Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Dr. Fotouhi Performing a Mitral Valve Repair

At Lima Memorial, minimally invasive cardiac surgery is becoming the preferred approach for the many of our patients.

Until recently, west central Ohio residents had to leave the area to have these cutting-edge procedures performed.  Now thanks to the advanced medical team at The Heart & Vascular Institute at Lima Memorial, minimally invasive heart surgery can be performed close to home.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is performed through small incisions, often using specialized surgical instruments. The incision is 2- to 4 inches long instead of the 6- to 8-inch incision required for traditional surgery.  Keyhole approaches or port-access techniques are also available for some types of surgery.

  • The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
  • A smaller incision
  • A smaller scar
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Less bleeding
  • Less pain and trauma
  • Decreased length of stay in the hospital after the procedure
  • Decreased recovery time: the average recovery time is 2 to 4 weeks, while the average recovery time after traditional heart surgery is 6 to 8 weeks.

The Cardiothoracic Surgeons in Lima Memorial's Heart & Vascular Institute are leading the region's minimally invasive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery procedures.

Results of these kinds of procedures have been exceedingly good, with an extremely low operative risk, less bleeding, less risk of infection, and shorter overall recovery.

Types of minimally invasive cardiovascular surgeries offered at Lima Memorial include:

  • Mitral Valve Surgery
  • Aortic Valve Surgery

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for minimally invasive heart surgery or learn more, e-mail us or call the Lima Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute at 419-998-4764. We would be happy to help you.