Synopsis:
Cardiac Surgery, also known as Heart Surgery are surgical procedures to correct a range of heart diseases. Conventional Cardiac Surgery requires vertical full length splitting of the Sternum (Breast Bone) to access the heart. With advance in technology, cardiac surgical procedures can now be performed through much smaller incisions. This alternate approach to conventional surgery is called Minimally Invasive Heart/Cardiac Surgery (MICS).
An incision of approximately 2 to 3 inches is made in between the ribs on either left or right side and/or upper mid-line of chest depending on surgery being performed. The Operation Theatre used to perform this procedure has to be equipped with specially designed Surgical Instruments. The Surgeon and his team have to be experienced and trained to perform these surgeries.
A range of cardiac surgical procedures can be performed using minimal invasive surgical approach. These include:
- Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery (MICAS)
- Minimally Invasive Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure
- Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement
(Please click and follow the links above to know more about a specific surgical procedure.)
The Surgeon determines whether a patient is suitable candidate for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) based on following:
- Physical examination and attributes of Patient
- Detailed medical history of Patient
- Results of specific investigations
All patients do not meet the criteria required for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS). In rare cases, if the Surgeon feels that it is not safe to continue with the planned minimal invasive approach, they might convert the procedure to Conventional Open Heart Surgery.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS)
- As the size of incision is significantly smaller than conventional surgery, the patient recovers faster, spends lesser time in the hospital and quickly returns to their normal routine.
- The patient experiences significantly lesser pain after surgery.
- The patients has lesser blood loss.
- Minimally Invasive Surgical procedure leaves a smaller scar.
