As a result of the significant progress in the development of emerging technologies and improved surgical techniques in the cardiovascular field, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) has undergone a rapid evolution over the past two decades.
Currently, nearly half of all cardiac surgeries are performed through small skin incisions (minithoracotomy and ministernotomy), or involve other less-invasive approaches (no involvement of cardiopulmonary bypass, valve-sparing operations, etc.). This trend continues to evolve, notably with the development of increasingly efficient endoscopic, robotic and transcatheter procedures.
Driven by reduced surgical trauma and hospital stay, the considerable attention gained through the application of MICS is attributable to improved post-operative outcomes. However, some concerns remain with technical challenges and the consequent prolonged intra-operative durations, risks of vascular complications, including thromboembolism, as well as associated neurological complications.
With limited studies available that compare the effectiveness of MICS to standardized surgical approaches, this introduces the topic of deciding whether a minimally invasive or minimally access surgical approach is better suited for the patient. A thorough evaluation and patient-centric approach is essential in deciding for the best MICS procedure. Despite these challenges, the practice of MICS remains widespread and appears to be popular amongst physicians and patients', due to its favorable outcomes against the standard, invasive techniques, such as the median sternotomy and thoracotomy.
In this special article collection, we intend to provide readers, clinicians, researchers, or developers, a broad scientific and technological overview of the progress made from the various innovative minimally invasive surgical, interventional, and reconstructive approaches to heart valves, coronary arteries, and aorta, since its introduction 30 years ago. We also aim to address the challenges, and future directions within the field of MICS.
As a result of the significant progress in the development of emerging technologies and improved surgical techniques in the cardiovascular field, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) has undergone a rapid evolution over the past two decades.
Currently, nearly half of all cardiac surgeries are performed through small skin incisions (minithoracotomy and ministernotomy), or involve other less-invasive approaches (no involvement of cardiopulmonary bypass, valve-sparing operations, etc.). This trend continues to evolve, notably with the development of increasingly efficient endoscopic, robotic and transcatheter procedures.
Driven by reduced surgical trauma and hospital stay, the considerable attention gained through the application of MICS is attributable to improved post-operative outcomes. However, some concerns remain with technical challenges and the consequent prolonged intra-operative durations, risks of vascular complications, including thromboembolism, as well as associated neurological complications.
With limited studies available that compare the effectiveness of MICS to standardized surgical approaches, this introduces the topic of deciding whether a minimally invasive or minimally access surgical approach is better suited for the patient. A thorough evaluation and patient-centric approach is essential in deciding for the best MICS procedure. Despite these challenges, the practice of MICS remains widespread and appears to be popular amongst physicians and patients', due to its favorable outcomes against the standard, invasive techniques, such as the median sternotomy and thoracotomy.
In this special article collection, we intend to provide readers, clinicians, researchers, or developers, a broad scientific and technological overview of the progress made from the various innovative minimally invasive surgical, interventional, and reconstructive approaches to heart valves, coronary arteries, and aorta, since its introduction 30 years ago. We also aim to address the challenges, and future directions within the field of MICS.