Minimally invasive heart surgery uses small incisions and advanced technology to treat cardiac conditions with less trauma than traditional open heart procedures. At UHealth – University of Miami Health System, our nationally recognized cardiac surgeons specialize in these innovative techniques to repair or replace heart valves, bypass blocked arteries, treat aortic aneurysms and dissections, and correct select congenital defects.
Unlike open heart surgery, which requires a large sternotomy (breastbone incision), minimally invasive approaches use small cuts between the ribs with specialized instruments, high definition imaging, and often robotic assistance. This can mean shorter recovery times, reduced pain, lower risk of complications, and faster return to daily life.
As an academic medical center, UHealth combines surgical excellence with research and innovation. Our program has earned national honors like the Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center designation from the American Heart Association and The Mitral Foundation, plus top performance ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery at UHealth
- Smaller incisions, less scarring – Intercostal approaches avoid splitting the breastbone.
- Less pain & blood loss – Reduced tissue disruption typically means milder pain and fewer transfusions.
- Lower infection risk – Limited incision length and exposure reduce wound complications.
- Shorter hospital stay – Many patients go home in 4–7 days, often sooner than with sternotomy.
- Faster return to life – Many resume light work in 2–4 weeks and full activity in 6–12 weeks.
Who Can Benefit?
Not every patient is eligible, but many are. Good candidates may include those with:
- Mitral or aortic valve disease (stenosis or regurgitation)
- Isolated coronary artery disease (limited bypasses)
- Ascending aortic aneurysm or dissection, in select cases
- Adult congenital defects (e.g., atrial septal defects)
- Reoperative cardiac surgery candidates, depending on anatomy and scarring
Some patients—such as those with extensive coronary disease, severe calcification, or anatomic limitations—may be better served by open surgery. Your UHealth cardiovascular team reviews imaging, overall health, and cardiac function to determine the safest, most effective approach.
Types of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
- Valve surgery
- Mitral valve repair or replacement
- Aortic valve repair or replacement
- Tricuspid valve procedures
- Aortic surgery
- Ascending aortic aneurysm or dissection repair via smaller chest incisions
- Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (select patients)
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Minimally invasive bypass or Hybrid Coronary Revascularization (HCR) combining bypass with stenting
- Adult congenital surgery
- Closure of ASDs, PFOs, and select other defects
- Reoperative cardiac surgery
- Redo procedures using limited-access techniques to minimize risk
- Mechanical circulatory support & LV remodeling
- Performed via small incisions when appropriate to reduce recovery burden
Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Enhanced Precision
When appropriate, our surgeons use robotic assistance to provide high-definition 3D visualization and wristed instruments for precise movements through tiny access points. This can further reduce tissue disruption and may improve recovery in selected procedures.
How to Prepare for Surgery
Your care team will give detailed instructions. Preparation often includes:
- Diagnostic imaging: echocardiogram, CT, or MRI to map your heart and vessels
- Lab work & pre-op clearance: blood tests and consults to ensure readiness
- Medication adjustments: guidance on pausing blood thinners or other medicines
- Lifestyle recommendations: stop smoking, optimize blood pressure, and strengthen nutrition
You'll also meet with anesthesia and cardiac rehabilitation specialists to discuss the plan and recovery expectations.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
- Surgery under general anesthesia
- One or more small incisions (≈2–4 inches) between the ribs
- Specialized instruments and cameras (sometimes robot-assisted) to reach the heart
- Depending on the procedure, the heart may be supported by a heart-lung bypass machine
- Incisions closed once repair or replacement is complete
- Typical duration: 2–6 hours, depending on complexity
Recovery in the Hospital
- ICU (1–2 days): close monitoring of heart rhythm, oxygen levels, and pain control
- Hospital stay: usually 4–7 days, shorter than with open sternotomy
- Early mobility: most patients begin walking within 24–48 hours
Recovery After Discharge
- First few weeks: expect fatigue and soreness; increase walking gradually; avoid heavy lifting
- 2–4 weeks: many resume light work and daily tasks
- 6–12 weeks: most return to full function (timing varies by procedure and patient)
- Cardiac rehabilitation: structured exercise and education to regain strength and protect long-term heart health
Recovery Timeline (Typical)
- Week 1: hospital recovery (ICU → step-down), early ambulation, pain and BP control
- Weeks 2–4: home recovery; light activities/work as cleared; no heavy lifting
- Weeks 6–12: progressive activity; many return to full function; ongoing cardiac rehab as advised.
This timeline can vary depending on the specific procedure and individual patient factors. Every patient is unique, and some may experience faster or slower healing based on their health, age, and other variables.
Long-Term Outcomes
When performed by experienced teams, minimally invasive heart surgery achieves outcomes comparable to open surgery for properly selected patients, with potential advantages in recovery and wound complications. Many patients experience:
- Faster return to work and physical activity
- Fewer wound complications
- Durable valve results (for repairs/replacements)
- High satisfaction thanks to less pain and improved cosmetic results
Lifelong cardiology follow-up helps monitor heart function, valve health, and any implanted devices.
Risks of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
All heart surgery carries risks, including:
- Bleeding or infection
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Stroke
- Conversion to open surgery when necessary for safety
At UHealth, outcomes for minimally invasive procedures are excellent, with complication rates comparable to — or lower than — national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Location
Cardiac Surgery at UHealth Tower
1400 Northwest 12th Avenue, Suite 1
Miami, FL 33136
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Our Experts
Why Choose UHealth?
National Recognition. Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center designation; top STS performance ratings.
Academic Excellence. Part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine with active research and clinical trials.
Multidisciplinary Care. Surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, imaging experts, and rehab specialists work as one team.
Advanced Technology. Robotic platforms, high-resolution imaging, and hybrid operating suites for precision and safety.
Comprehensive Options. From minimally invasive to hybrid to traditional open surgery—we tailor the approach to you.
Patient-Centered Recovery. Accelerated recovery protocols, personalized rehab, and ongoing follow-up.
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