Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in Chennai

Looking to consult for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in Chennai?

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Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is a heart surgery performed through small incisions using specialized instruments and advanced cameras. Since surgeons access the heart through small cuts, this surgery offers reduced pain and trauma to the surrounding tissues. Another advantage of MICS is that it requires shorter hospital duration and quicker recovery compared to traditional open-heart methods.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) might not be suitable for everyone. The decision to undergo MICS depends on several factors, such as the severity of your heart condition, your overall health, and the specific anatomy of your heart.

Usually, patients having certain heart issues that require replacement or valve repairs and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are considered for MICS. This surgery is not advisable for patients requiring emergency interventions or with complex heart disorders. Your cardiac surgeon will assess these factors to determine whether MICS is safe and appropriate for you.

Consult Dr. Nikhil P.J. Theckumparampil – for MICS in Chennai

Dr. Nikhil is a distinguished cardiac surgeon known for his expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted heart procedures. With extensive training from esteemed institutions like Harvard University and a track record of over 200 robotic-assisted surgeries, he brings a wealth of experience to his practice.

Cardiac Surgery is a major health decision and if you are considering Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in Chennai, it is advisable to consult multiple expert before taking final call.

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Our Doctor

Dr. Nikhil P.J.Theckumparampil

Heart Specialist & Cardiac-Surgeon Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) TAVR / TAVI Specialist. Senior Consultant Apollo Hospital

Gold Medalist in MBBS
Trained at Harvard University, Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University and Temple University.
Graduated Top of his class in Cardiac Surgery.
Awarded Pennsylvania, USA, “Top Doctor”.
One of the busiest Robotic Heart Surgeons in the USA performing over 200 robotic assisted cardiac surgeries.
Trained and published in LVAD and Heart Transplantation.
Returned to India after 17 years in the USA.
Associate Professor and Senior Consultant Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of CardioThoracic Surgery
Only American Board Certified Cardiac Surgeon Currently practicing in India

Heart360 Care: The Top Choice for MICS Consulting in Chennai

Dr. Nikhil P.J. Theckumparampil has over 17 years of expertise in Cardiac Surgery and has a successful track record of completing over 3000 experienced surgeries. He has received hands-on training from top institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, Temple University, and Pennsylvania University.

Dr. Nikhil is recognized as one of the busiest Robotic Heart Surgeons in the USA and has performed over 200 robotic-assisted cardiac surgeries so far.

He is a pioneer in incision-less valve procedures. He has conducted more than 400 Transcatheter valve replacements using advanced technologies such as Medtronic Corevalve, Edwards Sapien valve, Abbott MitraClip, and Meril MyVal. Dr. Nikhil is also an expert in surgical electrophysiology, specializing in Cox Maze IV for Atrial Fibrillation and as a proctor for Convergent Hybrid Ablation Procedures.

Patients who have undergone cardiac surgery from Dr. Nikhil praise him for his compassionate and patient-centric approach. He ensures the comfort of his patients and their families throughout their treatment journey and communicates transparently about the procedures, success rates, risks, etc.

Dr. Nikhil is the chief cardiac surgeon of Heart360 Care Consulting Centre and is also currently working as an Associate Professor and Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.

Types of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

The two main types of minimally invasive cardiac surgery in Chennai are:

Thoracoscopic Surgery

In this surgical procedure, the surgeon makes incisions on the side of your chest. Then, a specialized instrument called a thoracoscope with a camera attached at its one end is inserted through these cuts. With the help of the attached camera, the surgeon is able to access the inside view of the heart and carry out the surgery using advanced tools.

Robotic Assisted Heart Surgery

In this type of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the sides of the patient’s chest. However, robotic arms are used to perform this surgery. The surgeon is able to access a 3D view of the heart on the monitor and guides these robots to do the surgery through a control station. This technique offers more precision to the surgeon and minimal cuts and discomfort to the patient.

What Are The Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery vs Other Methods?

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is more beneficial than traditional open-heart procedures:

One of the primary benefits of MICS is that it uses small incisions, unlike traditional surgery, where a large incision is made in the chest. So, in MICS, there is reduced pain and quicker healing as there is less muscle and tissue cutting.
As the operating incisions are small, the risk of wound infection, bleeding, and other complications, such as strokes, are comparatively lower when compared to open-heart surgery.
Patients undergoing MICS often require shorter hospital stays, as recovery happens faster. As a result, patients can restart their normal activities sooner and enjoy a smooth recovery process.
MICS patients typically require less time on a breathing tube, known as a ventilator, in contrast to those undergoing traditional open-heart surgery.
Due to smaller incisions in MICS, there will be smaller scars compared to the large scars left by open-heart surgery.

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Major Steps Involved In MICS In Chennai

Before you have minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), your doctor will do a thorough physical examination and review your medical history. Certain blood tests and imaging scans like CT scans or echocardiograms will be done to get a clear understanding of your overall health conditions.

Prior to the surgery, you may be required to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the surgery. Here’s a brief description of how minimally invasive cardiac surgery is performed.

The surgery begins by administering anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and minimize pain.
Next, the surgeon makes small incisions on the sides of the chest to insert specialized instruments and an endoscope to visualize the heart.
Based on the type of heart issue, the surgeon will perform the necessary repairs or interventions like valve repair or bypass surgery through small openings made in the chest.
The surgery may take several hours, depending on the procedure opted for. Post the surgery, the patient will be moved to a recovery area to monitor the vitals.

