Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

At St. Elizabeth, we offer a full spectrum of minimally invasive heart surgery options – including totally endoscopic, robotic-assisted and hybrid procedures – to treat a wide range of heart conditions with less disruptions to your life.

What Is Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery?

Minimally invasive heart surgery is an umbrella term for advanced techniques that allow surgeons to use small incisions and specialized tools to repair or replace parts of the heart – without cutting the breastbone or spreading the ribs. These approaches are designed to reduce physical stress on the body, shorten recovery time and improve outcomes – while delivering the same effectiveness as traditional open-heart surgery.

Our Surgical Techniques

We offer minimally invasive techniques tailored to your condition, anatomy and overall health. Your surgeon will help determine the best approach for you.

  • Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery (TECS)
    TECS represents the pinnacle of less invasive heart repair. This advanced approach uses micro-incisions and cutting-edge 3D 4K technology to perform complex heart procedures without splitting the breastbone or spreading the ribs. This “video-only” guidance demands exceptional skill and is only performed by select programs nationwide.
  • Robot-Assisted Heart Surgery
    Robot-Assisted Heart Surgery pairs surgical expertise with the enhanced capabilities of the robotic system. The surgeon’s hand movements are seamlessly translated into precise, real-time movements by tiny instruments attached to the robotic arms.
  • Hybrid Heart Procedures
    Some patients benefit from a hybrid approach, which combines catheter-based techniques with surgical approaches – often in a single procedure. This allows our team to tailor treatments using the strengths of both surgery and interventional cardiology.
Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques are more than technical advancements – they are changing how a patient’s recovery feels. These techniques can offer significant benefits for eligible patients:

Depending on the case, the operation may be performed through a 2-2.5 cm incision, or three to four micro incisions along the right side of the chest between the ribs – avoiding the breastbone entirely.

Smaller incisions mean less visible scarring, which not only have cosmetic benefits but also contribute to a more comfortable recovery.

Most patients go home within two to three days, spending less time in the hospital and more time healing at home.

Less trauma to the body means less swelling and fewer risks like bleeding, infection or breathing issues.

Patients typically resume normal activities much sooner than with traditional open-heart surgery – usually within two to three weeks.

Smaller incisions and innovative techniques help protect against infection and promote faster wound healing.

With decreased damage to tissue and muscle and no chest bone disruption, patients often experience significantly less pain – and only need Tylenol to manage any discomfort at home.

Because your chest bone remains intact, you’ll have more freedom to move, sleep and return to work and other activities more quickly.

These benefits are especially important for patients who want to minimize downtime or who may not be ideal candidates for traditional open-heart surgery.

What Conditions Can Be Treated Minimally Invasively?

Minimally invasive techniques may be used to treat:

  • Mitral valve disease, including prolapse and rheumatic disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • Aortic valve disease
  • Cardiac tumors
  • Mitral annular calcification
  • Atrial septal defects (holes in the heart)
  • Tricuspid valve disease

What to Expect

Your care team will guide you through every step:

  1. Evaluation: Imaging and consultation to determine the best surgical approach.
  2. Surgery: Performed by nationally recognized cardiac surgeons using state-of-the-art technology.
  3. Recovery: Most patients go home within a few days and return to normal activities in weeks, not months.
  4. Follow-Up: Cardiac rehab and ongoing support to help you heal and thrive.

Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Right for You?

Minimally invasive heart surgery is safe for most patients – including some previously considered unsuitable candidates or too high-risk. Factors such as the type and severity of your heart condition, your overall health and previous surgeries will be considered.

If minimally invasive surgery isn’t the right option, rest assured that our team excels at traditional open-heart surgery as well. Regardless of the method, your care team will help you choose the safest and most effective method for your individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Robotic surgery uses robotic arms controlled by your surgeon. Endoscopic surgery uses small ports and a camera without opening the chest. Hybrid procedures combine surgery with catheter-based techniques.

Yes – for appropriate patients, these techniques are as safe and effective as traditional surgery, with added benefits like faster recovery and less pain.

Your surgeon will evaluate your condition and overall health to determine the best approach.

Most patients go home within 2-3 days and return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks, depending on the procedure and individual health.

Essentially, it is the least invasive approach available today, representing a rare and specialized option. It requires such a high-level of surgical training that it is only offered at select centers like St. Elizabeth.

In most cases, yes. We recommend contacting your insurance carrier for verification of your plan’s coverage.

Yes. Cardiac rehab is an important part of recovery and helps you regain strength and confidence.

Your care team will provide detailed instructions, including medications and what to expect before and after surgery.

We encourage you to discuss your preferences with your surgeon. Together, you’ll decide on the safest and most effective option.

No. The robot is a tool that translates the surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of the instruments inside your chest. Your highly skilled cardiac surgeon is in complete control of the robotic system throughout the entire procedure.

This Isn’t Just a Surgery. It’s Your Surgery!

Minimally invasive heart surgery is designed to help you heal faster, feel better and get back to the life you love – but it’s still a big life moment.

We know it’s not just about the procedure. It’s about your comfort, your questions and your confidence. From your first appointment to your recovery at home, we’re here to make sure your experience feels personal, clear and reassuring – because it’s not just any surgery. It’s yours.

Call (859) 301-9010 to schedule a consultation.