Conventional Open Heart Surgery

In most conventional cardiac operations the patient is put fully to sleep under general anaesthesia. A midline incision is made over the sternum and the sternum is divided to reach the heart. In adults this midline incision is usually about 20–25 centimetres long.

Many intracardiac operations use a heart–lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass / CPB). Not every cardiac operation needs it — for example, many off-pump CABG procedures are performed without it.

Larger Midline Incision

Conventional median sternotomy typically requires a larger midline chest incision to access the heart directly.

Full Sternotomy

The sternum (breastbone) is divided completely to allow direct surgical access to the heart.

How Surgery Is Performed in MICS

A defining feature of MICS is that in most selected procedures the sternum in the middle of the chest is not divided completely.

Intercostal Space Access

The heart is usually reached through the space between the ribs on the side of the chest (intercostal space). In our MICS approach the incision is usually about 6–8 centimetres.

Femoral Cannulation

In many MICS procedures the heart–lung machine is connected through the femoral artery and femoral vein in the groin (femoral cannulation).

Possible Benefits

A smaller incision, comparatively less surgical trauma, faster mobilisation, an earlier return to daily activities and a smaller scar.

Not Suitable for Every Patient

The decision depends on the type of disease, coronary and valve anatomy, previous operations, lung and vascular condition, age and overall physical condition.

Safety Comes First

The aim of MICS is not only a smaller incision — it is to ensure a safe and complete cardiac correction or repair. If required, the incision may be extended or converted to a conventional sternotomy for patient safety.