How is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Performed ?

Minimally invasive heart surgery (MICS) is done through a small incision in the chest (direct less invasive access heart surgery). Most cardiac operations today are performed through a sternotomy, which involves splitting the entire breastbone. MICS encompasses a variety of operations performed through incisions that are substantially smaller and less traumatic than the standard sternotomy. In all types of minimally invasive procedures, surgeons reach the patient’s heart through small incisions (about 3 to 4 inches compared to 8 to 10 sternotomy incisions) between the ribs of the chest. Most minimally invasive procedures use a heart-lung bypass machine. The machine keeps blood moving through the patient’s body during the procedure. Similar to open-heart surgery the surgeon then repairs the patient’s heart using long specialised instruments inserted through small incisions between the ribs. The patient generally spends 2 – 3 days in the cardiac care unit (CCU) where they are given fluids, nutrition and medications through intravenous (IV) lines. Other tubes drain urine from the bladder and drain fluid and blood from the heart and chest and the patient may also be given oxygen. The treatment team monitors the patient’s condition and watches for signs of infection in the incision sites. All vitals are checked frequently. The treatment team may instruct the patient to walk regularly to gradually post 3 days surgery to increase activity and to do breathing exercises as they recover. The doctor gives instructions to follow during recovery, such as properly caring for incisions, taking medications, and managing pain and other side effects after surgery.
image