MICAS - Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive heart surgery (also called Keyhole Surgery) is performed through small incisions, sometimes using specialized surgical instruments. The incision used for minimally invasive heart surgery is much smaller about 3 to 4 inches. Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICAS) or Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass graft (MIDCABG) surgery is an option for some patients. The technique for minimally invasive CABG surgery that is used by me is on a beating (off-pump) heart and commonly the left internal mammary artery bypass graft is being used.

• The benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery techniques include:
  • Small incisions
  • Dramatic reduction in pain
  • Small scars – greatly improved cosmetic result
  • Shorter ICU and hospital stay after surgery: The average stay is 3 to 6 days after minimally invasive surgery,
  • Low risk of infection
  • Low risk of bleeding and blood transfusion
  • Shorter recovery time and faster return to normal activities/work: The average recovery time after minimally invasive surgery is 1 to 4 weeks, while the average recovery time after traditional heart surgery is 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Division of the breastbone (median sternotomy) is not needed for minimally invasive heart surgery.

Important Note: Not everyone is a candidate for these surgical techniques. Your surgeon will review the results of your diagnostic tests before your scheduled procedure to determine if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical team will carefully compare the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive techniques versus traditional surgery techniques.