First Minimally Invasive CARDIAC SURGERY (MICS) Performed at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad
There is generally a trend worldwide to modify and adapt less invasive surgical procedures. One of the MICS procedures is MINI AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT. This procedure is done through a small, 6-7 cm incision either on the right side of the chest or in the midline. The first such procedure of Mini AVR was performed by Dr. Khalid Rasheed and his team on 7th April 2021 which has been followed by 2 more Mini AVRs. Alhamdulillah, all procedures have been smooth and uneventful and all patients have been discharged home. This procedure is done through a small midline incision and partial division of the sternal bone, called Hemisternotomy. Advantages of this technique are a reduction of chest trauma, decreased ICU length of stay, early extubation, early rehabilitation, and return to work. Any minimally invasive technique needs an approach that goes beyond a small cut and mandates a team effort with the Anesthesiologist, perfusionist, surgical assistants, and scrub nurses, all playing their roles with dedication and competence. The other major advantage is the virtual absence of sternal dehiscence (deep wound infection) since the sternum is never divided completely. Mini sternotomy is a versatile technique not only for AVR but also for more complex operations.