By Dr. Asher George Joseph
MBBS, M.Ch (CTVS – Gold Medalist), MRCS (Edinburgh), FACS (USA)
Fellowship in CT Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support (Manchester, UK)
Why Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Is Transforming Cardiac Care in Bangalore
Heart surgery is no longer what it used to be.
Gone are the days when patients feared a long chest incision, months of recovery, and intense pain. Today, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) is reshaping heart care—especially in advanced centres across Bangalore.
With tiny incisions, precision instruments, and world-class expertise, MICS allows patients to walk within a day, go home faster, resume normal life quickly, and recover with confidence.
And at the forefront of this transformation is
Dr. Asher George Joseph, one of Bangalore’s leading heart and lung transplant surgeons, known for advanced MICS techniques, valve repairs, coronary bypass, aortic surgery, and complex heart failure interventions.
What Exactly Is Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery (MICS)?
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is a technique where major heart procedures are performed through small 3–5 cm incisions, without opening the entire rib cage.
Instead of cutting the breastbone, the surgeon uses:
- Micro-instruments
- Endoscopic/Thoracoscopic camera systems
- Robotic assistance (where appropriate)
- Specialized valves and grafts
- Advanced imaging guidance
This approach preserves the chest structure, minimizes trauma, and speeds up recovery dramatically.
Why Bangalore is Becoming India’s Destination for Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
Bangalore has emerged as one of India’s most advanced cardiac hubs because:
1. Cutting-edge hospital infrastructure
Modern cath labs, high-definition 3D imaging, advanced ICU systems, and hybrid OT setups.
3. Early adoption of new techniques
Bangalore hospitals are among the first to introduce:
- Robotic heart surgery
- Endoscopic valve repair
- Minimally invasive coronary bypass
- Minimally invasive aortic procedures
4. Better outcomes & shorter hospital stay
Patients often choose Bangalore to avoid the long recovery associated with open heart surgery.
Which Surgeries Can Be Done Minimally Invasive?
At Dr. Asher’s centre, several major heart and lung surgeries are performed through tiny ports:
1. Minimally Invasive Valve Repair & Replacement
- Mitral valve repair
- Aortic valve replacement
- Tricuspid valve procedures
- Minimally invasive double valve surgeries
These procedures now achieve excellent results with reduced pain and faster return to work.
2. Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass (MICS CABG)
A breakthrough for patients wanting:
- Avoidance of large chest incision
- Less bleeding
- Early mobility
- Improved cosmetic outcomes
Ideal for single-vessel and selected multi-vessel coronary disease.
3. Minimally Invasive ASD/VSD Closure
Tiny incisions, zero sternum cutting, almost scar-less outcomes.
4. Minimally Invasive Aortic Surgery
Including:
- Aortic aneurysm repair
- Aortic root surgery
- Aortic valve-sparing procedures
Performed through small lateral chest incisions.
5. Lung surgeries (VATS / Thoracoscopic Surgery)
- Lung cancer
- Empyema
- Pleural diseases
- Lung biopsy
Minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery significantly reduces pain and improves breathing post-procedure.
6. Minimally Invasive Heart Failure Procedures
With specialized training in Mechanical Circulatory Support, Dr. Asher handles:
- LVAD implantation (selected cases)
- ECMO-related surgical procedures
- Minimally invasive coronary revascularization for heart failure patients
Why Patients Prefer Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery in Bangalore
✔ Smaller incisions (3–5 cm)
Cosmetic advantage, reduced scarring, and improved body confidence.
✔ Less pain after surgery
No full sternotomy → less bone pain.
✔ Shorter hospital stay
Most patients go home in 4–5 days.
✔ Faster recovery
Patients resume work and normal life much sooner.
✔ Lower risk of infection
Smaller wound → better healing.
✔ Ideal for elderly or diabetic patients
Reduced surgical trauma improves outcomes.
✔ Reduced blood loss
Many patients need no blood transfusion at all.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in Bangalore?
🏆 Internationally trained & award-winning surgeon
- Gold Medalist in M.Ch (CTVS)
- MRCS (Edinburgh)
- FACS (USA)
- Fellowship in CT Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support (Manchester, UK)
🫀 Expert in complex & high-risk cases
Known for handling challenging valve diseases, multi-vessel CAD, heart failure surgeries, and redo-heart surgeries.
🔬 Cutting-edge techniques
From endoscopic valve repair to thoracoscopic lung operations and MICS CABG.
🧑⚕️ Personalized care
Patients receive detailed assessment, tailored surgical plans, and compassionate follow-up.
🌍 Destination for national & international patients
Patients from across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and overseas visit for advanced heart-lung care.
❓ FAQs on Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
1. What is the success rate of minimally invasive heart surgery in Bangalore?
With expert surgeons and advanced technology, success rates are 95–98%, comparable to global standards.
2. How long is the recovery time after MICS?
Most patients recover in 2–3 weeks, significantly faster than the 6–8 weeks required for open surgery.
3. Can elderly patients undergo minimally invasive surgery?
Yes. In fact, elderly and diabetic patients benefit more due to less trauma and better healing.
4. Is minimally invasive surgery safe for valve problems?
Absolutely.
Mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valve surgeries show excellent outcomes with minimal scarring.
5. Will I have a visible scar?
The incision is small (3–5 cm), usually hidden under the breast fold or side of the chest — cosmetically very appealing.
6. What is the cost of minimally invasive heart surgery in Bangalore?
Costs vary depending on the complexity, but MICS is usually comparable to open surgery due to shorter hospital stay and fewer complications.
7. Is robotic heart surgery available?
Yes. Select centres in Bangalore offer robotic heart procedures, which Dr. Asher uses for suitable cases.
8. Who is not suitable for MICS?
Patients with very complex anatomy, severe adhesions from past surgeries, or extremely advanced disease may require open surgery.
A detailed evaluation determines the best approach.
📞 Book a Consultation with Dr. Asher George Joseph
If you or your loved one are seeking Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery in Bangalore, expert evaluation is the first step.
📍 Comprehensive Heart & Lung Care – Bangalore
🫀 Heart & Lung Transplants
🫀 Valve Repairs & Replacements
🫀 Minimally Invasive Bypass
🫀 Aortic & Heart Failure Surgeries
You’re in the safest hands with one of Bangalore’s top heart surgeons.
