The minimally invasive approach to cardiac surgery has become key in the last decade, and the era of a one-size-fits-all approach is fading. New technologies, as well as statistical data, expand the therapeutic quiver, and provide more options, which are personalized for each patient.

A typical example is Minimally Invasive Surgery, subdivisions of which are endoscopic, hybrid and robotic cardiac surgery. The introduction of new technologies and tools, however, also raises the educational bar. On the one hand, the Surgeon needs more time and special skills, until he has mastered a safe level of skill, and on the other hand, the patients are no longer the same.

It is no longer a single disease, the pathology at the time of the patient’s referral, is more and at a more advanced stage. This is due to the evolution of cardiology, which can solve many problems invasively, transcatheterically (stents, percutaneous valves, etc.), so the patients who turn to the Cardiac Surgeon are in a very advanced stage of the disease.

Patients in the information age

Today, patients are incomparably more informed from a multitude of sources as social media and communication media rapidly evolve. The patient has access to the information provided by the Internet and social media and acquires an increasingly greater role in the decisions concerning his health care. Of course, these sources are not always reliable, which is why a discussion with a qualified doctor and/or the gathering of more than one opinion is required.

Patients are more demanding and seek a high level of care. For example, while 30 years ago it was enough to have a successful heart surgery, 10 years ago they wanted the fewest possible complications, today they expect a perfect aesthetic result, less trauma, and immediate return to their daily and professional functions.

Obviously, the above is a consequence of the possibilities offered today due to the rapid developments in cardiac surgery. However, in order to achieve holistic and fair information for the patient and his family, it is necessary to check the quality and availability of information, so that in any case the patient knows who to turn to, what is the experience of each nursing institution, and what are the alternatives solutions.

The new developments in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves small incisions, avoiding sternotomy, and making use of advanced imaging methods and tools. As a result, the patient enjoys a rapid recovery, optimal mobility with fewer restrictions, fewer infections, and a perfect aesthetic result. It is worth noting that these techniques may not be suitable for some patients.

Endoscopic cardiac surgery

Endoscopic cardiac surgery involves small incisions, avoiding sternotomy, and using a camera and monitor to guide the surgeon. The camera is the surgeon’s eyes.

Robotic Cardiac Surgery

In Robotic Cardiac Surgery the surgeon sits at a console/monitor (inside the operating room) and moves levers and controls, which the robot translates into movements within the body. Again, however, a second surgeon sits next to the patient who changes the tools on the robot, arms needles, cuts the sutures, etc.

Hybrid Cardiac Surgery

Finally, we also distinguish Hybrid Cardiac Surgery, which means the simultaneous presence of a Cardiac Surgeon and a Cardiologist in the operating room, where specific procedures are applied. They are performed in specially equipped hybrid surgeries, so that the patient can enjoy the possibilities of both specialties, where this is possible, with the aim of a complete and less traumatic treatment of the disease. The combination of both in complex diseases can provide revolutionary solutions in some cases.

A Heart Center of international standards

With the aim of holistic and personalized care for each patient, the Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) and HYGEIA, announced the creation of the “International Heart Center of Greece HYGEIA”, a model center that will introduce to our country innovative practices and applications in the field of cardiac diseases.

With the aim of promoting Greece as a center of reference for heart treatments at a global level, the International Heart Center of Greece HYGEIA will be a platform for solutions for all heart diseases, in full harmony with the latest developments in the field, with a high level of professional training, innovation and pioneering at an international level.

With the belief that “To get somewhere where we have not been before, we must do things that we have not done before”, at the International Heart Center of Greece HYGEIA, will be offered:

– One-stop solution for each patient, so that they do not suffer
– Holistic treatment and information in Multidisciplinary teams
– Thematic centers of excellence for each condition, based on data, international guidelines
– New Therapeutic protocols such as ERAS, BPEs, Scorecards etc.
– Investment in education and continuing training
– International collaborations
– Patent, inventiveness, entrepreneurship
– Organized and personalized postoperative rehabilitation.

Through these activities, and in particular through research and the application of innovative treatments, the International Heart Center of Greece HYGEIA, aspires to become a pole of attraction for the development of medical tourism in Greece, as well as to attract international research programs in the field of clinical research and treatment in the specialty of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.

Greece can and must emerge as a treatment center in the Southern European and Eastern Mediterranean area, offering not only the neighboring countries, but also the whole world the opportunity to enjoy high-level medical care.