Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive heart surgery is performed through small incisions, sometimes using specialized surgical instruments. The surgical team will carefully compare the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive techniques versus traditional surgery techniques.

Types of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgeries

1. Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Valve surgeries, including valve repairs and valve replacements, are the most common type of minimally invasive surgery.

2. Minimally Invasive CABG Surgery: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery. We define minimally invasive coronary bypass as any procedure performed without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and/or through a minimal access approach (that is, non-median sternotomy). Saphenous (leg) vein harvest can be performed using small incisions. Several techniques for minimally invasive CABG surgery are being explored, including surgeries performed on a beating (off-pump) or non-beating (on-pump) heart. Off-pump/beating heart bypass surgery allows surgeons to perform surgery on the heart while it is still beating. The surgeon uses advanced operating equipment to stabilize (hold) portions of the heart; meanwhile, the rest of the heart keeps pumping and circulating blood to the body.

3. Robotically Assisted Heart Surgeries

4. Robotically Assisted Valve Surgery

5. Robotically Assisted Bypass Surgery

6. Robotically Assisted ASD and PFO Repair

Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive or Robotic Surgery?

The surgical team will carefully compare the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques with those of traditional surgery for the patient. The type of treatment recommended for your condition depends on several factors, including the type and severity of heart disease, age, medical history and lifestyle.