Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Clinical Services: Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart Surgery)

Upper East Side
525 East 68th Street, M-404
New York, NY 10065

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(212) 746-5166

Less invasive surgical techniques have transformed surgery in many fields, including cardiothoracic surgery. Smaller incisions mean less blood loss, less discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.

Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery specializes in many minimally invasive surgical techniques. In fact, our surgeons have pioneered many of these approaches.

Our surgeons specialize in:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): This minimally invasive approach repairs or replaces a diseased heart valve by threading a catheter up to the heart through a blood vessel in the groin.

Weill Cornell surgeons were leaders in the clinical trials that established this technique’s effectiveness.

Mini-sternotomy or partial sternotomy: Many procedures, such as aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair/replacement, and aneurysm repair can be performed through a small incision and partial sternotomy. This is an alternative to traditional, “open-heart” surgery.

Endovascular stent-graft placement for aortic aneurysms (TEVAR and EVAR): Some patients needing an aneurysm repair may be good candidates for this type of minimally invasive surgery.

The surgeon threads a catheter into the aorta through a blood vessel in the patient's groin. A stent (metal or plastic tube) is guided through the catheter and placed at the site of the aneurysm, where it opens up and acts as a scaffold to support the walls of the aorta.

Weill Cornell was chosen as one of only two centers in the New York metropolitan area to use a new, FDA-approved device, which allows for more rapid recovery.

Robotic mitral valve surgery: The mitral valve can be repaired or replaced with the assistance of a robotic system. This procedure is done through a small incision in the skin

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): The surgeon performs this procedure through a two- or three-inch incision between the ribs. Our surgeons conduct this operation using a specialized surgical robot and heart stabilizer developed by Weill Cornell surgeons. Some patients may have "off-pump" beating heart surgery that can be accomplished without the need for a heart-lung machine.

Percutaneous valve surgery: Percutaneous valve repair or replacement is a minimally

invasive approach that uses a catheter to repair or replace a diseased valve by threading a catheter up to the heart through a blood vessel in the groin. We are able to use this approach to replace mitral and aortic valves.

Weill Cornell surgeons were leaders in the clinical trials that established percutaneous valve surgery’s effectiveness.

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FAQ

I am interested in participating in a clinical trial for cardiac conditions. Where can I learn about the current trials at Weill Cornell Medicine?

Learn about our many current trials open to patient participation.

I would like to learn more about my specific condition and treatment options. Which resources do you recommend?

We recommend visiting the Weill Cornell Medicine Cardiothoracic Department website, as well as the American Heart Association.

What happens after I schedule my heart surgery?

Once you and your care team decide that surgery is the best treatment plan for your condition, you will schedule a pre-surgical appointment, which takes place at M404.

What happens during the pre-surgical appointment?

During your pre-surgical appointment:

Your nurse practitioner will explain what you can expect for your specific surgery and hospital stay
Your nurse practitioner will review your current medications
You will sign a consent form for the surgery and potential blood transfusion (Please note: Most patients do not receive blood transfusions during surgery, but we are required to have you sign this consent form, just in case you do need a transfusion and are not awake at the time to give your consent. ALL blood is stringently tested for HIV, hepatitis, and cytomegalovirus.)
You have the opportunity to ask questions
You will receive a small bottle of antibacterial soap

This process generally takes two to three hours.

What do I need to do to prepare for the surgery?

You will be given instructions as to which medications you should stop taking to prepare for surgery.

On the night before your surgery, shower using half of the bottle of antibacterial soap. On the morning of the surgery, before you come to the hospital, shower using the rest of the soap.

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. You may take your medications that the nurse practitioner approved you to take the morning of surgery, with just a small sip of water.

Where should I park for my surgery?

Parking is available in front of the 68th Street circular entrance to the hospital. There are also several parking garages in the immediate area.

Parking is only validated on the day of your hospital discharge, not on the day of your pre-surgical appointment.

What should I bring for my surgery?

Please be sure to bring you:

Insurance card(s)
Toiletries
Pajamas, robe, and slippers

Generally try not to bring too much to the hospital, because you probably won't use a lot of these things and will just have to carry them home.

Please do not bring any jewelry or expensive electronics with you for the first hospital day. Your family and friends are welcome to bring those items once you are awake and in your room.

Where should I go to check in for the surgery?

Please check in at Greenberg 3-West (Same-Day Surgery Unit), which is on the third floor of the Greenberg Pavilion, using the "G" elevators.

If you are the first case, please check in at 6 AM. If you are the second case, please check in at 10 AM.

How long does surgery usually take?

The usual length of the actual cardiac surgery is about three and a half to four hours. However, the total length of time your family member will spend in the operating room is longer. Much of that "extra time" is spent preparing you for surgery and getting you ready to go to the recovery room (PACU) or ICU following surgery.

Where should my friends and family members wait during the surgery?

During your surgery, your family and friends should wait in the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute Atrium. Please tell them to check in at the front desk so that they can be contacted when your surgeon calls.

If the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute Atrium is closed at the time of your surgery, your family and friends may wait in the smaller waiting area right outside the Cardiothoracic ICU (4-West).

There is also a café on the first floor of the hospital, directly opposite the information desk and down the hall from the front door on the left, which is open at all times. This café sells coffee, tea, and a variety of food.

Where can I learn more information about heart surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine?

Please download our extensive Guide to Surgery.

I have questions about my insurance coverage. Who should I contact?

Please see Insurance Questionsor call (212) 746-5161.