Minimally Invasive heart surgery refers to heart surgeries performed through small incisions without splitting the chest in the middle, popularly known as the closed method. Performing heart surgery with minimal incisions means performing both heart valve replacement and coronary bypass surgeries while the heart is working, by entering from the sides of the chest, between the ribs, without disrupting the integrity of the chest wall, that is, without splitting the chest in the middle, called sternotomy. Each of them has different techniques. For heart valves, heart surgery is performed with minimal incisions under the right armpit. In coronary bypass surgery, if there is only one vessel depending on the number of vessels, bypass surgery is performed through small 7-8 centimeter incisions under the breast. Sometimes, when there are two veins, two vein bypass surgery can be performed from the right side and the left side, again under the armpit.

Heart valve and some cardiovascular problems can be intervened with the help of a catheter by entering from the groin without making an incision. In addition, heart valve surgeries and bypass surgery can be performed through small 4-5 centimeter incisions in the armpit, under the breast, and in the outer fold of the breast. After the necessary tests, analyzes and evaluations to perform these surgeries, the patient's suitability is determined and the most appropriate surgery method is decided by the specialist physician. However, some procedures can be performed with robotic surgery without making any incisions.

Heart surgeries performed using minimally invasive surgery provide some advantages both during and after surgery. Minimally invasive heart surgery advantages include:

• Since the incision is smaller, there is less bleeding during surgery and the risk of complications is lower.
• Since there is no surgical scar on the front of the chest, it provides a good aesthetic appearance and does not negatively affect the patient psychologically.
• It prevents tissue damage that may occur while reaching the heart.
• The risk of complications and infection is low.
• It does not cause any problems in cases where the patient requires a second heart surgery.
• Since a heart-lung machine is not used, the risk of complications that may arise in other organs is prevented.
• It allows the patient to be discharged earlier.
• The patient can return to his daily life earlier and does not cause any problems in his social and sexual life.
• The patient does not have to lie on his back after the surgery, he can lie in any position he wants.
• The patient can drive a car and wear a seat belt.
• The patient does not have to protect his chest.
• The patient does not face any movement restrictions and can swim and lift heavy objects.