2023 Volume 52 Issue 6 Pages v-viii
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS: Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery) through a minithoracotomy is becoming a standard approach for heart valve surgery. According to JCVSD data for 2018-2019, 42.6% of mitral valve surgeries were performed using the MICS approach. MICS has various advantages over the standard sternotomy approach, such as superior cosmesis, faster recovery and avoidance of sternal complications. However, caution cannot be overemphasized as procedure-related complications are yet to be fully addressed. These complications include chest wall bleeding, unilateral pulmonary edema, vascular injury, and leg ischemia. Some of these complications tend to occur more frequently during the learning curve period. A strict collaboration between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating staff is critical for avoid these complications.
