Minimally invasive heart surgery refers to several approaches for bypassing blocked arteries in the heart, restoring healthy blood flow, without having to stop the heart and put the patient on a heart-lung machine during surgery. Robert Farivar, Md, PhD, director of UI Heart and Vascular Center's minimally invasive cardiac surgery, talks about minimally invasive heart surgery:
Who qualifies to have a minimally invasive heart procedure?
At University of Iowa Hospitals and Cllinics, any patient who has coronary artery disease and needs bypass, or any patient who has a single valve lesion—aortic or mitral valve—and needs a repair or replacement qualifies for the procedure.
Are there circumstances where a minimally invasive procedure would not be an option for heart disease?
People with complex lesions, such as coronary disease and valve disease; or people who have double valve disease don’t qualify. On the other hand, we do have some unique hybrid approaches with the cardiologist in which we stent first the coronary, and then do the valve as a minimally invasive procedure.
How many different approaches are possible to repair the heart with a minimally invasive procedure?
There are five standard minimally invasive approaches including:
- A thoracotomy
- An upper hemi-sternotomy
- A lower hemi-sternotomy
- A minimally invasive off-pump
- CABG with robotic manipulation
These are approaches that we tailor to the patient and to their physiology and anatomy.
Tell us a little about the free seminar held to discuss new heart surgery techniques. When, where, what time?
It’s on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:30 you 8:30 p.m. at UI Heart and Vascular Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Elevator F to Level 4.
Who will be the presenters?
James D. Rossen, MD, chief of interventional cardiology. A great guy to hear talk about the basics. Domenico M. Calcaterra ,MD, PhD, head of the aortic program and an endocardiac surgeon. I will also be presenting at the seminar.
Do people need to register in advance for this free seminar?
We encourage that. Call 319-384-1743 or 877-MEDIOWA (877-663-4692).
Who are you encouraging to come to listen to the presentation on surgical treatments to repair the heart?
I'd encourage anyone who:
- Is curious about heart diseases from a theoretical standpoint
- Have been told that they have a murmur
- Might need heart surgery
- Have a loved one who may or may not need heart surgery
This is an easy, low-stress way to have your questions answered and listen to what's going on. I'd love to see all of our listeners come in and hear what we have to say. |
