Minimally invasive heart surgery
About this test
Minimally invasive heart surgery involves making small cuts, called incisions, in the chest. This lets the surgeon reach the heart by going in between the ribs. The surgeon doesn't cut through the breastbone, as is done in traditional open-heart surgery. Minimally invasive heart surgery can be used to treat many different heart conditions. Compared with open-heart surgery, this type of surgery often means less pain and a quicker recovery for many people.
Why it's done
Many types of heart procedures can be done with minimally invasive heart surgery. Examples include: Closure of a hole in the heart, such as atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale. Atrioventricular septal defect surgery. Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation. Heart valve repair or replacement. Surgery to remove tumors from the heart. The benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery when compared with open-heart surgery can include: Less blood loss. Lower risk of infection. Less pain. Less time needing a breathing tube, also called a ventilator. Less time spent in the hospital. Faster recovery and quicker return to usual activities. Smaller scars. Minimally invasive heart surgery isn't right for everyone. Your health care team reviews your health history and does tests to learn if it's a good option for you. Specially trained surgeons do minimally invasive or robotic heart surgery. You might be referred to a medical center with surgeons and a surgical team who have the needed expertise.
Risks and complications
Risks of minimally invasive heart surgery are similar to those of open-heart surgery. They may include: Bleeding. Heart attack. Infection. Irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias. Stroke. Death. Rarely, a minimally invasive heart surgery may need to change to an open-heart surgery. For example, this might happen if the surgeon thinks it's not safe to continue with the minimally invasive approach.
How to prepare
Before minimally invasive heart surgery, your care team tells you what to expect before, during and after the surgery. You also learn about the risks and benefits of the procedure. You might be told about a legal document called an advance directive. This is information about the types of treatments you would want — or would not want — in case you become unable to express your wishes. Before you go to the hospital for your surgery, talk to your family or caregiver about your hospital stay. Discuss the help you'll need when you return home.
Understanding your results
Minimally invasive heart surgery typically has a quicker recovery time when compared with open-heart surgery. This may help improve your quality of life. You usually need regular health checkups after surgery to check your health. Tests may be done to see how the heart is working. Your health care team may suggest that you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. You may be told to: Eat a healthy diet. Get regular exercise. Manage stress. Do not smoke or chew tobacco. Your care team might suggest a personalized exercise and education program to help you get stronger after surgery. This program is called cardiac rehabilitation, sometimes called cardiac rehab. It's done to improve health in those with a heart condition or a history of heart surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation usually includes supervised exercise, emotional support and education about a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.