A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The system may also have a robotically controlled endoscope which allows the surgeon to remotely view the surgical site.