Cardiac illnesses can take control of a patient’s life if not treated early, and surgery often helps give control back to the heart patient. Minimally invasive heart surgery isn’t an option for everyone but for those who can have the surgery, the potential benefits when compared with open-heart surgery can include:
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of infection and higher chances of recovery
- Reduced trauma and pain
- Shorter time in the hospital, faster recovery and quicker return to normal activities
- Smaller, less noticeable scars
Many types of heart procedures may be conducted with minimally invasive heart surgery, including:
- Mitral valve repair or replacement
- Tricuspid valve repair or replacement
- Aortic valve replacement
- Atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closure
- Atrioventricular septal defect surgery
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
After minimally invasive heart surgery, the patient has an improved quality of life and reduced symptoms.