Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

For decades repairing the heart had only one approach - open the chest, stop the heart and put the patient on a heart/lung bypass machine. However, times have changed and here at University Hospital we have evolved with the changing times allowing us to offer minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the heart as an alternative to the traditional open chest approach.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery consists of newer techniques which allow the surgeon to accomplish traditional procedures via small incisions which has proven to dramatically reduce the risks, recovery time and discomfort that have long been associated with heart surgery.

The MIS Difference
Image of MIS procedure Image of Open Chest procedure
OPEN CHEST: Full sternal split approach.
MIS: For minimally invasive valve repair, the surgeon enters with a thoroscope.

At University Hospital we have taken the minimally invasive approach to its highest level with the use of the da Vinci Surgical System® to perform highly precisioned, robotic-assisted cardiac surgery. What the da Vinci robot offers is unparalleled visualization (10X magnification and a 3D view) with instrument dexterity that translates and actually refines the movements of the human hand. However, the robot is only as good as the surgeon using it and it is University Hospital's own Dr. Charles Lutz who is the acknowledged leader in our region in robotic-assisted cardiac surgery.

All in all, robotic-assisted minimally invasive cardiac surgery means:

FOR THE SURGEON
  • Enhanced dexterity
  • Greatly expanded and detailed field of view
  • Improved access
  • Greater surgical precision
FOR THE PATIENT
  • A much faster recovery
  • Small incisions,
  • No “cracked” ribs
  • Less chance of infection
  • Reduced blood loss

Off-Pump or Beating Heart Surgery

In contrast to the old method of stopping the heart and putting the patient on a heart/lung bypass machine at University Hospital the MIS approach is accentuated by the ability to perform what is known as "beating heart" surgery in which surgeries can be performed without stopping the patient's heart. To achieve this a device known as the Medtronic Octopus® Stabilizer stabilizes the beating heart while the surgery is performed. Dr. Lutz estimates that about 20 percent of U.S. cardiac surgeons are using this approach. "More and more data show it's better. Patients go home sooner—in three to four days, as opposed to six or seven days. They lose less blood, and have a lower risk of stroke and renal failure."

Photo image of Charles Lutz, MD

 

 

"It's known as 'beating heart' or "off-pump" bypass, and it's much less traumatic to the patient."

— Dr. Charles Lutz.


Minimally invasive heart surgery is not for every patient however so to determine if you are a candidate speak with your physician or contact us.