Minimally invasive heart surgery

There are two types of minimally invasive heart surgery:

• Thoracoscopic surgery: In this type, the heart surgeon makes small incisions in the chest and inserts a long tube with a video camera. It allows the doctor to view the heart and perform an operation with thin and long tools.
• Robotic-assisted heart surgery: It also involves making small incisions on the side of the patient’s chest. The doctor instructs the robot arms through the incisions and the robot shows the heart images to the doctor. The robotic arms are controlled by the surgeon completely during the surgery. 

Minimally invasive heart surgery is recommended for people with the following conditions:

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

This type of surgery is not recommended for everyone. The doctor and their team determine whether it is the right option for an individual experiencing cardiac conditions. To confirm, the doctor will initiate reviewing the clinical history and order tests to obtain more information about the heart health of the patient.

The doctor will give certain instructions to the patient before performing a minimally invasive heart surgery procedure. The patient will be asked to stop medications for some time before the operation. 

Anaesthesia is given to put the patient to sleep during the procedure. The surgical team will connect the patient to a heart-lung machine during the surgery which will ensure blood circulation.

During minimally invasive heart surgery, the doctor will:

• Make small incisions on the patient’s side chest
• Small surgical tools are inserted through the incisions
• The surgeon inserts the tools between the patient’s rib to reach the heart and perform the required procedure
• Once the procedure is completed, the incisions are closed with stitches

After minimally invasive heart surgery is performed, the patient might have to spend one or two days in the intensive care unit (ICU). The drainage tubes are connected in the chest to prevent fluid build-up around the heart. The doctor might ask the patient to stay in the hospital for a few more days for a full recovery.

The surgical team assists the patient to walk and get up. They also provide certain instructions such as performing breathing exercises. It will ensure keeping fluid out of the patient’s lungs. The total amount of time a patient needs to stay in the hospital entirely depends on the condition and the type of surgery the doctor has performed.

Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur is a multispecialty medical service offering patients the best care, diagnosis, and treatment. We are among the pioneers of healthcare services harnessing the full potential of healthcare through collaborative research, education, and clinical care for patients of all ages. We are one of the best at leveraging advanced clinical resources to create unified continuity of care for every patient. Our team of healthcare experts with several years of experience in their field ensures offering comprehensive, precise, clear, and honest information about our quality of care which assists the patients to make informed healthcare decisions.

If your doctor has recommended minimally invasive heart surgery and you are looking for the best hospital, then here is why you must consult us:

• Quicker recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less pain
• Reduced risk of complications
• Minimal blood loss and need for blood transfusion
• No scarring