Dr. Ciuffo Performs a Variety of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Procedures!

Click the “Read More” link for more info and an in depth coverage and explanation of each cardiac procedure and heart condition from Dr. Ciuffo. Use the search function and the menu on the left hand side for any specific topic you are interested in learning more about or visit our blog page for more minimally invasive heart surgery topics. We welcome all your questions and comments, feel free to contact us online or call us at (712) 294-7055.

Bloodless Heart Surgery

Dr. Ciuffo’s has always had an interest in developing bloodless heart surgery techniques from early on in his professional career.  His goal has always been to offer his patients the best low-impact, minimally invasive heart surgery options available for their heart disease.
minimally invasive bloodless heart surgery
The adoption of bloodless heart surgery techniques is an important aspect of the care of the cardiovascular patients. Dr. Ciuffo started to employ these techniques in the late 90’s to comply with the religious beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witness congregations first in Pittsburgh and in New York City, and now in his specialized national referral center for bloodless heart surgery.

Bloodless-Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery


Aortic Valve Replacement

minimally invasive aortic valve replacementThe normal aortic valve has three leaflets called cusps and is positioned at the exit site of the left ventricle (our main pump) of the heart. It allows one-way flow of fresh oxygenated blood out of the heart and into the aorta (our main pipeline) by opening and closing with each heartbeat. There are essentially two types of malfunctions that can get us in trouble and can coexist in the same patient:

  • The valve is too narrow and stiff and does not open wide (Aortic Valve Stenosis)
  • The valve does not close well and leaks (Aortic Valve Insufficiency)

minimally invasive aortic valve surgery


Biological or Mechanical Heart Valve

biological mechanical heart valve replacementThe technical evolution and research commitment to create the perfect heart valve substitute has been carrying on for the last 45 years. The design and engineering behind contemporary valves is directed to improved reliable and durable performance. Today we can pick a variety of heart valve prostheses from our surgical supply shelves. They come in different sizes and designs to fit the individual patients’ needs. The choice of a valve substitute is in fact tailored to the patient. It takes into account multiple factors, such as age, sex, personal preferences, level of expected physical activity, plans to get pregnant, etc. We can essentially divide the valve prostheses in two broad categories, each with its own pros and cons: mechanical valves and biological valves.biological or mechanical heart valve replacement

 


 

Mitral Valve Repair

minimally invasive mitral valve repairOur minimally invasive heart surgery techniques allow us to replace or repair these defective valves reliably and through a small chest wall incision, with less bleeding and pain, a quick recovery and excellent cosmetic results. In most women the surgical incision can be actually hidden underneath the breast. Oftentimes a floppy mitral valve can be repaired rather than replaced, avoiding altogether the need for blood thinners and decreasing the chance of embolic events (i.e. strokes) more commonly seen if a valve replacement with a mechanical valve is performed instead of a repair. Patients with significant mitral regurgitation (leaky valve) should be aggressively evaluated and followed up to decide if and when they need a surgical correction that could dramatically improve their quality of life and longevity. minimally invasive mitral valve repair

 


 

Coronary Surgery

minimally invasive coronary bypass surgeryMinimally Invasive Coronary Surgery techniques have changed the way we cure coronary artery disease. In spite of all the exciting progress in the field of interventional cardiology (stents and angioplasties), many patients are much better off with coronary bypass surgery to enjoy a durable and reliable solution of their problems and a much better quality of life.

There is a huge body of literature in the field of cardiovascular disease that strongly supports the use of coronary bypass surgery to insure longevity and a life free of anginal symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath).

By using minimally invasive techniques our patients get the best treatment available for their coronaries without the conventional large surgical incisions and without stopping the heart. Read more and become a truly informed consumer.coronary bypass surgery

 


 

Hybrid Valve and Coronary Surgery

p7Minimally invasive heart surgery techniques can be married to stents in many different situations to truly achieve “the best of both worlds”. The planned combination of these minimally invasive procedures delivers a complete cure of many heart conditions in a low-impact, minimally invasive way with a fast recovery, tiny incisions, less pain and superior cosmetic results.

Our patients undergo successful treatments of all their coronary blockages and/or valve disease by using a combination of techniques that gave them a quick uneventful recovery, no need for any blood transfusions and excellent cosmetic results.

minimally invasive heart valve surgery

 

 


 

Atrial Myxoma and ASD Repair

atrial septal defect asd repairSix babies out of 1,000 are born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a hole through the wall that normally separates the right side of the heart from the left.

A hole in that position means that a portion of the oxygenated blood will flow back to the right side instead of going to the rest of the body.

Patients can consider surgical therapy, catheter therapy, or medical therapy.

atrial septal defect asd repair

 


 

Inoperable Heart Surgery Patients

An inoperable diagnosis for high risk heart patients can have devastating and terminal consequences. Usually, something can be done and patients need a second opinion from an expert like Dr. Ciuffo. If you have been labeled as inoperable, follow these next steps:

  • Ask your local cardiologist and heart surgeon why you are an inoperable heart patient and write down their answers.
  • Ask what your chances are without surgery.
  • Obtain copies of all your imaging studies.
  • Contact our center with expertise in high risk cardiac surgery cases and request an evaluation of your case. inoperable heart surgery

Speak With Someone Today

Contact Us