Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery – Are You a Candidate?

Minimal incision valve surgery is a less invasive operation that offers patients an option that is equivalent to traditional open-chest heart valve surgery. Minimal incision valve surgery can treat various cardiac diseases, including:

  • Aortic Stenosis or Regurgitation
  • Mitral Stenosis or Regurgitation
  • Tricuspid Regurgitation
  •  Arrhythmia Surgery 

Why Minimally Invasive?

  • Less trauma and physical impact to the body  
  • Faster recovery and return to normal activities
  • Less scarring and improved cosmetic results
  • Reduced blood loss and risk of post-operative complications

Make an appointment to consult with Dr. Hoffberger today.

Request an Appointment Call 941-917-8791

Meet the Surgeon

Meet Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Dr. Jonathan Hoffberger, board certified in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. 

Healthgrades has ranked SMH in the Top 35 Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery in the country.

The Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditionally, open-heart valve surgery is performed through an 8- to 12-inch incision in the center of the chest. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is open-heart valve surgery performed through a small 2-3 inch incision underneath the arm on the right side of the chest.

Most people who need valve operations are candidates for minimally invasive valve surgery. Valve repairs and replacements are some of the typical operations performed minimally invasive. Other procedures including ablation for atrial fibrillation or repairing holes in the heart for atrial septal defects can also be performed in a minimally invasive fashion.

Many of the benefits of MICS procedures are a result of the small incision – less blood loss, shorter recovery time, and improved cosmetic result. Typically, patients are discharged from the hospital in three to five days after surgery. MICS patients return to their regular activities in about 2-4 weeks.

No. Not all heart surgeons perform minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Many surgeons receive limited exposure to these advanced techniques during residency, which means they may not have extensive hands-on experience with minimally invasive open-heart procedures.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery requires specialized training, advanced technical skill, and consistent experience. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, where a larger incision provides broader access, minimally invasive procedures are performed through smaller openings using specialized instruments. This approach can be more complex and requires precision, planning, and experience.

At Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Dr. Jonathan Hoffberger and the cardiac surgery team perform a high volume of minimally invasive procedures. This experience has helped create a streamlined program focused on safety, precision, and strong patient outcomes.

Because minimally invasive cardiac surgery is highly specialized, patients benefit from choosing a program and surgical team with proven experience in these advanced procedures.

Many patients consider minimally invasive cardiac surgery because it may offer a faster recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery. In many cases, recovery may take weeks instead of several months, helping patients return to daily activities sooner.

Another important reason is safety. When performed by an experienced surgical team, minimally invasive cardiac surgery can achieve outcomes comparable to traditional open-heart procedures, and in some cases, may offer additional benefits for select patients.

For the right candidate, this approach may provide advanced heart treatment with smaller incisions, less disruption to the body, and a more efficient recovery process.

Yes. When facing heart surgery, a second opinion can be an important step. It gives patients the opportunity to ask questions, better understand their options, and determine whether a minimally invasive approach may be possible.

Some patients may not be offered minimally invasive cardiac surgery simply because their current surgeon or hospital does not perform those procedures. While minimally invasive surgery is not right for every patient, it may be an option for more people than they realize.

If you need valve surgery, meeting with a surgeon experienced in minimally invasive cardiac surgery can help you make a more informed decision. Even if the recommendation remains traditional surgery, you will have greater confidence knowing you explored your options.

Dr. Jonathan Hoffberger is a board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and serves as Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He has performed thousands of cardiac and thoracic procedures, including coronary revascularization, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, mitral valve repair, complex multi-valve operations, high-risk operations, thoracic vascular reconstructions, and cancer surgery.