MICS surgery generally has a higher success rate. Hospitals like Gleneagles Hospital provided comparatively higher success rates in Hyderabad, starting at 87%.

Synopsis
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is an advanced version of open-heart surgery. It has a lot of benefits when compared to traditional heart procedures. This article aims to explore the various aspects of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery. We will also understand why it is crucial to get your surgery done from a reputed hospital like Gleneagles Hospital.
Introduction
MICS stands for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery. It is a surgical procedure with a minimally invasive approach for treating several cardiac conditions. When compared to traditional open heart surgery, a MICS procedure is considered more beneficial, primarily due to the smaller incisions and the shorter recovery period. Most patients with a Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery can only get back to their work after one month. Whereas in open-heart surgery, the recovery duration is longer and more scarring is caused.
Understanding The MICS Approach
In a traditional open-heart surgery, a surgeon makes a long incision in the middle of the chest to split the breastbone apart and access the heart. On the other hand, in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, a small incision is made under the breast region to access the heart through the ribs. Since the incisions are smaller, specialised instruments are used to perform the surgery. Robotic arms and endoscopic tools are used to perform intricate procedures with more precision. MICS is a better alternative for anyone looking for a minimally invasive procedure with less scarring and minimal skin damage.

Heart Conditions Treated By MICS
MICS surgery in Hyderabad can be used to treat a wide range of heart conditions. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Coronary Artery Disease - This health condition is generally treated with a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure for restoring normal blood flow.
- Heart Valve Diseases - Conditions like aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation can disrupt the health function and require a valve repair or replacement. MICS is effective for this health condition.
- Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) - Congenital defects can also be corrected with the help of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgeries.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - It is the most common category of heart arrhythmia in which the person experiences an irregular heartbeat. It can be treated with minimally invasive surgical ablation.
- Cardiac Tumours - Some tumours in the heart can also restrict the proper functioning and blood pumping. They can be removed using minimally invasive techniques.
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Types of MICS Procedures
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is further divided into sub-categories for addressing varied heart concerns. Some of the common types of MICS procedures include the following.
- Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) - In this type of MICS, a small incision is made to bypass the blocked arteries to improve blood flow to the heart.
- Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery - This surgery is done to repair or replace damaged heart valves with small incisions instead of opening the chest.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) - This is a catheter-based procedure. It is performed to replace a diseased aortic valve without an open-heart surgery.
- Robotic-Assisted Heart Surgery - Precise robotic systems are utilised in this surgery to perform cardiac procedures with enhanced control and higher accuracy.
- Minimally Invasive Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure - This is a specialised procedure for closing the abnormal openings in the heart.
How is a MICS Procedure Done?
MICS procedures are performed using specialised instruments and less invasive techniques. Let's quickly understand the procedure of a Minimally Invasive Coronary Surgery.
- Small incisions - Instead of a full sternotomy, as done in an open-heart surgery, smaller incisions are made in an MICS procedure. The size of the incisions made is generally 5-10 cm long.
- Use of endoscopes and robotic systems - Since the incisions are smaller, specialised instruments like endoscopes and robotic arms are used to accurately perform the procedure.
- Catheter-based interventions - In some procedures like TAVR, thin catheters are used. They are directly inserted through blood vessels to reach the heart and perform the surgery.
- Beating-heart techniques - In some procedures, the heartbeat has to be stopped. Doctors prefer beating heart surgery as it has less chance of complications.
Benefits of MICS
When compared to a traditional open-heart surgery, a Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery has many benefits. Some of its key benefits include:
- Smaller incisions are made, resulting in minimal scarring.
- The risk of infections and other health issues is significantly reduced.
- Due to the less invasive approach, shorter hospital stay is required with a speedy recovery.
- Less pain and discomfort are caused, and the requirement of pain relief medication is comparatively less.
- Patients can return to routine activities and work faster.
- The chances of post-surgical complications like stroke or excessive bleeding are generally less.
Challenges and Limitations
While MICS is generally safe, some risks should be taken care of. Despite its advantages, MICS comes with some challenges and limitations as well.
- One of the main limitations of Minimally Invasive Coronary Surgery is that it might not be suitable for all candidates. Some severe heart conditions might still require traditional approaches like open-heart surgery.
- Not all hospitals provide trustworthy MICS facilities. To get acquainted with the robotic instruments, the surgeons need extensive training and good experience. Only skilled and proficient surgeons can perform a minimally invasive cardiac surgery with full precision.
- The instruments used in an MICS procedure are specialised. Since the investment is huge, the availability of these instruments is generally less.
- MICS is also accompanied by some potential risk factors such as bleeding, infections, or complications due to limited surgical access and the use of miniature instruments.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
The recovery after a MICS surgery is a crucial period for ensuring healing and a safe procedure. Regular follow-up check-ups with your cardiologist should be done to ensure that you recover fully and that normal heart function is restored. A patient generally has to stay for around 3 to 5 days after a Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery. The duration is significantly smaller than that of a highly invasive open-heart surgery. The need to incorporate pain management medication is also comparatively less. Lifestyle adjustments such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications are recommended for long-term relief and optimising heart health.
Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for MICS?
Gleneagles Hospital is a leading institution for MICS surgery in Hyderabad. The expert doctors, cutting-edge technology, the level of patient care, comprehensive medical facilities, personalised treatment plans, and high success rates - all contribute to making the Gleneagles Hospital the top choice for anyone planning to get a Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in Hyderabad. Gleneagles Hospital is the leading hospital chain in India, offering seamless treatment and world-class robotic instruments. Over the years, the hospital has successfully helped countless people overcome their heart problems and lead normal lives. Gleneagles Hospital can attest to the medical skill and expertise that it provides to every patient with the personalised treatment approach.
Conclusion
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is transforming the treatment of cardiac problems by providing patients with a safer, faster, and less painful alternative to standard surgery options. With various advantages, MICS is becoming the preferred treatment method for many cardiac problems. However, choosing a reputed institution is paramount for ensuring the success of your cardiac surgery. Renowned healthcare facilities like Gleneagles Hospital guarantee access to high-quality medical treatment, competent doctors, and cutting-edge technology. If you or your loved ones are planning to get a MICS surgery in Hyderabad, then consider visiting Gleneagles Hospitals to consult our experts and get your checkup done today.
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View allFrequently Asked Questions
To check the eligibility for MICS surgery in Hyderabad, it is recommended to consult an expert cardiologist. Usually, patients with certain heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease and congenital defects, may be candidates for valve diseases and go for MICS surgery.
Most MICS procedures take around 2 to 4 hours. This duration can increase or decrease depending on how complex your case is.
Yes, many elderly patients can benefit from MICS surgery. Mainly because of the lower risk of complications and faster recovery, MICS is preferable for older patients.
Yes, since more advanced instruments are used, the MICS procedure is generally more expensive. However, it is important to note that while the initial cost may be slightly higher, other factors like shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery often reduce the overall expense of your cardiac treatment.
The recovery duration is around 2 weeks. Most patients can resume mild activities within 1 to 2 weeks of the surgery. However, it would take 4 to 6 weeks to fully return to work.