minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Minimally invasive heart surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the heart using techniques that involve smaller incisions and specialized instruments compared to traditional open-heart surgery. The goal of minimally invasive techniques is to achieve the same surgical outcomes with less trauma to the body, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for patients.

In minimally invasive heart surgery, surgeons typically make small incisions between the ribs or through the breastbone, rather than cutting through the breastbone (sternotomy) as in traditional open-heart surgery. Through these small incisions, surgeons use specialized instruments and miniature cameras (endoscopes) to access and operate on the heart.

Minimally invasive heart surgery can be used to treat various heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, atrial septal defects, and some types of arrhythmias. Common procedures performed using minimally invasive techniques include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and maze procedures for atrial fibrillation.

Procedures:

• Minimally Invasive CABG
• Valve repairs / replacements
• Intracardiac repairs, Closure of ASD, VSD
• LA Myxomas

Advantages Of MICS

• Reduced Operative trauma
• No splitting of breast bone
• Reduction in Pain
• Minimal risk of Infection
• Lower Risk of Bleeding
• Reduced ICU and hospital Stay i.e 3-4 days after MICS as compared to more than 8-10 days after conventional surgery
• Improved post Operative pulmonary function
• Rapid Recovery and getting back to Life
• Minimal life style restriction
• Improved quality of life
• Greatly Improved cosmesis

However, not all patients are suitable candidates for minimally invasive heart surgery, and the feasibility of the approach depends on various factors, including the patient's specific condition, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's expertise. In some cases, traditional open-heart surgery may still be necessary for optimal outcomes.

Limitations in MICS

Others limitations and requirements are related to the limited access or vision of the heart:

• Monitoring of the operation during conventional technique involves direct observation of the heart: new monitoring technique are required as Transesophageal Echocardiography.
• Because of the possible occurrence of a peroperative problem (cardiac arrest, massive hemorrhage), a conversion must available at all time.
• Operative techniques are very rigorous and surgeons must be taught through training programs and must perform a reasonable number of such operations.