Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Summary: Minimally invasive cardiac surgery reaches the heart through limited access (mini-thoracotomy or partial sternotomy) without fully splitting the breastbone, using long instruments and imaging. Often called small-incision heart surgery.

Why choose it?

Compared with full sternotomy, a smaller incision usually means less pain, faster mobilisation and shorter hospital stay (often 3–5 days). Sternum integrity is largely preserved, improving comfort and cosmesis early on.

Suitable patients

Single-valve pathology (mitral or aortic), selected coronary bypass, favourable anatomy without prior full sternotomy.

Caution

Multi-vessel bypass, severe lung disease or complex redo surgery may still require full sternotomy for safety.

Procedure and recovery

Through a lateral incision about 3–6 cm, valve repair/replacement or selected procedures are performed. Light activity often within 2–3 weeks; return to usual life commonly in 4–6 weeks.

FAQ

Pain duration: Usually shorter and milder than after classic sternotomy.
Everyone? No — risk and anatomy are assessed individually.
Scarring? The scar is small and often less visible on the chest.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) restores blood flow when coronary arteries are blocked, using grafts. Informative guide: symptoms, graft choice, off-pump and minimally invasive options, recovery, and stent versus bypass decisions.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Small-incision (minimally invasive) cardiac surgery avoids full sternotomy for mitral/aortic valve work, selected bypass and some congenital procedures, aiming for less pain and faster discharge. Eligibility, advantages and FAQ.

Valve Repair and Replacement

Mitral, aortic and other valves with stenosis or regurgitation: repair preserves the native valve when possible; otherwise mechanical or bioprosthetic replacement. Minimally invasive options and recovery summary.

Varicose Vein Treatments

Varicose veins: EVLA, radiofrequency, sclerotherapy and surgery when needed; symptoms, supportive measures and long-term follow-up — informative overview.

Aortic Aneurysm, Dissection and Arrhythmias

Aortic aneurysm and dissection: open surgery and endovascular (stent-graft) approaches. Arrhythmias: drugs, ablation and device therapy — emphasis on early diagnosis and follow-up.

Cardiac Tumor Treatment

Intracardiac mass symptoms, diagnosis with echocardiography and advanced imaging, surgical excision, follow-up and multidisciplinary care for malignant lesions — overview.

Peripheral Vascular Surgery

Peripheral arterial disease: claudication, critical limb ischaemia and ulcers — balloon, stent, atherectomy, bypass and endarterectomy; integrated view with varicose vein care.

Peripheral Balloon and Stent

Peripheral arterial stenosis: transfemoral or transradial catheter balloon angioplasty and drug-eluting stent when indicated; indications, benefits, follow-up and FAQ.

Haemodialysis Access Surgery

Chronic kidney failure: AV fistula, AV graft and catheter access for haemodialysis; maturation time, benefits, risks and care advice.