MICS is the Future!

What is Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery | Procedure, Benefits, Recovery & Risks Explained

  • Definition: Surgery performed through one or more small chest incisions rather than a full sternotomy (large opening of the breastbone). Cleveland Clinic

  • Tools: Use of specialized slender instruments, cameras (thoracoscopes), or robotic arms to navigate between ribs to reach the heart. Cleveland Clinic+1

  • Goal: Achieve same surgical objectives (valve repair/replacement, bypass, congenital corrections) with less trauma, scarring, pain, and recovery time. Cleveland Clinic+1

Risks, Limitations & When Conversion Is Needed

  • All surgeries have risks: bleeding, infection, arrhythmias, stroke. Cleveland Clinic

  • Sometimes the surgeon may have to convert to a standard open approach mid-procedure if visibility is poor or complications arise. Cleveland Clinic

  • Not all patients are suitable: anatomy, previous surgeries, calcification, or complex pathology may preclude minimally invasive route.

  • Technical challenges: narrower working space, dependence on imaging and instrument precision.

MICS