Minimally-invasive Treatment for Cardiac Diseases

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement（TAVR）was first described in 2002, when minimally-invasive treatment for cardiac diseases began. Then, the concept of structural heart diseases was proposed, under which catheter intervention and minimally-invasive cardiac surgery（MICS）have developed. TAVR and transcatheter mitral valve repair, which are generally used in the cases of high risk patients, allow early recovery after these interventions. Meanwhile, MICS, which is defined as a small thoracotomy incision and video-assisted surgery in the Japanese health insurance system, has some pitfalls associated with the cardiopulmonary bypass system and narrow surgical sites. However, MICS will contribute to creating a therapeutic opportunity for younger patients who are reluctant to receive conventional surgeries, because of its cosmetic advantage and early social rehabilitation.