A heart attack is one of the most feared medical emergencies. The thought of heart surgery often adds to that anxiety, bringing to mind pain, long recovery, and high risk. But cardiology has entered a new era that challenges these old fears.

Today, advanced technology allows doctors to treat blocked arteries without the need for open-heart surgery. The procedure is quick, precise, and remarkably gentle, often leaving only a small puncture mark. No major scars. No extended hospital stay. Just a fine catheter, expert hands, and a heart restored to rhythm.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Care at STAR Hospitals

At STAR Hospitals, minimally invasive procedures are transforming patient care. With specialists like Dr. M. Hanumantha Reddy, patients benefit from highly skilled interventions in coronary and structural heart procedures, including angioplasty, stenting, valve interventions, and device procedures. These advanced techniques offer faster recovery, greater safety, and renewed confidence for patients.

What Makes a Procedure ‘Minimally Invasive’

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) changes traditional surgery by eliminating the need for full sternotomy. Surgeons now perform procedures through 2–3 inch incisions instead of making 8–10 inch cuts through the breastbone. Small, “keyhole” incisions serve as ports for special instruments, such as catheters, which are guided through arteries or veins, using real-time imaging like X-ray, echocardiography, or CT. Smaller instruments and precision robotics cause less trauma to surrounding tissue, improving outcomes and recovery.

MICS can reduce hospital stays to around 4 days, compared to 6 days with traditional sternotomy, benefiting patients both physically and financially.

How Technology and Innovation Drive Change

• AI-assisted imaging and diagnostics for precision

• Robotic-assisted interventions improving procedural accuracy

• 3D imaging and virtual modelling for pre-procedure planning

• Real-time data and remote monitoring for post-procedure care

Practical Benefits of MICS Heart Surgery

• Reduced blood loss during surgery

• Lower infection risk

• Smaller, less visible scars for quicker healing and cosmetic benefit

• Faster return to daily activities, often within 2–3 weeks

• Recovery in weeks instead of months

Studies highlight strong outcomes for these procedures. For example, in 565 patients undergoing Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (MICS CABG) over 17 years, perioperative mortality was only 0.2%, and 12-year survival approached 82%. Minimally invasive valve surgery shows similar safety and effectiveness, with an average hospital stay of around 4.5 days.

How Heart Care is Changing

• Emphasis on early detection and intervention rather than crisis management.

• Development of advanced catheterization labs and specialized heart centers.

• Collaborative care between cardiac surgeons and imaging specialists.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery has revolutionized heart care over the past two decades and continues to advance. At STAR Hospitals, specialists like Dr. M. Hanumantha Reddy use expertise in multimodality imaging and specialized surgical techniques to deliver precise, patient-focused care. From coronary interventions to complex structural heart procedures, patients benefit from faster recovery, smaller scars, and excellent long-term outcomes.

Receive expert cardiac care at STAR Hospitals. Schedule your appointment today.