Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery
Traditional heart surgery requires the surgeon to "crack the chest." Though traditional sternotomy is a proven approach to fixing the heart and necessary in some cases, alternative minimally-invasive approaches are great options for many patients. These include a mini-thoractomy (though the rib spaces), which spares the sternum and avoids the need to "crack the chest." |
Did you know...
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What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive valve surgery is a specialized approach to treating heart valve disease. Rather than making a large incision through the breastbone (sternum) to gain access to the heart, this method uses sophisticated instruments to perform the surgery through a smaller incision at the side of the chest. Why RWJUH for Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive valve surgery is a highly advanced technique that requires special expertise and equipment. Only select hospitals offer this approach. However at RWJUH, nearly all of our isolated valve surgeries are performed minimally invasively. At RWJUH, minimally invasive approaches are our standard approach. |
What are the Potential Benefits of Minimally invasive surgery?
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