Minimally Invasive Techniques

Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Associates is Colorado’s busiest minimally invasive cardiac surgery program. All of our surgeons utilize minimally invasive approaches to a variety of operations whenever possible. In a typical year, we perform over 100 minimally invasive operations.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is performed without dividing the breastbone like traditional ‘open heart’ surgery. These approaches may include video imaging. Patients average only four days in the hospital for most operations. Because the breastbone is not divided, there are fewer restrictions post-operatively and patients can resume normal activities more quickly.

Minimally invasive cardiac procedures include:

• Mitral valve repair or replacement
• Aortic valve replacement
• Coronary artery bypass in some patients
• Atrial septal defect closure
• Cardiac Tumors