Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has revolutionised cardiac care with reduced pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Like any medical procedure, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has its own set of risks and benefits and understanding these may help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
In this blog post, let us learn more about the risks and benefits of minimally invasive cardiac surgery!
What Is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS)?
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is a medical procedure that involves making small incisions in the chest that allow the surgeon to reach the heart. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the surgeon does not cut through the breastbone.
In this procedure, the surgeon utilises advanced imaging or robotic assistance to access and operate on the heart. It is used to treat a variety of cardiac conditions to speed up the recovery process.
Common Types of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
There are many minimally invasive cardiac procedures available to treat your heart. Some of the commonly performed MICS include
- Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting: It helps treat blockage in one of the heart’s arteries by making small incisions in the chest and using a small blood vessel in the leg to create an alternative passage for blood in the heart.
- Cardiac catheterisation: It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into a blood vessel in the groin, wrist, or arm and threading it to the heart to check for blocked arteries and evaluate heart valve function.
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting: Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to widen blocked areas and open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
- TAVR/TAVI: A small incision is made in the chest to access the defective valve, and it is replaced with a new one.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures offer safe and effective alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery. The benefits of minimally invasive cardiac surgery include
- Smaller scars due to smaller incisions
- Lower risk of infection and surgical complications
- Less postoperative pain
- Quicker recovery time, allowing a faster return to normal activities
- Fewer days in the hospital
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Improved quality of life and comparable long-term outcomes
Risks and Complications of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures are generally safe but may carry the risk of certain complications. It includes
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery. However, it is usually minimal compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
- Infection at the surgical site: In rare instances, there may be a chance of infection at the incision site or in the chest cavity.
- Irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias: Arrhythmias may occur after surgery, which may require treatment. However, the risk of arrhythmias is low when performed by experienced surgeons.
- Heart attack or stroke: There is a small risk of stroke or heart attack during or after the cardiac surgery due to blood clot formation or embolism.
- In rare circumstances, it may lead to death.
Who Is a Good Candidate for MICS?
Your healthcare team will perform an extensive screening process to assess your condition and recommend a minimally invasive procedure depending on your heart’s condition, certain lifestyle factors, and other medical complications.
However, not all patients are excellent candidates. Some people who are not candidates for traditional open heart surgery may be suitable for minimally invasive procedures, as it is safer.
You may not be an ideal candidate for MICS if you have an emergency heart surgery, are dealing with multiple complex heart conditions, and serious comorbidities that increase the surgical risk.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Vs Open Heart Surgery: Key Differences
Both minimally invasive cardiac surgery and open-heart surgery are used to treat a variety of heart conditions, but they differ in approach, recovery, and hospital stay.
Traditional open-heart surgery is a medical procedure that provides the surgeon with clear access to and visualisation of the heart. It involves making a large incision down the centre of the chest where the breastbone is cut to give surgeons direct access to the heart.
In contrast, minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves smaller incisions usually made between the ribs, avoiding the need to cut through the breastbone. It offers faster recovery, short hospital stay, reduced risk of complications, and minimal scarring.
| Factor | Open heart surgery | Minimally invasive cardiac surgery |
| Incision size | A large cut through the breastbone | Small incisions are usually made between the ribs |
| Scarring | Larger, central chest scar | Smaller, less visible scars |
| Postoperative pain | More pain due to a larger incision | Less pain as it involves smaller incisions. |
| Risk of infection | Higher risk of infection | Lower risk of infection |
| Suitability | Used for complex cases when minimally invasive cardiac surgery is not an option | Not suitable for all patients |
| Recovery time | Requires a longer recovery time and hospital stay | Requires a shorter time to return to normal activities. |
Table: Comparison between open heart surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Why Heart360 Care is the Best Choice for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?
Heart360 Care is a leading centre of excellence for cardiac care, offering advanced cardiac care, especially in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and patient-centric solutions for various heart conditions.
Here are the reasons why you should choose Heart360 Care for minimally invasive cardiac surgery:
- Led by Dr Nikhil with 17 years of expertise from the United States and 3000 experienced surgeries
- State-of-the-art infrastructure
- Proven track record of success
- Satisfied customer reviews
- Easily accessible location
- Personalised and patient-centred approach
If you are exploring alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery or seeking minimally invasive surgery for a loved one, Heart360Care offers comprehensive and cutting-edge cardiac care. If you have any queries regarding cardiac conditions and suitable treatment options, you may book a consultation at Heart360 Care for more information!
Conclusion
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is an effective approach for treating various heart conditions. It offers a quicker recovery period, reduced pain, and smaller scars. However, a thorough evaluation by a skilled cardiac surgeon is essential to determine if the patient is suitable for the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The experienced surgeon may choose between open heart surgery and minimally invasive techniques, depending on careful consideration of the patient’s specific heart condition, age and mental health, and desired outcomes.
The patients are requested to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adherence to medications. Also, they need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities immediately after the surgery.Â
The eligibility for minimally invasive cardiac surgery may vary depending on different factors, including the patient’s overall health, the complexity of the condition, and the specific type of surgery required. However, it requires careful evaluation by the cardiac surgeon to determine if the procedure is suitable for you.
