The U-M Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center is nationally ranked for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking reflects our exceptional cardiovascular surgeons and surgical teams.

Our team at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center offers a range of minimally invasive treatment options. Many patients come to us for procedures that are not available elsewhere. Others choose us because they want to receive care by expert surgeons and teams at one of the top institutions in the country.

• Thoracotomy - A small incision between the ribs is called a thoracotomy. A narrow hi-definition camera, called a thoracoscope, is inserted through a tiny incision and is used to aid the surgeon’s view of the heart and valve. The surgeon is then able to use a long, thin instrument to perform the operation.

• Robotic-assisted heart surgery - Minimally invasive heart surgery can also be performed with the assistance of a robot. In this case, the procedure is similarly performed through small incisions between the ribs. However, instead of placing a thoracoscope, the robotic arms are guided through the small incisions and include a camera to view the heart. The surgeon then controls the robotic arms to operate.

• Transcatheter-based procedures - Another form of minimally invasive heart surgery/intervention is performed using a catheter, or small tubes placed often through the groin vessels. Transcatheter-based approaches are performed in the hybrid operating room with a team of doctors.

To schedule a procedure or request a second opinion with a Frankel Cardiovascular Center physician, call 888-287-1082 or visit the Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page to learn what to expect when you call us.

Physicians: To refer a patient, call M-LINE at 800-962-3555.

A variety of heart surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques, including:

• Atrial septal defect (ASD) repair/closure
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Endoscopic mitral valve repair/ replacement
• Endoscopic tricuspid valve repair/ replacement
• Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation
• Patent foramen ovale (PFO) repair/closure
• Robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB)
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr)
• Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR)
• Valve-in-valve TAVR
• Ventricular assist device (VADs) placement

Because minimally invasive surgeries do not require large incisions or breaking the sternum, they are associated with many benefits, some of which include:

• Shorter time in the hospital

• Faster recovery time

• Less risk of infection

• Minimal scarring due to smaller incisions

• Less blood loss and need for transfusions

• Lower risk of stroke

• Less pain

Minimally invasive heart surgeries are safe and effective. Though, as with any procedure, there are risks of complications involved. That risk is, however, lower with a minimally invasive surgery compared to open-heart surgeries.