Minimally invasive heart surgery

The Orwell works with some of the country’s top surgeons and cardiologists who are experienced in using the latest techniques to treat patients. These mean patients can benefit from advances such as keyhole and ‘beating heart’ surgery.

Keyhole or minimally invasive surgery avoids the surgeon having to cut through the breast bone and making an incision of eight to 12 inches to get access to the heart. Mr Inder Birdi, our keyhole specialist, trained at the renowned Papworth Hospital in Cambridge and has more than 10 years experience in performing keyhole heart surgery. During this time, he has performed hundreds of operations.

Keyhole surgery is carried out through a much smaller incision - often no more than four inches long - between the ribs. The surgeon then inserts especially designed instruments, together with tiny cameras which allow him to see the heart and blood vessels on a screen. Even very complex procedures can be done as ’beating heart’ procedures without the use of a heart-lung machine.

Benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery

• a smaller wound means less surrounding tissue damage which can contribute to quicker recovery
  
  
• procedures which avoid breaking bones are also likely to have a quicker recovery time
  
  
• less pain after the procedure and possible reduced user of pain relief
  
  
• earlier return to normal activities such as work and hobbies
  
  
• a smaller incision usually gives a better cosmetic outcome
  
  
• avoiding using a heart-lung machine in some procedures can also aid recovery
  
  
• in some cases, keyhole surgery may be an option for patients who are not suitable for major ‘open chest‘ surgery

All surgery carries a small risk of complications, and side-effects. Your surgeon will discuss these with you and how they relate to you individually. But years of research in the US and Europe suggest minimally invasive surgery carried out by experienced surgeons is as effective as traditional surgical methods.

You will be carefully assessed to see if you are suitable for keyhole surgery; for some patients open chest surgery is advisable.