Is keyhole heart surgery right for me?

Internationally recognised as a leader in the highly complex area of keyhole heart surgery, Mr Inderpaul Birdi has trained surgeons from all over the world and now extends his message to patients. In his highly informative article, Mr Birdi explains those heart conditions that can be treated by keyhole surgery.

Conditions which can be treated laparoscopically include the following:

  • Disease of the heart valves.
  • Disease of the coronary arteries.
  • Heart rhythm abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation.
  • A hole in the heart (atrial septal defect).
  • Previous open heart surgery through a sternotomy where a keyhole procedure may now be safer than a repeat sternotomy.
  • A desire a better and more appealing cosmetic result.

Mr Birdi says:

Fortunately, heart surgery has advanced enormously and patients can now expect to feel better and live for longer following their operation with minimal risk. There is compelling evidence that these newer techniques offer real advantages for patients when experienced surgeons perform them. Unfortunately, many of these advances have not been widely employed to date in the United Kingdom.
 

The two upper chambers of the heart. Full medical glossary
A common abnormal heart rhythm causing a rapid, irregular pulse and failure of the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to pump properly. Abbreviated to AF. Full medical glossary
A hole in the wall separating the two upper chambers of the heart (atria), present from birth. Abbreviated to ASD. Full medical glossary
Relating to the arteries supplying the heart itself. Full medical glossary
Abnormally fast and uneven contractions of the heart muscle, so that blood cannot be pumped efficiently Full medical glossary
A type of minimally invasive surgery. Full medical glossary
A keyhole surgical procedure. Full medical glossary
A craving to eat non-food substances such as earth or coal. Full medical glossary
Surgical opening of the breastbone. Full medical glossary
A structure that allows fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow. Full medical glossary