Minimally invasive surgery is applicable to the broadest range of complex cardiac cases. Endovascular delivery of CPB provides an unobstructed field of vision, in which surgeons can safely turn, manipulate and open the heart. Thus, port-access procedures are used safely to perform multi-vessel bypass, involving all four coronary arteries, and to repair or replace diseased heart valves. For mitral valve repair or replacement procedures, surgeons find that the port-access approach provides access superior to that achieved in traditional open-chest surgery.
The technology's high degree of flexibility and precision have allowed NYU surgeons to successfully perform difficult cases involving both multi-vessel bypass, mitral valve repair and multivalve operations. Port-access technology also is used at NYU to repair congenital heart defects. Additionally, it is the preferred approach for aortic valve replacement, especially in elderly patients, and is well suited for patients who have had prior valve procedures.
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has become the standard of care at NYU Medical Center. We routinely apply the full range of minimally invasive techniques and technology for virtually all of our patients with valvular disease and many patients with coronary artery disease. We also apply these techniques to many children and infants with congenital heart defects. Smaller incisions, elimination of median sternotomy, avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass and valve repairs instead of replacements are all elements of our long tradition of achieving the best results with the least trauma. Many of our patients are leaving the hospital within four days of their operation and returning to work within two or three weeks.