Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Procedures for Adults
The University of Chicago Medical Center features a thriving minimally invasive cardiac surgery program that offers the full range of surgeries that can be performed through small incisions. All of these procedures provide several benefits compared to traditional, open approaches--from a reduced hospital stay and less pain, to minimal scarring and a much faster recovery. Often, more than one type of heart problem can be treated at the same time.
Coronary Artery Disease & Angina (Chest Pain)
We offer a variety of approaches to coronary artery bypass surgery to achieve revascularization. Each patient's case is evaluated for the best approach.
Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB)
TECAB is a completely closed-chest procedure that is performed through four to five dime-size holes at the side of the chest. The breastbone stays intact, and the heart continues to beat throughout the operation.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Through a Lateral Thoracotomy (ThoraCAB)
ThoraCAB was developed by one of our surgeons. This approach is done through one small, 3- to 5-inch incision at the side of the chest. Like TECAB, this procedure requires no cutting of the breastbone.
Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMLR)
TMLR is a technique that uses lasers to create new channels of blood flow to the heart to relieve severe chest pain (angina) in patients with coronary artery disease. TMLR is sometimes performed in addition to coronary bypass surgery, but it is also an option for patients with acute angina who are not candidates for bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Heart Valve Disease
Procedures to fix leaky (regurgitation), infected, or narrowed (stenosis) valves can be performed through small incisions, sometimes with the assistance of the da Vinci surgical robot. Our surgeons aim to repair valves before opting for valve replacement. Collectively, our surgical team has more experience performing minimally invasive valve surgery than any other hospital in the greater Chicago area. Procedures include:
- Aortic valve repair or replacement
- Mitral valve repair or replacement
- Pulmonary valve repair, plus removal of clots and other procedures
- Tricuspid valve repair or replacement
»Learn more about surgery for heart valve disease
Atrial Fibrillation
Surgeons use special devices that emit radiofrequency waves (modified electrical energy) to create small scars on the heart's surface. These scars stop the erratic impulses of atrial fibrillation to help restore a normal electrical pathway through the heart. Our surgeons can treat atrial fibrillation as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with coronary bypass surgery or treatment of valve disease. »Learn more about surgery to treat atrial fibrillation
Heart Failure
Implantation of Ventricular Assist Devices
The CardioVad is a unique ventricular assist device that can be implanted through a small incision at the side of the chest. The CardioVad boosts the pumping action of a weak heart, and can be used as a permanent alternative to heart transplant.
Biventricular Pacing
For some people with heart failure, the ventricles may not contract in a synchronized way--significantly affecting the pumping action of the heart. To correct this problem, physicians can insert a special biventricular pacemaker to stimulate the ventricles to contract properly. Insertion of the pacemaker and leads can be done through small incisions at the side of the chest.
Congenital Heart Disease
Some forms of congenital heart disease can be successfully treated without opening the chest. Congenital heart defects that can be treated with minimally invasive surgery include:
- Atrial septal defect
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Ventricular septal defect
