Minimally invasive surgery

Valve Surgery Techniques

Traditional Surgical Approach

Traditional heart surgery involved an incision (6-8 inches) through the breastbone. This allows the surgeon to open the chest and see the heart and arteries. The surgeon will use the smallest possible incision to perform the surgery.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach

Minimally invasive heart valve surgery is performed using smaller incisions than those in traditional heart valve surgery. Other techniques include endoscopic or keyhole approaches (also called port access, thoracoscopic or video-assisted surgery) and robotic-assisted surgery. There are many minimally invasive approaches based on the type of valve surgery you need.

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include a smaller incision (3-4 inches or smaller)and smaller scar. Other possible benefits include:

• A lower risk of infection
• Less bleeding and trauma
• Shorter hospital stay
• Shorter recovery

Valve surgeries, including valve repair and valve replacement are the most common minimally invasive procedure.

Your surgeon will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.