What is a minimally invasive heart valve repair?
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:For patients desiring the benefits of mitral valve repair without the trauma of conventional surgery, some surgeons offer minimally invasive approaches to mitral valve repair. Using advanced technology – including robotically assisted surgery – the damaged mitral valve can be repaired through a small (2.5 inch) incision between the ribs on the right side of the chest. This approach – called a mini-thoracotomy – avoids the full breastbone incision that is required in the traditional open surgery. By using the mini-thoracotomy to access the mitral valve, we are able to lessen post-operative discomfort, minimize scarring, and reduce recovery times.
For patients desiring the benefits of mitral valve repair without the trauma of conventional surgery, some surgeons offer minimally invasive approaches to mitral valve repair. Using advanced technology – including robotically assisted surgery... More -
Dr. David Adams of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:A minimally invasive heart valve repair is the same as a standard heart valve repair, except it is done through a smaller incision.
The heart is still connected to the heart-lung bypass machine, and this can be via arteries and veins in the chest, or via the groin vessels. Using the groin vessels allows a smaller incision to be made in the chest, but means that blood circulates “backwards” from the groin up to the arteries that lead to the brain for part of the operation, and this can contribute to strokes in older people who have more atheromatous disease in their main arteries.
The incision is usually a 2 to 4 inch incision either in the middle of the breast bone which is divided, or in the right breast crease allowing the surgeon to access the heart between the 4th and 5th ribs. Long handled instruments are used to perform the valve repair. Robotic assistance is sometimes used: the main disadvantage of robotic surgery is the steep learning curve, and the lack of direct tactile feedback which is important when handling the delicate tissues inside the heart.A minimally invasive heart valve repair is the same as a standard heart valve repair, except it is done through a smaller incision.The heart is still connected to the heart-lung bypass machine, and this can be via arteries and veins in the chest, or... More
