Cardiac sugery
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is a surgical approach that utilises smaller incisions, specialised tools, and advanced imaging technologies to perform complex heart surgeries with less trauma and faster recovery times. This technique is especially useful for treating conditions like mitral valve repair and coronary surgery.
This service is based at the Barts Heart Centre at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
Mitral valve repair
Mitral valve repair is a surgical procedure to treat mitral valve disease, which is one of the most common heart valve disorders. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle and prevents blood from flowing back into the left atrium. If the mitral valve is damaged or becomes too narrow, it can lead to blood leakage, which can result in heart failure.
Minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery involves making a small incision in the chest to access the heart and repair the valve without cutting the breastbone (sternotomy). This approach results in less pain, scarring, and a quicker recovery time than traditional open-heart surgery.
Coronary surgery
Coronary surgery is a surgical procedure to treat blockages in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients.
In traditional open-heart surgery, the breast is opened to access the heart, and a heart-lung machine is used to take over the heart's pumping function. Minimally invasive coronary surgery uses small incisions to access the heart and perform the procedure without using a heart-lung machine. This approach results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery time.
Benefits
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has several benefits over traditional open-heart surgery. Firstly it results in less pain, scarring, and a quicker recovery time. Patients can return to their normal activities sooner and experience fewer complications. Additionally, the smaller incisions result in reduced bleeding, a lower risk of infection, and a reduced need for blood transfusions. Finally, minimally invasive cardiac surgery can be performed with a lower risk of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery helps you recover faster with fewer risks and less pain for patients suffering from heart disease.
With specialised tools, advanced imaging technologies, and experienced cardiac surgeons like Mr Aktuerk who leads on this specialty, patients can receive high-quality care with less trauma and a faster recovery time.
Get in touch
If you are suffering from a heart condition and are interested in learning more about minimally invasive cardiac surgery, reach out to us today.