BALTIMORE - Patients who need a single or double bypass have a new, less-invasive option that does not require cracking open the chest cavity.

The robot-assisted procedure allows patients to recover faster and with fewer complications than traditional methods, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center -- one of only a handful of centers worldwide offering the procedure.

Alexandra Sims knows about the risks of the more traditional surgery. While walking in August, the 57-year-old felt an awful, yet familiar pain.

"I'd feel a burning, cramping across my chest and back," said Sims.

Five years ago, she felt the same pain, just before a heart attack.

It turned out, one of her coronary arteries was clogged again, and she needed bypass surgery.

Doctors at University of Maryland Medical Center gave her two options: traditional surgery -- where they'd make a twelve-inch incision and split her sternum to access her heart -- or a new method using a robot -- that requires just four small holes to insert a camera and instruments.

"It would be less invasive and quicker recovery -- I was all for it," said Sims.

Dr. Johannes Bonatti performed the surgery by controlling a robot from a console. The controllers allowed him to be tremor-free.

A recent University of Maryland study found the robotic procedure provided fewer complications than conventional open-heart surgery, provided a quicker recovery, and was more cost-effective.

"They will return to everyday activities in 2, 3, 4 weeks instead of 2 - to - 3 months after conventional operation," Dr. Bonatti said.

Sims left the hospital three days after surgery. She was thrilled to be able to hold her first grandchild, who was born just three weeks after her procedure.

"I could do whatever I wanted to do after two weeks -- it was great. As far as surgeries go, it was great," said Sims.

Right now the procedure is for patients who need one or two bypasses, but research is underway to help patients who need three or four as well.