When most people hear ‘open heart surgery,’ they imagine a large chest incision, weeks in hospital, and months of recovery. While traditional cardiac surgery remains the gold standard for many complex cases, minimally invasive cardiac surgery is transforming what patients experience and what they expect.
For residents of Thane, Kalyan, Dombivli, and Bhiwandi, access to this advanced technique is now available without travelling to Mumbai city.
What is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) involves performing heart operations through small incisions – typically 5–8 cm in the chest – rather than the standard full sternotomy (complete breastbone cut). Using specialised instruments and, in some cases, robotic or thoracoscopic assistance, surgeons can:
- Repair or replace heart valves (especially mitral and tricuspid)
- Perform bypass surgery through alternative access routes
- Close atrial septal defects (ASDs)
- Remove cardiac tumours
- Perform pericardiectomy and other thoracic procedures
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Open Heart Surgery
Who Is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery?
Not every patient is suitable for MICS – the anatomy, cardiac function, and type of lesion must be carefully assessed. Ideal candidates include:
- Patients with isolated mitral valve disease (repair is strongly preferred over replacement)
- Those requiring tricuspid valve repair alongside mitral surgery
- Patients with ASD or other septal defects
- Individuals who are concerned about large visible scars
- Patients with previous sternotomy (redo operations may be safer via minimal access)
- Younger, otherwise healthy patients for whom rapid return to activity matters
Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Working Population of Thane District
Thane, Kalyan, and Bhiwandi have a large working-age population in trades, construction, logistics, textiles, and daily wage employment. For these patients, recovery time is not just a medical concern – it’s an economic one.
Faster return to work, less dependence on family during recovery, and smaller surgical trauma make MICS a life-changing option for patients who cannot afford extended absence from their livelihood.
What to Ask Your Surgeon Before Choosing Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Is my specific cardiac problem amenable to a minimal access approach?
- What is your experience and case volume with this technique?
- Is the hospital equipped with the specialised instruments and perfusion setup required?
- What are the conversion rates to open surgery, in case of unexpected findings?
- How does the expected outcome compare to conventional surgery for my case?
Dr. Saumya Sekhar’s Approach to Minimal Access Surgery
Dr. Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant performs a range of minimal access cardiac and thoracic procedures at Kims Hospital, Thane. His approach prioritises evidence-based patient selection – not every patient who wants MICS should have it, and not every patient who fears open surgery should avoid it.
“The right technique is the one that gives the best outcome for your specific anatomy and condition.”