Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
For selected patients who need valve repair or replacement.
- Mitral valve repair or replacement
- Tricuspid valve procedures
- Selected aortic valve procedures
Cardiac Surgery
What Is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) is an advanced approach that lets surgeons perform selected heart procedures through smaller incisions, instead of the larger incision used in conventional open-heart surgery.
Traditional open-heart surgery usually reaches the heart through a median sternotomy, which means opening the breastbone. In MICS, the surgeon reaches the heart through smaller openings, often between the ribs, using specialised instruments and visualisation technology. Depending on the procedure, this may involve thoracoscopic visualisation, specialised instruments or robotic assistance.
At Desun Hospital, Kolkata, MICS is part of our advanced cardiac surgical services, performed by experienced cardiothoracic surgeons with dedicated cardiac operating theatres and specialised critical-care support.
MICS may help reduce surgical trauma, minimise scarring and support a smoother recovery in appropriately selected patients. Suitability depends on the heart condition, overall health, anatomy and the complexity of the procedure.
Procedures
What Cardiac Procedures Can Be Performed Using MICS?
MICS is used for selected procedures, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's assessment.
Minimally Invasive CABG
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting through smaller openings in the chest instead of a conventional sternotomy, in selected patients. Desun offers a dedicated Minimally Invasive Heart Bypass service.
HeartPort / Port-access Surgery
Selected cardiac procedures through small incisions, without a conventional median sternotomy. Includes:
- Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB)
- Saphenous vein harvesting
Selected Congenital Heart Procedures
Minimally invasive approaches may also be used to correct selected congenital heart defects.
The difference
MICS vs Traditional Open-heart Surgery
The fundamental difference is how the surgeon reaches the heart.
| Traditional open-heart surgery | Minimally invasive cardiac surgery |
|---|---|
| Usually involves median sternotomy | Uses smaller access incisions |
| Breastbone is divided | Breastbone may not need to be divided |
| Larger surgical incision | Smaller surgical incisions |
| Greater chest-wall disruption | Less chest-wall disruption |
| Recovery may involve longer healing | May allow faster recovery in suitable patients |
| Established approach for a wide range of complex procedures | Used for selected procedures and suitable patients |
MICS is not appropriate for every patient or every cardiac operation. The surgical team evaluates the condition, anatomy, previous surgeries, associated medical conditions and the complexity of the procedure before choosing the approach.
Potential benefits
What Are the Potential Benefits of MICS?
Because MICS uses smaller access incisions and avoids a conventional sternotomy in suitable procedures, patients may experience several benefits.
Smaller IncisionsSmaller, less noticeable scars than conventional open-heart surgery.
Less Surgical TraumaAvoiding a conventional sternotomy reduces disruption to the chest wall and breastbone.
Less Post-operative DiscomfortLess tissue disruption may mean less pain and discomfort for some patients.
Reduced Blood LossMay reduce blood loss in selected procedures compared with conventional surgery.
Lower Risk of Wound-related ComplicationsSmaller incisions may reduce certain wound complications; infection risk varies by patient and procedure.
Faster Recovery, Shorter StayEarlier mobilisation, shorter hospitalisation and a quicker return to normal activities in suitable patients.
Suitable elderly and high-risk patients may also be considered — eligibility is assessed case by case. Recovery varies with the procedure and the individual patient.
Suitability
Is MICS Suitable for Everyone?
No. MICS is an advanced surgical option, but it is not suitable for every patient. Some patients benefit from a minimally invasive approach; others need conventional open-heart surgery because it gives the most appropriate access for their condition.
The final decision is made by the cardiac surgical team after a complete clinical and diagnostic evaluation.
The Decision Depends on
- Type and severity of the heart condition
- The specific procedure required
- Heart anatomy
- Previous heart or chest surgery
- Overall health and associated conditions
- Lung and vascular health
- Complexity of the surgery
- Experience of the surgical team
Advanced option
MICS and Robotic Cardiac Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the most advanced forms of minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
- Your Surgeon Is Always in ControlThe robotic system follows the surgeon's hands; it never operates on its own.
- Magnified 3D ViewA clear, detailed view inside the chest.
- Precise, Small-incision SurgeryFine, wrist-like instruments through small openings.
Conventional, minimally invasive or robotic-assisted? Your cardiac surgeon will advise after a full evaluation.
Robotic surgery at Desun →Why Desun
Why Choose Desun for MICS?
Experienced Cardiac Surgical TeamCardiothoracic surgeons with expertise in complex, minimally invasive and redo cardiac procedures.
Advanced Cardiac Operating FacilitiesDedicated cardiac operation theatres and specialised critical-care infrastructure for cardiac patients.
Comprehensive Cardiac CareDiagnosis, intervention, surgery and post-operative critical care within one hospital.
Minimally Invasive & Advanced OptionsKeyhole / minimal access cardiac surgery, minimally invasive CABG, valve procedures and HeartPort — alongside conventional open-heart surgery.
Every heart condition is different, and so is every patient. The goal of cardiac surgery is not simply to choose the smallest incision — it is to choose the most appropriate and safe surgical approach for the patient's condition.
