Traditional heart surgeries, usually involving the cutting of the chest bone or sternum, can now be conducted through a minimally invasive method, employing a 4 to 5-centimetre incision between the ribs while maintaining the same operative details. The primary distinction lies in the approach. Minimally invasive surgeries offer unique advantages, including minimal blood transfusion requirements, reduced pain, zero infection rates, and the ability for patients to regain full mobility, often allowing discharge from the hospital within three days of surgery.
However, not all patients are suitable candidates for this approach. Adequate heart and lung functions are prerequisites, and the disease should not be in an advanced stage. These factors preclude the option of a safe minimally invasive surgery, and in such cases, a standard surgical procedure is employed.