Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

	WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY?
	Smaller incision, less scarring Significantly less pain Lower risk of bleeding and infection Shorter hospital stay Fewer complications Quicker recovery time Faster return to normal activities

Today at The Heart Institute at ARMC, skilled cardiothoracic surgeons are performing minimally invasive surgery that would have seemed impossible just a few short years ago. AtlantiCare heart surgeons Howard Axelrod, MD, and James Dralle, MD, answer some common questions about this remarkable surgical technique.

Q: What heart problems are being treated at AtlantiCare with minimally invasive surgery?

A: We’re repairing and replacing heart valves, which act as gatekeepers that allow blood to flow freely from one heart chamber to the next. We’re also using it in certain bypass surgeries.

Q: Who is a good candidate forminimally invasive surgery?

A: All patients are evaluated as potential candidates for minimally invasive procedures. We consider all aspects of the patient’s condition, then make a recommendation based on what will give that particular patient the best outcome.

Q: What makes The Heart Institute at ARMC a good choice for heart surgery?

A: We have a highly trained, dedicated surgical team experienced in all aspects of heart care. Our patients enjoy outcomes equal to or better than big-name, big-city heart programs. And we provide truly personalized care, with the entire care team treating each patient like one of our own family.

For more information about minimally invasive surgical options, please call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.