Traditional heart surgery requires the surgeon to cut open the patient’s chest and cut through the breastbone. Minimally invasive heart surgery allows our cardiac surgeons to work through small incisions only three to four inches long, using elongated instruments and scopes. What are the benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery?

• Less pain
• Shorter recovery time
• Smaller scars
• Shorter hospital stay
• Lower risk of infection
• Lower risk of bleeding and blood transfusion

What minimally invasive heart procedures do our surgeons perform? Our heart surgeons treat complex heart conditions using a variety of techniques—including minimally invasive surgery—with outstanding outcomes. They also work as part of a larger team of heart specialists to provide patient-focused care both before and after surgery. Our specialists are trained in a full range of minimally invasive procedures, for the safety, healing and comfort of our patients. At MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, we offer the following procedures for the treatment of heart conditions:

ANEURYSM REPAIR

The aorta, the body’s largest artery, delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When disease is present, the aorta can tear (dissect) or dilate to form an abnormal widening or ballooning called an aneurysm. LEARN MORE

BEATING HEART BYPASS

During beating heart bypass surgery, the heart is able to continue beating naturally, eliminating the need for a heart/lung machine, or pump. LEARN MORE

CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG, or bypass surgery) is one of the most common heart surgeries our cardiac surgeons perform. LEARN MORE

HEART VALVE SURGERY

During heart valve surgery, one or more unhealthy valves are repaired or replaced, to help reduce the strain on the heart and restore a healthy blood flow throughout the body. LEARN MORE

TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure is an advanced treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis, or abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve. LEARN MORE

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL ABLATION

Most patients with atrial fibrillation are candidates for minimally invasive surgical ablation.