Heart surgery stands as the final solution for several people suffering from cardiac illnesses. However, the different options for heart surgeries make it difficult for people to understand which solution is best for them.

Many people try to find out the difference between open-heart surgery (sternotomy), MICS, and robotic CABG surgery in India. All these techniques pose significant advancements and have their benefits and considerations. On the one hand, open heart surgery is the traditional cornerstone of cardiac surgery. On the other hand, MICS and robotics introduce more delicacy and faster recovery, making them a popular choice among patients and surgeons.

However, the final decision varies with the condition of the patient and the healthcare professional’s understanding. But in this article, we will try to understand the difference between these processes to equip you with the knowledge you need.

Open Heart CABG Surgery (Sternotomy)

Open-heart surgery (sternotomy) has long been the foundation of cardiac treatment. This procedure involves making a sizable entry point through the patient’s breastbone (sternum) to get to the heart. Many methods, including CABG grafting, can be performed by specialists after evaluation of the condition. Open-heart CABG surgery in India has the highest success rates, but it also has the highest infection risks. Therefore, it is reserved for complex cardiac issues.

Pros of Open Heart Surgery

Accessibility to heart

An open-heart approach gives phenomenal access to the heart and adjoining structures. This helps in dealing with complicated cardiac conditions.

Conventional and Established Method

With decades of refinement and improvement, open-heart surgery brags a solid track record of wins. It gives patients and specialists a sense of safety and security.

Comprehensive Clear View

It provides doctors with a clear view of the patient’s heart, enabling them to examine and precisely correct the problem.

Long Lasting Results

This procedure is widely available in hospitals worldwide and provides a durable solution to heart problems.

Cons of Open Heart Surgery

Invasiveness

The longer recovery times related to sternotomy are a result of its invasiveness. It stretches hospitalisation time and increases the chance of postoperative complications like aneamia due to blood loss, infections and bleeding.

Surgical impacts

Another significant disadvantage of this procedure is the extensive tissue dissection, which often leads to pain and scarring. It also harms a patient’s quality of life due to a long recovery period. Weakness and dizziness is often associated as a result of blood loss.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS)

As the name suggests, this medical procedure involves making small incisions in the patient’s chest. Thus, MICS CABG in India not only reduces the trauma and pain but also ensures a speedy recovery. During the process, a surgeon uses a thoracoscope; this tiny camera is inserted into the ribs (4 to 6 cm cut) and travels to the patient’s heart. This procedure can treat various cardiac conditions, including CABG, Valve repair or replacement etc.

Pros of MICS

Insignificant Cuts (Minimal Access )

Since MICS methods utilize more minor entry points (4 to 6 cm cut size either on the right or left side of the chest), there is less tissue trauma  after surgery. This not only advances recovery time but also ensures less scarring.

Reduce the Risk of Infection

Since the procedure of Minimal access CABG surgery in India involves small incisions, it also reduces the risk of infection compared to sternotomy or open heart surgery. .

Better Cosmetic outcomes (Cosmetically Complaint)

This process provides better cosmetic outcomes by reducing scarring. This not only boosts confidence in the patient but also enhances their satisfaction level.

Less Pain

One significant benefit of MICS is less pain and less damage to the nearby tissues, which does not drastically affect the patient’s life after the surgery.

Cons of MICS

Methodological Boundaries

Even though this process is faster and less painful, specific criteria are needed for case selection in order to get perfect outcomes.

Specialized Domains

Viable performing MICS procedures require specific preparation and skill set of CTVS surgeons. It is confining its openness in many healthcare settings.

Cost

Cost of MICS CABG in India can be quite costly, almost $2000, due to the use of specialized scopes that are disposable.

Robotic-Assisted CABG Surgery

Robotic CABG surgery in India epitomizes the apex of technological development in cardiac surgery. It is the most sophisticated of all types of heart surgeries. This procedure uses robotic hands to perform the surgeries, which provide better precision and control. The surgeon controls this robotic hand from a console in the operating room. This hand is equipped with all the necessary equipment, including a high-definition camera.

Pros of Robotic-Assisted CABG Surgery

Accuracy and Precision

This process provides better accuracy and precision than the other two methods. As a result, it has better surgical outcomes and improved long-term results for the patients.

Minimal Tissue Harm

The negligibly invasive characteristics of robotically helped surgery interpret into fewer entry points ( 4 cm to 6 cm )  less blood less, and negligible tissue harm.

Reduced Complications

Similar to MICS, Robotic-assisted CABG surgery also involves smaller incisions, which results in less damage to the nearby tissues, consequently leading to reduced complications. It also reduces the risk of post-surgery infection.

Shorter Stay at the Hospital 

Less incision means less time in the hospital, and it also allows the patient to return to normal activities sooner.

Cons of Robotic-Assisted CABG Surgery

Cost Contemplations

The Cost of Robotic CABG surgery in India is more expensive than the other cardiac procedures due to the higher cost of the robotic technology.

Learning curves

The learning curve for robotic-assisted CABG surgery is quite steep, as one has to undergo special training to control the robotic arms with precision.

Availability

This technique is not available in all cardiac centers.

Summing Thoughts

To most of the patients, Robotic CABG surgery may appear appealing. However, it is crucial to note that it may not suit everyone because deciding the best procedure is not that easy. It is a complex process that involves considering factors such as your patient’s age, the case’s complexity, and others. Therefore, it is crucial to trust your doctor for this decision because they have experience and knowledge in this field. So, you must always work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.