Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery - Dr. Kishor Deore

Minimally invasive heart surgery, also known as minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), refers to surgical techniques that aim to treat various heart conditions through smaller incisions and less disruption to the chest and surrounding tissues compared to traditional open-heart surgery. This approach often results in faster recovery times, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays.

Here are some common types of minimally invasive heart surgeries

1. Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): This procedure involves bypassing blocked coronary arteries using grafts from other blood vessels. Minimally invasive CABG is typically done through small incisions in the chest and may not require opening the sternum (breastbone). It's suitable for patients with single or double-vessel disease.
2. Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: This type of surgery is used to repair or replace heart valves, such as the mitral or aortic valve. Minimally invasive techniques involve small incisions on the side of the chest, which can lead to faster recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open-heart valve surgery.
3. Minimally Invasive Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) or Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Closure: ASD or VSD closure involves repairing holes in the walls that separate the heart's chambers. Minimally invasive approaches use small incisions and guided instruments to close these defects, reducing the need for open-heart surgery.
4. Minimally Invasive Aortic Aneurysm Repair: For patients with an aortic aneurysm (enlarged aorta), minimally invasive procedures involve placing stent grafts through small incisions to reinforce the weakened area of the aorta. This technique is less invasive than traditional open aortic surgery.
5. Minimally Invasive Maze Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) can be treated through a minimally invasive maze procedure, where small incisions or energy sources (such as radiofrequency) create scar tissue to redirect the heart's electrical signals and restore a regular rhythm.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery:

• Smaller incisions result in less pain and scarring.
• Reduced risk of infection.
• Quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.
• Less blood loss during surgery.
• Lower risk of complications, such as lung infections.
• Often performed under general anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with being under anesthesia for a long time.