Part 5: The Expertise

Mastery Matters: Inside the Expertise Behind TECS

In earlier parts of this series, we explored why Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery (TECS) is truly minimal and how preserving the chest structure transforms recovery. Now, we turn to another critical factor: the surgeon’s skill – and why this approach demands a level of caliber of skills far beyond conventional techniques.

Why TECS Requires a Different Kind of Skill

Imagine performing intricate movements – like sewing a piece of tissue with a thin thread – while your hands maneuver tools that are 12-inches long and your view comes from a screen instead of direct sight. That’s the complex reality of TECS. Surgeons lose the tactile feedback they rely on in open surgery, so every decision depends on visual judgment and refined technique.

Working through small ports also means navigating tight spaces with limited range of motion. Instruments must be positioned perfectly, often at challenging angles, to avoid critical structures. This level of control takes years of training and hundreds of cases to achieve.

“Technology is powerful, but it doesn’t replace judgment,” explains Dr. Mario Castillo-Sang, a Cardiac Surgeon at St. Elizabeth. “TECS demands skill, precision and preparation to deliver the safest results for patients.”

Why Experience and Training Matter Most

TECS isn’t something learned in a weekend course – it’s a discipline built on distinct training and a proven track record. Surgeons must complete focused endoscopic training and perform a high volume of cases to develop the authority this technique demands.

Unlike traditional methods, TECS requires operating in a completely different environment, where every movement is amplified by technology and limited by space.

“Proficiency comes from repetition,” says Dr. Castillo-Sang. “The more cases a surgeon performs, the more assured and skillful the execution becomes. That experience translates directly into better outcomes.”

But it’s not just the surgeon. The entire surgical team – nurses, anesthesiologists, perfusionists – must be fluent in the unique demands of TECS. Every role matters and seamless coordination ensures safety and effectiveness for the patient.

Choosing TECS: What Patients Should Know

A smaller incision is great, but your heart deserves more – it deserves a surgeon with proven expertise in this highly specialized approach. When considering TECS, ask your surgeon about their experience and case volume. The number of procedures performed is one of the strongest indicators of competence.

If you need heart surgery and want the ultimate less-invasive option, choose a surgeon with years of dedication and proven volumes.

Questions to ask your surgeon:

• How many TECS procedures have you performed?
• What training do you have in totally endoscopic techniques?
• Have you previously used TECS to treat patients with my condition?
• What are your success rates for TECS?

In the final part of our series, we will look at how this highly skilled technique is used to treat an increasingly complex range of heart conditions. Learn more about Dr. Castillo-Sang’s commitment and global vision for TECS. Call (859) 301-9010 to schedule a consultation today.

Catch up on the series: You just read Part 5 of 6.

Read Introduction: Is Your “Minimally Invasive” Surgery Truly Minimal?

Read Part 1: Minimally Invasive vs. Truly Minimal: Decoding the Difference in Cardiac Surgery

Read Part 2: Beyond the Naked Eye: How 3D Visualization Enhances Surgical Precision

Read Part 3: The Power of Preservation: Why “No Bone Cut” Means Faster Recovery

Read Part 4: Weeks or Days? How Truly Minimal Surgery Fast-Tracks Your Return to Life

Up Next: Part 6: Complex Cases, Minimal Incision: The Expanding Horizon of Totally Endoscopic Procedures