What Does Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Do?

Minimally invasive heart surgery is a form of heart surgery that is much less traumatic to the body. Most surgeons use sophisticated instruments, cameras, robotic devices, and hybrid techniques to aid them in performing the operation.

Traditional heart surgery requires that the sternum is split open for access to the heart. The procedure is completed through a large 6 – 8 inch incision in the chest and requires the use of a heart lung machine.

On the other hand, minimally invasive heart surgery, also known as key hole surgery, is completed through several small dime-sized “key holes” in the chest or through a 2 – 5 inch incision in the side of the chest. Due to the smaller incision, the breast bone is preserved and there are much better cosmetic results. It also does not usually require the use of a heart lung machine. There are a number of other benefits associated with minimally invasive heart surgery, such as a shorter hospital stay, shorter recovery time, and a decreased risk of complications, infection, bleeding, and blood transfusions.

Minimally invasive heart surgery is especially ideal for people who have previously had open heart surgery. It is also ideal for those who need to return to work and normal daily activities quickly. There is a shorter, easier recovery process associated with the minimally invasive procedure so it is easier to resume normal activities much faster. The minimally invasive approach has a recovery time of about 2 – 3 weeks versus around 6 weeks with the traditional approach.

Most surgeons choose the minimally invasive approach whenever possible. However, minimally invasive heart surgery is not right for everyone. Your surgeon of choice will carefully review your diagnostic test and will compare the advantages and disadvantages of the minimally invasive approach and traditional heart surgery to determine which technique is better for your situation.