Least invasive cardiac surgery uses small chest incisions and occasionally a thin camera or robotic assistance to operate on the heart without opening the whole breastbone. The surgeon works through a gap between the ribs or a short cut over the breastbone. It may be used for selected valve operations, closure of holes in the heart and bypass of a single artery, often called minimally invasive direct coronary bypass.

A cardiovascular surgeon in Mumbai at Apex selects patients after imaging shows that the heart can be reached safely. Echocardiography, CT scans and a study of blood vessels in the chest and groin guide the decision. When the heart-lung machine is needed, it can be connected through vessels in the groin instead of the chest. Patients with complex or multi-vessel disease, severe lung disease or previous chest surgery may not be suitable.

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon explains that the approach may be changed to a standard incision if safety requires it. After surgery, patients wake in the intensive care unit and begin breathing exercises early. Many walk the next day, and the hospital stay is often shorter than after standard open-heart surgery. Before discharge, the team explains wound care, activity limits and follow-up.

How the Procedure Can Help

LICS may mean less pain, smaller scars, less blood loss and a faster return to routine for suitable patients. Because the breastbone is not divided in many of these operations, patients may be able to resume activities such as driving and light work sooner.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding, lung or nerve problems, rib pain, injury to blood vessels at access sites, stroke and conversion to a standard incision during the operation. Some operations take longer when performed through small openings. Fever, wound problems, breathlessness, chest pain or a fast, irregular pulse afterwards needs prompt review.