The Journey to Recovery: What to Expect After Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has revolutionised the way heart surgery is performed. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, which involves a large incision down the centre of the chest, MICS uses smaller incisions and specialised instruments to access the heart. This results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time.

 

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Smaller incisions: MICS typically uses incisions of 2 to 3 inches, compared to 8 to 12 inches for traditional surgery. This results in less pain and a lower risk of wound infection.

Shorter hospital stay: Patients who undergo MICS typically spend 2 to 5 days in the hospital, compared to 5 to 7 days for traditional surgery.

Faster recovery time: Most patients can return to their normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks of MICS, while traditional surgery can take 6 to 12 weeks or longer.

Reduced risk of complications: MICS has been shown to have a lower risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and stroke compared to traditional surgery. 

 

What patients can expect after Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?

 

In the hospital:

• You will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery, where you will be monitored closely by nurses and doctors.
• You will have tubes and drains to help with breathing and drainage.
• To make you feel comfortable, you will be given pain medication.
• You will start to eat and drink fluids as soon as you are capable.
• To aid your recovery, you will start walking and moving around as soon as you can.  

 

At home:

• You will need to rest for several weeks and avoid strenuous activity.
• You will have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress.
• You will need to take medication as prescribed.
• You will gradually increase your activity level as your strength and stamina improve.  

 

Recovery timeline:

Week 1: You will focus on resting, taking pain medication, and walking short distances.

Week 2: You can start to do more light activities, such as household work and driving.

Week 3-4: You can increase your activity level even further, maybe returning to work or school.

Week 5-6: You should be able to resume most of your normal activities.

Tips for a successful recovery:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Manage your stress.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

 

What are the risks or complications of minimally invasive cardiac surgery?

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has a lower risk of complications than open-heart surgery. But there’s still a risk of:

Bleeding.

Infection.

Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).

Stroke.

Sometimes, your doctor may switch to open techniques if they think the minimally invasive approach is no longer safe. Although it’s not common, it’s possible.

 

When to Call the Doctor

See your doctor right away if you experience any signs of complication after minimally invasive heart surgery, including:

• Drainage or pus around the incision site
• Excessive swelling or redness around the incision site
• Fever or chills
• Heart palpitations
• Edema (fluid retention) or unusual swelling in your legs or feet
• Weight gain of more than 1.5 kg in one week

 

Final Words

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is a safe and effective treatment for many heart conditions. With proper care and support, most patients can expect a full recovery and return to their normal activities.

 

About Curebridge

With Curebridge, individuals and their families can access top-notch healthcare facilities across India. Besides connecting patients with suitable healthcare providers in India, Curebridge offers support for aftercare and logistics, including travel, lodging, consultations, and treatments. 

Curebridge has a team of seasoned professionals adept at guiding patients through the intricacies of the Indian healthcare system. The platform is committed to providing transparent and affordable pricing, offering patients various payment options to suit their circumstances. For more details, chat with us at +91-9152065206 or email [email protected].