Minimally Invasive heart surgery is done through smaller incisions in the chest to reach the heart vessels and valves. Smaller, specially designed instruments and tool are used by the surgeon. Ideally, this type of surgery allows for faster recovery and in some cases, lower risk of wound healing problems and chronic pain syndromes.

Minimally invasive surgery may not require the heart to be stopped, and therefore the heart-lung bypass machine may not need to be used. Special instruments are used to stabilize the heart during the surgery. It is the avoidance of the heart lung machine, rather than alternative incisions, which is the major benefit of minimally invasive surgery.

It is important to realize that not all patients are good candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Brown will discuss with patients what type of surgery is appropriate for them. He will consider the patient's age, current health factors, and the type and extent of their heart problems.