By : Geraldus Sigap
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) is a breakthrough in modern cardiac surgery. This technique allows patients to undergo heart procedures with smaller incisions, lower risk, and significantly faster recovery compared to conventional open-heart surgery.
What is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?
MICS is a heart surgery technique performed through a small incision (typically 3–5 cm) between the ribs, without cutting through the breastbone. With the help of advanced cameras and specialized instruments, doctors can precisely correct heart abnormalities with minimal trauma to the body.
Advantages of MICS Compared to Traditional Heart Surgery
- Small incisions: Less visible and more aesthetic scars.
- Lower infection risk: No need to cut through the sternum.
- Faster recovery time: Patients can return to normal activities sooner.
- Shorter hospital stay: Usually only 3–5 days post-surgery.
- Less pain: Reduced need for pain medications.
Who is Eligible for MICS?
Not all heart conditions are suitable for MICS. However, the following conditions are commonly treated using this method:
- Heart valve diseases (e.g., mitral valve repair or replacement)
- Atrial septal defect (ASD)
- Benign heart tumors (e.g., myxoma)
- Certain types of coronary artery bypass (minimally invasive CABG)
A thorough evaluation by a cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon is essential to determine patient eligibility.
A Safe, Closely Monitored Procedure
MICS is performed in a specialized operating room equipped with advanced technology. Patients are under the close care of a multidisciplinary team, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and ICU staff, ensuring maximum safety throughout the procedure. Not all heart conditions require major surgery. With medical advancements, safer and more comfortable options are now available. Don’t ignore symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
Before undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), patients must go through a comprehensive series of evaluations to ensure that MICS is the most appropriate option. At RS Abdi Waluyo, all of these steps can be performed in one place efficiently and in an integrated manner, so patients do not need to be referred to other facilities.
Key preoperative assessments include:
- Cardiac MSCT (Multislice CT Scan): This provides a detailed image of the coronary artery anatomy and the degree of blockage. It is crucial for determining whether the issue can be managed via catheterization or if surgery is necessary.
- Nuclear Scanning (Myocardial Scintigraphy): Used to evaluate how well the heart muscle is functioning and to identify areas with reduced blood supply. This helps the medical team weigh the risks and benefits of surgery compared to other treatment approaches.
- Pulmonary Function Test: Conducted to ensure that the patient’s lung capacity is sufficient for undergoing general anesthesia and the postoperative recovery process.
The cardiovascular specialist team at RS Abdi Waluyo also adopts a careful and holistic approach before deciding on surgery. Typically, catheterization will be attempted first as a more conservative method. If that is not feasible, the team will then recommend surgical procedures such as CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft), including using the MICS technique if the patient meets the criteria.
This entire process highlights the importance of thorough preoperative preparation to ensure diagnostic accuracy and effective treatment planning—and all of it can be completed seamlessly at RS Abdi Waluyo, as a one-stop cardiac care center.
The Importance of Screening and Preparation Before MICS
The success of MICS heavily depends on thorough preoperative screening and preparation. RS Abdi Waluyo provides complete facilities to support this procedure, including the latest angiography Cathlab, MSCT, nuclear scanning, pulmonary function testing, and access to a full team of medical specialists for optimal safety and recovery. This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive integrated care and faster recovery.
It’s important to note that dr. M. Alfa Ferry Santoso, MD, FRCS, FCS, Sp.BTKV, FIHA was the first doctor to perform Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) in Indonesia and is now part of the Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery team at RS Abdi Waluyo. His experience ensures that patients are in capable and trusted hands.
Consult your condition with the Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery team at RS Abdi Waluyo.
Please contact us at 021-3144989 or schedule your appointment online through the following link: https://wa.link/rsabdiwaluyo
FAQ
- What’s the difference between MICS and conventional open-heart surgery?
MICS is performed through a small 3–5 cm incision without fully opening the breastbone, unlike open-heart surgery that requires splitting the sternum. MICS results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.
- Can all heart patients undergo MICS?
Not all cases qualify for MICS. Patients must undergo evaluations such as angiography, MSCT, or pulmonary function tests to determine if they’re suitable candidates.
- Is MICS safer than regular heart surgery?
When performed on the right patients by an experienced surgical team, MICS has shown high success rates with lower complication risks. Proper preparation and close monitoring are essential.
- How long is the recovery after MICS?
Most patients can resume light activities within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery typically takes around 4–6 weeks, much faster than with conventional open-heart surgery.
Resource :
- Dieberg, G., Smart, N. A., & King, N. (2016). Minimally invasive cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of cardiology, 223, 554–560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.08.227
- Salenger, R., Lobdell, K., & Grant, M. C. (2024). Update on minimally invasive cardiac surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery. Current opinion in anaesthesiology, 37(1), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACO.0000000000001322
- Langer, N. B., & Argenziano, M. (2016). Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery: Incisions and Approaches. Methodist DeBakey cardiovascular journal, 12(1), 4–9. https://doi.org/10.14797/mdcj-12-1-4
