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Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

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What is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?

Traditionally, cardiac (heart) procedures were performed using open heart surgery, which requires a large incision in the chest. But over the years, surgeons have developed techniques, known as minimally invasive cardiac surgery, using only one or more small incisions between the patient’s ribs.

This still allows the surgeon to see and access necessary internal areas. Benefits include:

Smaller scars
Quicker recovery
Less pain
Lower risk of complications

For more information or to schedule a consultation

Call (585) 275-5384

UR Medicine's Approach

While open heart surgery is still necessary for certain procedures, we can perform many cardiac surgeries using a minimally invasive approach.

Whether minimally invasive surgery is right for patients depends on their history and the details of their condition. It is available for selected patients who need:

Mitral valve repair or replacement (MVR)
MVR/tricuspid repair
Aortic valve replacement (AVR)
Ventricular assist device (VAD)

What Sets Us Apart?

Our surgeons are the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region's most experienced in minimally invasive techniques. We offer them for a variety of conditions when it’s the most appropriate for the patient.

UR Medicine was the first center in the country to implant the HeartMate 3, a type of ventricular assist device, using a minimally invasive technique called Sternal Sparing. Our research resulted in the FDA approving the technique.

We were also the first in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive treatment for severely ill patients.

Our cardiac surgeons continually work to integrate minimally invasive techniques into all types of heart surgery. To find out if you’re a candidate, speak with your doctor.