A more recent technique, called minimally invasive heart surgery, aims to reduce the trauma associated with open heart surgery. This has several advantages, such as less pain, smaller incisions and faster recovery periods, but there are some important points to consider before agreeing to this procedure.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Srirang Ranade, Head of Department and Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Pune, Banner, shared, “Small 2-3 inch incisions help the surgeon to access the heart during minimally invasive cardiac surgery. When MIS surgery is used instead of standard open-heart surgery, it can effectively treat a variety of heart conditions with less discomfort and a faster recovery time. While traditional heart surgery involves cutting open the sternum (sternotomy), minimally invasive heart surgery is usually done through tiny incisions between the ribs. This approach reduces scars and accelerates their healing. This technique can be used for coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement or repair, and special repairs for congenital heart disease.”
General health and certain heart problems are important factors in choosing a candidate for this type of surgery. Dr. Srirang Ranade revealed, “Not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive procedures. Factors such as the severity of the heart disease, past heart surgery, and underlying health problems such as obesity or lung disease can affect the decision. A full review by a cardiac surgeon is necessary to choose the best technique. A shorter hospital stay is one of the main advantages of minimally invasive heart surgery. Recovery from standard surgery takes a week or more, but many patients can go home in a few days. In addition, thanks to smaller incisions, the risk of infection, blood loss and surgical complications is reduced.”
The expert warned: “However, as with any operation, there are potential risks. These include bleeding, a reaction related to anesthesia, or heart or lung problems during surgery. It is important to go over the potential risks and benefits in detail with your doctor. Most patients recover quickly from minimally invasive heart surgery, returning to their normal activities within a few weeks. However, sticking to the prescribed treatment plan and making lifestyle changes will be important for maintaining long-term heart health.”
Adding to his expertise, Dr. Ved Prakash, Senior Consultant and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector-8, Faridabad, explained, “Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery (MIHS) involves smaller incisions than traditional open heart surgery. Surgeons use advanced techniques, including small instruments and cameras, to perform complex heart surgeries. Common procedures include heart valve repair/replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, and atrial septal defect closure.”
Advantages over traditional surgery:
- Smaller incisions: Incisions are typically 3-4 inches, compared to 6-8 inches in traditional surgery.
- Shorter recovery time: Recovery is faster and many patients resume normal activities within weeks.
- Less pain and scarring: The reduced size of the incisions results in less pain and scarring after surgery.
- Lower risk of infection: Smaller incisions reduce the risk of infection compared to large open incisions in traditional surgery.
Risks and complications:
Dr. Ved Prakash said, “Like any surgery, MIHS carries risks such as infection, bleeding, stroke or heart rhythm disturbances. The level of risk depends on your health, age and the specific procedure.”
Who is the candidate?
According to Dr. Ved Prakash, not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. Factors such as the complexity of the condition, previous surgeries, or certain medical conditions may require traditional open heart surgery.
Preoperative preparation:
Dr. Ved Prakash said, “You will undergo a series of tests, including blood tests, imaging and heart function tests, to ensure that you are fit for surgery.”
Recovery after surgery:
- After surgery, you will spend some time in the intensive care unit for observation. The hospital stay is usually shorter than for open heart surgery, often around 3-5 days.
- Full recovery usually takes about 4-6 weeks. You may need cardiac rehabilitation to help your heart work better.
Lifestyle changes after surgery:
Dr. Ved Prakash concluded, “Even after successful surgery, maintaining heart health through diet, exercise, and medication (if prescribed) is critical. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can prevent heart problems in the future.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
