Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

What is MICS?

Heart problems that are ignored may result in irreversible damage to the heart, which can be fatal if not detected and treated. When these heart conditions cannot be treated medically, heart surgery is the only option and should be done without delay. Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) is an advanced technique of heart surgery. As the name suggests, it is minimally invasive, being performed through small holes in the chest the size of keyholes using a couple of specialized instruments and cameras. In some cases, the heart and lungs are bypassed while carrying out the surgery. For many heart problems, MICS gives more convenience and effectiveness to the patient allowing for a faster recovery, less blood loss and also an earlier return to normal activity.

Types of MICS

Depending on the severity and type of heart problem, the experts can suggest which type of heart surgery should be performed. Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) is usually advised for the following types of problems:
1. Mitral Valve Repair/ Replacement
2. Tricuspid Valve Repair/ Replacement
3. Atrial Septal Defect Closure
4.Aortic Valve Replacement
5. Procedures for Atrial Fibrillation
6. Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
7. Removal of Some Cardiac Tumours

Benefits of MICS

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery comes with a lot of benefits, the biggest one being minimal damage to the breastbone. This means less damage to bones and tissues and less time for recovery after surgery. Patients who undergo Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery can expect a shorter recovery time and less pain overall.
• Less trauma to the chest
• Smaller, less noticeable scars
• Less blood loss
• Lower risk of infection
• Reduced pain
• Shorter hospital stays
• Reduced recovery times

Risk of MICS

Although any surgery has inherent risks and challenges, MICS in comparison to open heart surgeries carries no additional risks in those who are deemed to be candidates for MICS.

Common Procedures

MICS CABG

Multi-vessel bypass surgery (MICS CABG) is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and allows patients to heal faster and recover within a week. This type of surgery is ideal for anyone who needs bypass surgery as it has a quicker recovery time than traditional bypass surgery. Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery

The aortic, mitral, or tricuspid valves can all be replaced or repaired from a small 2-inch incision without splitting the entire breastbone. This means you can say goodbye to open heart surgery and enjoy a quicker, easier recovery. Robotic Heart Surgery

The least invasive and most minimally-invasive option for heart surgery is robotic-assisted surgery. This kind of surgery is very precise and has a very fast recovery time. It is also suitable for different types of heart surgery like atrial septal defect (ASD) closure; mitral valve repair and replacement and removal of tumors called Atrial Myxomas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the MICS options for aortic valve replacement?

Aortic valve replacement may be performed to treat severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the valve has narrowed so much that blood flow through the valve is too low. It can be performed in many ways - an incision solely on the chest (no breast bone split) - RAT AVR; upper hemisternotomy AVR (partial breastbone split); TAVR/TAVI.

What is the Eligibility for MICS?

Though MICS offers a lot of benefits to both patients and doctors, it can't be used for every type of surgery. To figure out if MICS will work for a specific patient, experts have to look at the patient's medical history, physical test reports, and pathology. They also need to look at the results of radiology tests.

When and why is an Aortic valve replacement surgery required?

Aortic valve replacement is a surgery to replace a damaged aortic valve with a new one. The aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The surgery is done to relieve symptoms caused by aortic valve disease, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting. It may also be done to prevent complications, such as heart failure.

What is TAVR?

TAVR, or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis. The procedure involves placing a new aortic valve inside the old, damaged valve, without having to remove the old valve. TAVR is a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, and has been shown to be effective in treating aortic valve stenosis.

What is TAVI?

A transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure typically performed through several small incisions, as opposed to one large incision. Minimally invasive surgery is often associated with a quicker recovery time; however, as with any procedure, there are some risks involved.

What is aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or “ballooning” in the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta, but most commonly occur in the abdominal aorta. Aortic aneurysms are usually asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause symptoms. However, if an aortic aneurysm ruptures, it can be life-threatening.

What is Bentall procedure?

The Bentall procedure is a type of surgery used to treat an aortic aneurysm. During the Bentall procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged section of the aorta with a synthetic graft. The graft is then attached to the healthy portions of the aorta above and below the aneurysm. The Bentall procedure is a complex surgery that requires a team of highly skilled surgeons.

What is Mitral valve replacement?

When the mitral valve does not close properly, it is called mitral valve insufficiency or mitral valve regurgitation. This can happen when the valve leaflets do not meet correctly or when the valve is damaged by disease. Mitral valve replacement is a surgery to repair or replace a damaged or diseased mitral valve.