Minimally invasive heart surgery (also called keyhole surgery) is performed through small incisions, sometimes using specialized surgical instruments. The incision used for minimally invasive heart surgery is about 3 to 4 inches instead of the 6- to 8-inch incision required for traditional surgery.
Traditional surgery usually requires invasive procedures through large incisions, followed by a longer stay in the hospital. Minimally invasive surgery, also known as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery, is possible thanks to advancements in engineering and computer technology.
Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and long, thin surgical instruments that are inserted through very small incisions. The result is less pain, shorter hospitalization, faster recovery and smaller scars.