delivering the highest-quality care with the most advanced procedures for our patients. I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and provide to our community.”
Dr. Hoffberger, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, was recently appointed Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at SMH, succeeding Jeffrey Sell, MD. Since joining Sarasota Memorial in 2015, Dr. Hoffberger developed the MICS program at SMH, while helping expand the health system’s robotic-assisted and minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery offerings. He has previously served in numerous hospital leadership positions including SMH Chief of Surgery in 2020, and Chief of Staff in 2023.
Sarasota Memorial’s cardiac program consistently ranks among the best in the nation. The hospital has been nationally recognized for heart attack, heart failure, and cardiac surgery outcomes. Among the many recognitions, SMH has received the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award five times, and Drs. Hoffberger and Sell were both included this year in Newsweek’s list of “America’s Leading Doctors.”
For more information about Sarasota Memorial’s heart and vascular services, visit smh.com/heart.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers, and nearly 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and encouraging community members to visit smh.com/100 throughout the year for centennial events and updates.