logo
logo
Sign in

Sternotomy vs. minimally invasive cardiac surgery

avatar
Dr Ashwani Bansal
Sternotomy vs. minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Both minimally invasive cardiac surgery and classic sternotomy surgery, which includes opening the chest bone, are safe and effective techniques to replace a damaged mitral valve. The minimally invasive method takes less time to recuperate from and has a lower risk of consequences. Patients are rigorously examined before to surgery to ensure they are suitable candidates for the minimally invasive method, therefore it is uncommon for surgery to be changed while it is being performed.

The mitral valve is located on the left side of the heart, which collects oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it throughout the body. The mitral valve, which is located between the upper left chamber (left atrium) and the lower left chamber (left ventricle), has flaps that open and close once per heartbeat to allow blood to travel through it.

Also see: Best pediatric cardiologist

The surgeon makes multiple small incisions between the ribs to obtain access to the heart during minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Surgical equipment and a small, high-resolution camera are then put through the perforations. The surgical instruments are attached to robotic arms that the surgeon controls via a computer.

The surgeon can make incredibly accurate motions with the surgical instruments since they are so small and the surgeon can view their movement in great detail on a computer monitor. In comparison to a sternotomy, this permits the surgeon to complete the procedure with less manipulation and stress to the heart and chest wall.

Sternotomy usually necessitates a six-day stay in the hospital and a six-to-eight-week recuperation period. The hospital stay for the minimally invasive operation is normally three to four days, and full recovery takes three to four weeks. Complications, such as infection and excessive blood loss, are less likely, and patients have less pain after minimally invasive cardiac surgery. During a mitral valve surgery, a surgeon rarely switches from a minimally invasive method to a sternotomy. However, in the event of an emergency, the operating crew is prepared to do so.

Also see:

collect
0
avatar
Dr Ashwani Bansal
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more