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Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Minimally invasive heart surgery is performed through small incisions, using specialized surgical instruments. The incision used for minimally invasive heart surgery is about 2 to 3 inches instead of the 6- to 8-inch incision required for traditional open heart surgery. The benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery techniques include:
The right mini-thoracotomy is performed with a 2- to 3-inch skin incision created in a skin fold on the right chest below the breast, providing an excellent cosmetic result. The heart is approached between the ribs, providing the surgeon access to the mitral valve. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the incision to perform the valve repair or replacement, and may be an appropriate approach for patients who require combined mitral valve and aortic valve procedures. Results with this approach are excellent. A partial upper sternotomy includes a 2- to 3-inch skin incision and division of the upper portion of the sternum, providing the surgeon access to the aortic valve to perform the replacement. In contrast, a traditional sternotomy requires an 8- to 10 -inch incision down the entire sternum, spreading the chest and interfering with the lung mechanics. The partial upper sternotomy offers the surgeon an excellent view of the aortic valve. In general, you may be able to return to work (if you have a sedentary job), resume driving and participate in most non-strenuous activities within 1 to 4 weeks after routine minimally invasive heart surgery. You can resume heavy lifting and other more strenuous activities within 5 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your health care team will provide specific guidelines based on your rate of recovery. To schedule a consultation about minimally invasive heart surgery with a Beth Israel cardiac surgeon, call (212) 420-2584. |
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