Recovery Period For Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Although the patient will spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring, recovery from MICS is generally faster and smoother compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Initial pain and discomfort can be easily managed with pain medications and a few rehabilitation exercises.

Patients can gradually increase their activity levels after MICS by following the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. Most patients can return to doing mild tasks within a few weeks and resume normal activities within a few months. Strictly adhere to the follow-up appointments scheduled with the surgeon to monitor recovery progress and effective healing.

Cost Of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery In Chennai

The cost of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) in Chennai starts from Rs. 5 lakhs. The final cost may vary depending on several parameters which are discussed below. MICS is preferred over traditional open-heart surgery due to its shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

Factors influencing the cost of MICS in Chennai include:

Complexity of Surgery:
The complexity of the heart issue and the type of MICS procedure can impact the cost. Certain procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve repair/replacement may have higher costs than other MICS procedures.
Hospital Reputation:
MICS conducted in reputable hospitals equipped with an advanced cath lab, operating theatres, and other modern infrastructure charge more.
Surgeon’s Fees:
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) is performed by a cardiac surgeon who specializes in this particular procedure. Therefore, surgeons with extensive experience having a successful track record may charge a higher fee.
Tests and Pre-operative Care:
Costs for diagnostic tests, consultations, and pre-operative care, including medications, add to the total cost.
Post-operative Care:
Expenses related to recovery and follow-up care after surgery, including medications and rehabilitation, also add to the total cost of minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Insurance Coverage:
Most of the expenses associated with cardiac surgery are covered by insurance; however, you should cross-check with your insurance provider to know the exact extent of the coverage.

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What Are The Risks Associated With Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), in general, is considered safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries certain risks. Here are some common risks associated with MICS:

Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, although it is usually minimal with MICS compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
Infection: There are chances of infection at the incision site or in the chest cavity, although the risk is lower as smaller incisions are used in MICS.
Damage to Surrounding tissues: During surgery, there is a small risk of damage to nearby tissues and organs such as blood vessels, nerves, or the heart itself.
Collapsed Lung: In some cases, air can leak into the space around your lung, causing it to collapse temporarily. This can lead to medical emergencies such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias may occur after surgery, which usually resolve with treatment. However, this risk is relatively low when performed by experienced surgeons.
Blood Clots: Although rare, there is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs or the clots breaking and traveling to the lungs after surgery, which can be life-threatening.
Stroke: There is a small risk of stroke during or after cardiac surgery due to factors like blood clot formation or embolism.
Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia carries its own set of risks, including allergic reactions, breathing problems, or adverse reactions to medications.

How To Select The Best Cardiac Surgeon For Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery In Chennai?

Here’s how you can choose the right surgeon for minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) in Chennai:

Experience and Expertise:
MICS is a specialized form of cardiac surgery. So, look for a cardiac surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in performing MICS procedures. Check their qualifications, training, and track record of successful surgeries.
Hospital Affiliation:
Choose a surgeon who is associated with a reputable cardiac hospital in Chennai. The hospital should have advanced facilities and a dedicated team of cardiologists.
Patient Reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials to understand the results and success of the treatments performed by the surgeon. Seek recommendations from family, friends, or healthcare providers who have experience with cardiac surgeons in Chennai.
Patient-Centric Approach: Choose a surgeon who supports you throughout the treatment phase and has excellent communication skills explaining your condition, treatment options, and any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the success rate of minimally invasive heart surgery?

The success rate of minimally invasive surgery depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the severity of the heart condition, the surgeon’s expertise, and the general health of the patient. Compared to traditional open-heart surgeries, MICS has more success rates for certain conditions.

What is the duration of minimally invasive cardiac surgery?

Depending on the severity of the heart issue and the procedure selected, MICS typically takes 2 to 6 hours to complete. Generally, minimally invasive cardiac surgeries have shorter operative times than traditional open-heart surgeries.

Are there complications with minimally invasive cardiac surgery?

Most patients who undergo minimally invasive cardiac surgery have successful surgical outcomes with minimal complications. But for any surgery, there can be some complications associated with it. Some of the risk factors seen in MICS are bleeding during or after the surgery, infection, injury to surrounding tissues/skin, collapsed lungs, irregular heartbeats, clot formation in other body parts, and anesthesia side effects.

Is MICS a costly procedure? Can I get insurance for the surgery?

Generally, MICS is a costly procedure as it utilizes advanced tools and technology. The starting price for a minimally invasive cardiac surgery in Chennai is approximately INR 5,00,000. The cost of MICS varies based on many factors, such as the location of the hospital where the surgery is performed, facilities available at the hospital, the experience of the surgeon, the complexity of the heart condition, other additional tests and hospital stays, etc.

When can I start my usual daily activities after MICS?

Due to smaller incisions in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, there is minimal blood loss and faster healing. If there are no other complications, you will be discharged after MICS within 2-3 days. Patients can typically start driving and lifting light to moderate weights within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.

How should I prepare for the surgery?

Patients preparing to undergo minimally invasive cardiac surgery must follow their surgeon’s instructions carefully. They should have a general health examination and may need to discontinue certain medications that can have adverse effects on the surgery. Certain lifestyle changes should also be made, like eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and losing weight, among others, for best outcomes.