Heart surgery doesn’t have to be invasive. Today, there are procedures that are less intrusive than traditional open operations. In order to perform these minimally invasive procedures, surgeons make tinier incisions without impacting the chest bones. This results in smaller scars, less pain, fewer complications, and a more rapid recovery time. As with any medical procedure, there are still risks involved. Both minimally invasive and open surgeries involve stopping your heartbeat temporarily.
Procedures
There are multiple procedures that can be performed by cardiac surgeons using less invasive approaches. Mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and coronary bypass procedures can all be performed via the side of the chest. Removing leg veins to harvest for coronary procedures can be done with a minimal approach, as well. Atrioventricular canal defect operations are also on the list of procedures that utilize these innovative new techniques. Some of these operations are performed by robots, for techniques that are called robotic surgeries.
Candidates
Not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive heart surgery. This is a discussion to be best had with your cardiologist and surgeon. If you have any medical history that includes coronary disease or have already had some sort of open operation, the minimally invasive techniques might not be a fit for your needs. Your unique situation may also call for another type of operation for different reasons. This decision should be made by an experienced cardiologist after taking your case history into account.
Risks
Every operation involves a certain amount of risk, from setting a broken bone to open heart surgery. Although minimally invasive procedures are less risky, there are still chances of infections, excessive bleeding, and other complications. It’s wise to discuss all possible side effects with your surgeon to become as knowledgeable as possible ahead of time. Nothing is more comforting than being armed with information.
Benefits
There are multiple benefits to the new minimally invasive techniques. Because the incisions are smaller, patients lose less blood and have smaller scars. With these approaches, there are fewer infections and substantially less pain involved. Because there’s less pain, less blood loss, and fewer infections, patients can recover more quickly. This means they don’t have to stay in the hospital as long. They can also get back to work and a normal routine in a shorter time frame.
Is minimally invasive heart surgery the right option for you or one of your loved ones? It might be, depending on your medical history and unique situation. It would be wise to schedule an appointment with your cardiologist to discuss all the options’ pros and cons before making a final decision.