Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

The types of minimally invasive surgery comprise Thoracoscopic surgery which involves small incisions made by the doctor in the chest and inserting a long to view the heart with a video camera. Second is robotic-assisted surgery which involves instructing the robotic arms through the incisions. Small incisions are made in the side of the chest.

Here are various heart conditions that undergoing through minimally invasive heart surgery:

• Saphenous vein harvest for coronary artery bypass surgery
• Tricuspid valve repair or replacement
• Aortic valve replacement
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation
• Mitral valve repair or replacement
• Atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closure
• Atrioventricular septal defect surgery

There are some instructions provided by the doctor to the patient before performing minimally invasive heart bypass surgery. It includes:

• The patient needs to stop taking any medications before the procedure
• Anaesthesia is given so that the patient is asleep during the surgery
• The patient is connected to the heart-lung bypass machine by the care or surgical team to ensure blood circulation throughout the body

The following steps are followed by the doctor during the minimally invasive heart procedure:

• Small incisions are made on the side of the chest
• Surgical tools are inserted through the incisions
• Tools are guided between the patient’s rib to the heart
• Perform heart valve replacement, heart repair, and tumour removal
• Bandages and stitches are used to close the incisions

After the minimally invasive heart surgery is done, the patient might have to spend a day or two in the intensive care unit (ICU). The care team will give lots of fluids and medications to the patients through intravenous lines. Tubes will be placed during surgery so that the patient can drain urine from their bladder and blood from the chest. Oxygen face masks are used so that patients can comfortably breathe.

After monitoring the patient in ICU, he/she will be moved to the general ward or room for some days. The time spent in the hospital entirely depends on the patient's condition after surgery. Till the time patient is in the hospital, the care team will:

• Assess their condition to notice any signs of infection in the incision area
• Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored constantly
• The team closely work with the patient to manage pain
• They help in walking and increase the activity slowly
• Assist the patient with breathing exercises and show different ways to cough

BM Birla Heart Research Centre in Kolkata has been delivering healthcare services for decades to the patients ensuring unmatched care. We have a team of highly-qualified and experienced cardiologists including cardio surgeons. They not only hold experience in handling simple to complex cases but also have the expertise to work with the latest and advanced technological equipment. If you have any heart condition or have been experiencing heart-related issues for a long time, consult our cardiologist professionals. They will make sure to offer the best care and offer you a smooth patient experience with us.