A Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Scar Allows Great Cosmetic Results and Heals Reliably Fast

For almost 50 years the only surgical incision routinely used to carry out an open heart operation has been associated with an unsightly, foot long, painful scar through the breast bone. Sometimes open heart surgery patients have been fondly referred to as "members of the Zipper club". Well, things are dramatically changing thanks to minimally invasive heart surgery techniques and expert surgeons with a special interest in an easier and faster recovery for their patients.

Let's compare the old breast bone splitting incision (sternotomy) to the new, no scar minimally invasive approach.

• The sternotomy implies breaking the breast bone in its entire length (8" to 12") with a specially designed saw. The new approach consists of a 2" long incision between the ribs on the side of the chest (minithoracotomy) WITHOUT any bone cutting.


• The old incision heals slowly and is more prone to infections and bleeding because it involves a broken bone. A minithoracotomy heals faster and is extremely unlikely to get infected because it is through healthy muscle and soft tissues that, unlike bones, benefit from an excellent blood supply and healing potential.


• The sternotomy scar is smack in the middle of the chest from the base of the neck all the way down to the stomach area. The minithoracotomy scar can often be completely hidden out of sight in the skin crease under the breast.

Most patients who underwent minimally invasive heart surgery can wear shirts, blouses, evening gown with daring decolletes and v-necks without any showing of the tiny scar.

This less invasive approach is proven to be a significant step forward in our effort to device techniques that allow our patients a faster, smoother recovery after open heart surgery. If these surgical options are not available at your local hospital, do not be shy about inquiring about them. In many cases, a frank discussion with your doctors can help you identify better options for you.

These advanced open heart procedures are not available everywhere. More and more patients are now willing to travel to pursue specific surgical treatments and reputable minimally invasive heart surgery centers are seeing increasing numbers of out-of-state patients.