What is Keyhole Heart Surgery? Benefits, Types & Recovery

What is Keyhole Heart Surgery? 

Minimally invasive heart surgery, keyhole surgery, or minimal access heart surgery is a method of performing regular heart operations (like bypass surgery, or heart valve surgery) using small incisions; it can be completed within or on the heart. There are many benefits of keyhole heart surgery, which highly trained and experienced cardiac surgeons perform at Aakash Healthcare using cutting-edge technology and specialized instruments.

Minimal access to heart surgery. The field of cardiac sciences has advanced tremendously this century, and keyhole heart surgeries are a testament to the same: in experienced hands, they are an extremely safe and proven procedure. The Department of cardiac sciences at Aakash has gained domestic and international recognition for its achievements in cardiac surgery, with surgeons who have performed thousands of keyhole heart surgeries. Your heart will be in safe hands with us. 

Conditions that can be treated through keyhole heart surgery 

Surgeons create tiny incisions between the ribs to reach the heart, avoiding broken bones altogether. They use this method to treat various cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease aortic valve regurgitation, aortic valve stenosis, mitral valve stenosis, and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Did you know keyhole heart surgeries can also be used to perform conventional coronary bypass surgery, remove tumors, close holes, and treat heart valve disease?

Benefits of Keyhole Heart Surgery

Minimal Scars (Cosmetic Incision)

We take a great deal of time fitting into our comfort zone concerning our external appearance, and while it is not the only thing that matters, it is undoubtedly essential to look good and feel good; for ourselves. One major factor that draws patients toward keyhole heart surgery is its tremendous cosmetic appeal as the surgery uses tiny incisions. This keeps the scars minimal and placed in inconspicuous places compared to conventional open heart surgery. On average, the wounds are about 2-3 inches in length instead of 12 inches from conventional heart treatments. Some keyhole heart surgeries are also performed through the groin with a wire, which sidesteps a scar on the chest entirely.

Avoids Broken Bones

Conventional open-heart surgery from back in the day may require cardiac surgeons to break a patient’s breastbone to do the surgery. On the other hand, keyhole heart surgery which is minimally invasive doesn’t need the breaking of any bones. As mentioned, this surgery is performed via small gaps in the ribcage. Since no bones are broken, the recovery will take about one week after keyhole heart surgery, compared to roughly two months for conventional breastbone division.

Lesser Pain and Fewer Chances of Infection

Since keyhole heart surgery will not need the breastbone to be broken, the pain from surgery is significantly less than traditional open heart surgery. This surgery also reduces the risk of bone infection as no bones will be broken.

Quicker Recovery After Keyhole Heart Surgery

Recovery following traditional open heart surgery through the breastbone requires 6-8 weeks to heal the bone fully. When heart surgery is performed by keyhole surgery, the wounds will heal within a few days. Since there is no broken bone, patients can resume activities within two weeks. 

How Can Keyhole Heart Surgery Help You? 

Learning of a heart condition that needs open-heart surgery can be pretty scary, but we are here to help you through every step with our professional and personal advice throughout your journey. If your heart condition requires open heart surgery, we can help you understand the best options you’ll have on your table. 

The need for any cardiac intervention will leave most individuals with many questions. We will help you better understand the gravity of your condition and answer any questions you may have. Our specialists also offer assistance vis a vis a second opinion if patients so desire. 

Are You a Candidate for Minimally Invasive or Robotic Surgery?

Surgeons at Aakash Healthcare will discuss with you and your family the advantages and disadvantages of keyhole heart surgery against traditional surgery techniques before settling upon the best treatment for you. This is based on many factors determined through tests and cross-examination. The type of heart disease you are afflicted with, its severity, how old you are, personal and family medical history, current lifestyle; and results from a series of tests that will be done before surgery: all of these will

determine whether keyhole heart surgery will benefit you or not.

Types of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery:

Cardiac surgeons at Aakash Healthcare have performed minimally invasive heart surgery regularly, going back to the days of mitral and aortic valve surgeries. Today, patients can avail a wide range of minimally invasive heart procedures for faster recovery and greater convenience. 

Surgeons can make one or more small incisions through the muscles between the ribs. This is called a mini-thoracotomy.

We also perform Robotically Assisted heart surgery to treat patients with mitral regurgitation (leaky mitral valve), tricuspid valve repair, mitral valve repair, ASD repair, and removal of cardiac tumors. 

Recovery After Keyhole Heart Surgery:

If you have a keyhole or minimally invasive heart robotic, your stay in the hospital will be about 3 to 5 days after surgery. A healthcare team will monitor you closely while in the hospital to aid in your quick recovery. Upon your discharge from the hospital, you’ll receive instructions regarding recovery and a timeline to return to daily activities, care, and diet. 

Set aside 2-3 weeks from your surgery for “recovery” - when you can return to your routine activity” after surgery. Remember that everyone has a different case, and recovery will also vary.

ALSO READ: Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Aortic Valve Repair and Aortic Valve Replacement