Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: Precise Results with Fewer Complications

Professor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy El-Weteidy, Senior Consultant of Cardiac Surgery, is among the pioneers in adopting minimally invasive cardiac surgery using thoracoscopic techniques. This advanced surgical method provides a safe and effective alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, offering smaller incisions, faster recovery, and fewer complications.

What Is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves the use of small instruments and a tiny camera (thoracoscope) inserted through small incisions in the chest, avoiding the need to split the breastbone as in conventional open-heart surgery.

According to Dr. Ahmed Fahmy El-Weteidy, this technique provides a clear, magnified view of the heart and is now used in a growing number of procedures, including:

• Mitral or aortic valve repair or replacement

• Closure of atrial or ventricular septal defects

• Removal of benign cardiac tumors

• Select cases of cardiac assist device implantation

Advantages Over Traditional Open-Heart Surgery

1. Very small incisions (typically 4–6 cm) instead of full chest opening

2. Less post-operative pain

3. Reduced bleeding and lower need for blood transfusion

4. Lower risk of infection and complications

5. Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay

6. Better cosmetic outcomes, with no large visible scar

Dr. Ahmed Fahmy El-Weteidy emphasizes that the choice of technique depends on thorough pre-operative evaluation and diagnostic imaging.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

• General anesthesia is administered

• Small incisions are made on the right or left side of the chest

• A tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted

• The targeted repair or replacement is performed within the heart

• Instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with cosmetic sutures

The surgery typically takes 2 to 4 hours, with shorter ICU stays compared to conventional methods.

Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Suitable for All Patients?

Dr. Ahmed Fahmy El-Weteidy explains that this technique is ideal for:

• Younger or active patients

• Patients with diabetes or weak immunity (to reduce wound risks)

• Those who desire faster recovery and better cosmetic results

• Cases without significant heart muscle deformities

However, some complex or high-risk cases may still require traditional open-heart surgery based on detailed assessment.

Dr. Ahmed Fahmy El-Weteidy’s Conclusion

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery marks a true revolution in the field of heart surgery—combining precision, safety, and patient comfort.
Dr. Ahmed Fahmy El-Weteidy emphasizes that successful outcomes rely on the surgeon’s experience, modern surgical equipment, and a well-coordinated cardiac care team.