Your heart is the powerhouse of your body. Not only does it pump blood to the whole body, but it is one of the reasons keeping you alive. A healthy heart means a healthy being. However, with time, age, certain medical complications, and several other factors, there might be cases where the heart struggles with some issues.
Here comes heart or cardiac surgery. When you have to choose a heart surgery for yourselves or your loved ones, it is important to know the options available.
There are two popular options: open heart surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has gained huge popularity and preference in recent days because of its several benefits. Read on to learn more about the intricacies of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, its benefits, and limitations.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Vs. Open Heart Surgery
Before we go any further on minimally invasive surgeries, let’s first understand what makes it distinct from other surgeries. Let’s see how open surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery are different.
An open surgery is performed, making an incision of 6 to 10 inches. The general procedure involves exposing the heart and then continuing the surgery to correct valves, arteries, or whatever work is required. Since open surgeries are done making big cuts, the treatment requires a patient to stay a few days in the hospital itself. For recovery, they are expected to take a few weeks, ranging from 6 to 8 weeks.
On the other hand, minimally invasive cardiac surgeries make smaller incisions, have shorter hospital stays, and offer quick recovery. Let’s learn about these advantages in detail.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Minimally invasive cardiac surgeries can be used for a variety of purposes, like valve repair, replacement, septal repair, and much more. As mentioned, the popularity of these surgeries comes from the several advantages it offer. Take a look at these benefits of minimally invasive surgeries:
- Reduced Pain
As mentioned, minimally invasive surgeries are performed making smaller incisions. Plus, they need no cut through the breastbone. This makes them less painful for the patients.
- Minimal Scarring
Individuals are often found to be worrying about scar marks when talking of surgeries. However, you may not need to think that much when it comes to minimally invasive cardiac surgeries. The reason is simple: they leave minimal scars and thus are quite preferred by people.
- Quick Recovery
When talking about surgeries, you cannot forget to mention the body’s trauma. However, the same is very much eased in the case of minimally invasive surgeries. And thus, they offer faster recovery in comparison to other solutions. You may return to your regular work and efficiently perform in your day-to-day activities very soon after the procedure when opting for these surgeries.
- No Long Hospital Stays
The general span of hospital stay for individuals opting for minimally invasive surgeries ranges between 2 and 5 days. Thus, you no longer have to spend your time in the hospital eating that boring food and living the boring life. You can very easily return to your normal life in just a few days with these surgeries.
- Lesser Complications
The best part about minimally invasive cardiac surgery is their safety. As these surgeries need no making of big cuts, the chances of infections, excessive blood loss, and such other complications are reduced. Thus, they are considered to be safe and effective at the same time.
Limitations of Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery
While there are a bunch of advantages to minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, there are some limitations too. However, the benefits are so much and in such quantity that they overshadow the limitations. However, let’s understand its limitations too, to make an informed choice.
- Minimally invasive cardiac surgeries need more technical expertise and professionalism.
- The equipment requirements of these surgeries are quite advanced.
- With advanced expertise and equipment, the cost of minimally invasive cardiac surgeries is a bit higher than other surgeries.
- Not everyone can go for minimally invasive surgeries. Your healthcare provider conducts some tests and looks into your medical history to see if you're suitable to go for these surgeries.
Final Word
Minimally invasive cardiac surgeries are one of the best developments with advancements of science and technology. However, they offer several advantages; it is best to consult your doctor. Your doctor can suggest to you the best course of treatment following your medical concerns and history. Also, it is super important to pick a suitable clinic for your minimally invasive surgeries for maximum efficiency. Dr. Aditya Lad is one of the most reputable names in Surat for cardiac care. With a variety of heart treatments available and technical expertise, he has helped several patients recover. And you can be one of them.
So, delay no more. Book an appointment now to know more!
