Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery/Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (MICS CABG)

How does MICS CABG differ from traditional bypass surgery?

To reach the heart in traditional bypass surgery, a sternotomy incision, approximately 6″–8″ in length, is made midline on the chest and through the breastbone. Upon completing the surgery, the breastbone is wired together and the sternotomy incision is closed.

The downside to traditional bypass surgery:

Large sternotomy incision and broken bones make it a highly invasive process
Postsurgery is typically painful
A long recovery phase with many postsurgical restrictions, including the inability to drive
Cosmetically, a large scar results from the sternotomy incision
Postsurgery complications are not uncommon

How MICS CABG compares

In comparison, MICS CABG is a much less invasive procedure. It requires only three small incisions, rather than the typical sternotomy incision, and there is no need to break the ribs or the breastbone.

The benefits of MICS CABG include:

Less pain (no broken bones)
Lower risk of wound infection
Fewer restrictions, including no driving restrictions
Faster recovery — many patients are discharged from the hospital within two to three days and can return to work within two weeks
Improved cosmetic outcome

To reach the heart in Traditional Cardiac Bypass Surgery, a sternotomy incision, approximately 6″–8″ in length, is made midline on the chest and through the breastbone.