Minimally invasive cardiac surgery: living in the future of cardiac care

One cannot just deny the fact that cardiac care has evolved tremendously over the years, especially with the advent of minimally invasive surgery, a technique that has made it possible to carry out the most complex surgical interventions through a 1.5 to 1.8 mm long incision. But, that's not it. The surgery involves the use of special equipment as well as detailed imaging guidance, that is offered by the surgical camera. The latter helps to generate live images which makes it easier for the doctors to guide the equipment within the body. Unlike the bare human eye, the camera can be adjusted to capture different angles that provide added precision and accuracy. Many surgical procedures that were earlier performed via a conventional approach can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure is offered at the best cardiology hospital in Indore as well.

Why is minimally invasive cardiac surgery done?

Even before the advent of minimally invasive techniques, cardiac surgeries were done and patients were treated, some with very high success rates. But, we cannot simply ignore the risks that came along with the traditional approach, which involved large cuts and temporary removal of the thoracic bone. Most of these procedures were performed using a heart-lung bypass machine in which the patient's heart was actually made to stop and a machine was used in its place. The procedure did save many lives but the complexities involved were noteworthy.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has proved to be a boon for the patient, but also for the doctors, by helping to negate various complexities that could have been possible during or after the surgery.

Procedures that can be carried out via a minimally invasive approach

There are still many procedures that cannot be performed using a minimally invasive approach, but we surely have covered the following:

• Aortic valve replacement - The surgical procedure aims at replacing a dysfunctional or damaged aortic valve with a new, prosthetic valve, with the aim of restoring normal blood flow.
• Atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closure - Commonly referred to as PFO, patent foramen ovale is a flap-like hole in the atrial septum, which allows the free flow of blood between the two left and right chambers.
• Coronary artery bypass surgery - The surgical intervention aims at creating a new route to bypass a blocked section of the coronary artery, to restore normal blood flow.
• Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation - The procedure is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation, which is a condition marked by irregularity in the heartbeat.

Can minimally invasive cardiac surgery be performed on anyone?

Unfortunately minimally invasive surgery is not an option for everyone and there is an eligibility criterion that needs to be fulfilled. As per the best cardiologist in Indore, there are many things that have to be taken into account while deciding the surgical approach, including the patient's age, the condition that is to be treated, medical history etc. Just because minimally invasive surgeries use a minimal approach, it does not mean that there are no risks and complexities involved. Although these are significantly lower as compared to the traditional approach, they cannot be completely negated.

Minimal pain

One of the greatest concerns for any patient before undergoing surgery is pain. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves smaller incisions, hence the pain is significantly less and easily manageable. Pain associated with conventional surgeries can be managed with medication as well, however, you will need these for a comparatively longer period of time as it is quite understandable that larger wounds will take longer time to heal.

Wish to know more about minimally invasive cardiac surgery? Consult the top cardiologists in Indore, today.