To get access to the heart for maximum exposure, cardiac surgery is traditionally performed through a cut in the middle of the breastbone. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) can now be performed through a small incision (thoracotomy) on the side of the chest between the ribs, without fracturing the breastbone, thanks to technological advancements.
“When compared to traditional sternotomy-based cardiac surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has demonstrated a number of advantages for patients, including a reduction in the need for blood transfusions and a shorter hospital stay, resulting in lower medical expenses. It also provides for a faster recovery and a better cosmetic outcome because surgical scars are less noticeable.
Also see: Minimally Invasive cardiac surgeon in Chandigarh
Who are suitable candidate for MICS?
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery may or may not be the best therapy option for every patient. Patients with major medical conditions, such as lung disease or peripheral vascular disease, aberrant rib cage anatomy (severe kyphosis or pectus chest), or those who need additional cardiac procedures, should not undergo MICS. MICS is also seldom used in complicated cases requiring numerous procedures, such as a combined valve and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. Patients with an active lifestyle, such as those who participate in sports, or those who are likely to experience delayed chest bone healing if bone splitting is performed, will benefit more from MICS.
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