Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, also known as Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass (MICS CABG) or Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB), is a surgical procedure that allows for bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries using small incisions rather than a large incision in the chest.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the chest and uses specialized instruments to access the heart. The surgeon then uses a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the chest wall or leg, to create a bypass around the blocked or narrowed portion of the coronary artery.

The advantages of Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery over traditional open-heart surgery include:

1. Smaller incisions: The procedure requires smaller incisions in the chest, which can result in less pain and scarring and a shorter recovery time.
2. Reduced blood loss: Because the incisions are smaller, there is typically less blood loss during the procedure.
3. Shorter hospital stay: Patients who undergo Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery may be able to leave the hospital sooner than those who undergo traditional open-heart surgery.
4. Faster recovery: Patients may be able to return to their normal activities more quickly after the procedure.

Indications

Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery may be recommended for patients with certain indications or characteristics. Some of the indications for the procedure may include:

1. Blockages or narrowing in specific arteries: Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery may be an option for patients with blockages or narrowing in specific arteries that are amenable to the procedure, such as the left anterior descending (LAD) artery or the right coronary artery.
2. High risk for complications with traditional open-heart surgery: Patients who are at high risk for complications with traditional open-heart surgery, such as elderly patients or those with significant comorbidities, may be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery.
3. Previous heart surgery: Patients who have previously undergone heart surgery may be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, as the procedure can be performed without a sternotomy (a large incision in the chest).
4. Single-vessel disease: Patients with single-vessel disease (blockages or narrowing in one of the major coronary arteries) may be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, as the procedure can be performed on a smaller scale than traditional open-heart surgery.
5. Patient preference: In some cases, patients may prefer Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery over traditional open-heart surgery due to the smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery time associated with the procedure.
6. Diabetes: Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease and may benefit from Surgery as it is a cosmetically superior approach no cut in the bone, can reduce the risk of future heart problems.

Contraindications 

While Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery may offer several advantages over traditional open-heart surgery, it may not be suitable for all patients. Some contraindications for the procedure may include:

1. Complex or diffuse coronary artery disease: Patients with complex or diffuse coronary artery disease (blockages or narrowing in multiple arteries) may not be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery.
2. Severe heart disease or heart failure: Patients with severe heart disease or heart failure may not be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, as the procedure may not adequately address their condition.
3. Need for multiple bypasses: Patients who require multiple bypasses may not be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, as the procedure may not be feasible or effective in treating multiple areas of coronary artery disease.
4. Need for additional procedures: Patients who require additional procedures, such as valve replacement or repair, may not be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery.
5. Obesity: Patients who are obese may not be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, as the procedure may be more difficult to perform due to the increased amount of tissue around the heart.
6. Active infections or bleeding disorders: Patients with active infections or bleeding disorders may not be good candidates for Minimal Invasive Bypass Surgery, as the procedure may increase the risk of complications.