by DrCiuffo | Jan 14, 2015 | Blog, Heart Surgery, Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
If you or a loved one is in need of heart surgery and you are researching your options — minimally invasive techniques are an extremely viable and popular option. Dr. Ciuffo is at the forefront of this evolving medical field, and has practiced minimally invasive cardiac techniques for over 15 years, giving his patients the best results. One of the major benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery is how quickly our patients recover, compared with traditional open heart surgery patients’ recovery times. Why Recovery Is Quicker Traditional Heart Surgery Recovery With traditional heart surgery, the chest is opened by a two to five inch horizontal and vertical incisions in the skin and muscle of the chest, then the breast bone is broken so that the surgeon can reach the heart. After surgery, patients have to stay in the hospital three to eight days. After discharge, recovery can last anywhere from four to eight weeks while the bone fully heals. Activities are very restricted. The incision scars will be large and very noticeable. This can usually last significantly longer for patients who are older and may be frail. Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Recovery With minimally invasive heart surgery, there is no need for dramatic cutting of the skin and bone. Dr. Ciuffo uses a small, typically 2-inch incision between the ribs or under the breast. Dr. Cuffo uses long, thin tools to reach the area of the heart that surgery is needed (see tools in the photo above). After surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for two to three days. Recovery at home usually lasts for two weeks before patients can return... by DrCiuffo | Dec 5, 2014 | Blog, Bloodless Heart Surgery, Heart Surgery, Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
Last week, the headlines were full of speculations about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s health and her heart surgery procedure that she underwent to put a stent in her right coronary artery at the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute in D.C. Heart Surgery For Justice Ginsburg While Justice Ginsburg has been dealing with speculation about her health and age for many years after fighting cancer and the media, there is no doubt that she is an active, robust 81-year old! Some older or unhealthy (i.e. cancer diagnosis, other health issues) individuals are labeled “high-risk” or “inoperable” cardiovascular patients because of the issues related to traditional heart surgery, including broken ribs, slow recovery time, and healing problems. Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Dr. Ciuffo’s techniques help make life-saving heart surgery available to all people, no matter their age or health. Minimally invasive and bloodless surgery techniques are great options for cardiovascular patients who need to take more caution when undertaking any surgical experience. Minimally invasive techniques eliminate the need to make giant incisions along a patients chest and break the ribs and sternum, reducing the need for long, agonizing recovery times. Typically, minimally invasive patients can return to normal activity in a matter of days. Blood saving heart surgery techniques minimize the need for blood transfusions which can cause allergic reactions and also slow healing times for patients. Bloodless surgery is also the surgery of choice for Jehovah Witnesses, who cannot accept blood transfusions due to their religious beliefs. Request A Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Consultation Today If you’re interested in receiving a cardiovascular consultation, because of a “high-risk” or “inoperable” original diagnosis, or...
