Cleveland Clinic Clarifies RFK Jr. Did Not Control Robotic Instruments During Live Heart Surgery

Cleveland Clinic in Ohio has confirmed that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not operate robotic hands on a live patient undergoing heart surgery, prompting a correction to an initial KFF Health News report on the matter.

's visit to the Cleveland Clinic. The initial version stated that under the careful watch of a surgeon, and with the machine disconnected, Kennedy briefly tested the teaching console of the Cleveland Clinic’s robotic hands with a live patient splayed open for heart surgery in the room. ” Brandy Zadrozny's X post sharing the screengrab garnered more than 194,000 views.

Social media users commented on Brandy Zadrozny's post asking whether the patient had consented and whether Kennedy Jr. carried out correct hygiene procedures. The original KFF Health News report claiming Kennedy Jr.

Operated robotic hands on a live patient has been corrected. Cleveland Clinic called KFF Health News reporter Amanda Seitz to say the robotic hands were disconnected from the patient when Kennedy Jr. used it.

I asked about his use of the machine in the OR and was not told it was disconnected. ” Brandy Zadrozny shared Amanda Seitz's update on X alongside the original post.

Surgeon Vamsi Aribindi provided an explanation that was shared by Amanda Seitz. Kennedy Jr.

Jordan King is the US News Reporter who wrote the Newsweek article. The article was published by Newsweek, a Trust Project member.