“Everything says” according to Heraclitus. Likewise the treatment of the heart. We have been hearing/reading a lot of publications lately about developments in the field of heart surgery. Endoscopic, robotic, hybrid Cardiac Surgery: which method is suitable for each of us? what are their differences? Is there quality control, complete information, holistic approach and depth of experience in our country? Is Greece capable of leading and pioneering, and not just adopting the pioneering of others?

With the establishment of an International Cardiac Surgery Center at HYGEIA, there is now a pioneering platform, based on unique international experience for Greece, spatial support, and a universal approach, in one stop. The Greek and foreign patient no longer needs to comb the market, since the solutions are all complete at one address, and personalized.

30 years ago, the patient destined for heart surgery was simply hoping to survive. 15 years ago, the patient wished to survive and have as few complications as possible. Today, the patient expects to survive, to have the fewest possible complications, but with the least possible suffering, and a quick return to his daily life. With the advancement of surgical technology, the introduction of new methods and the optimal training of surgeons, the patient now has more solutions in his therapeutic menu. It is natural, according to primary Hippocratic principles, to expect a safe result, with the least possible trauma.

Necessity, in exchange for progress, creates solutions. With a dose of intelligence and surgical daring, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery was born and hatched, by prominent German, French, and American pioneers mainly, in the late 90s. Now, these techniques and technologies have matured, and with the initiative of Hygeia, they are established in their entirety, and with a new, personalized approach, in Greece. A small incision is not enough to validly and effectively change the patient’s overall journey.

While 3 decades ago there were only two solutions, medication versus sternotomy, now there are multiple and effective solutions in the wide in-between space, radically changing the landscape:

– Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery which means the use of a camera (Endoscope) to assist the Surgeon. It is combined with a small incision between the sides.
– Robotic Cardiac Surgery, in which the instruments and the arms that hold them enter the chest through small incisions, and their movement is by remote control. This technique, like any other, has both advantages and limitations.
– Hybrid Cardiac Surgery, in which a Cardiologist and a Cardiac Surgeon operate together, jointly on the same patient, one with catheters and the other with surgical instruments. This technique is slowly and steadily gaining ground, and may be the future of heart treatment.
– The interdisciplinary applications. Both in the treatment of coronary artery disease and valvular diseases.

Having all the above capabilities in a team of international standards, in a collaborative environment, ALL existing solutions are proposed to the patient, the pros and cons are discussed, and the best option for their case is decided with the patient, so the operation is personalized for the needs of the particular patient. Thus, the patient can ask and learn about the experience and results in each technique and its exact application.

Beyond that, however, the International Heart Surgery Center of Greece/Health is not limited to the application of advanced techniques and technologies, but PRODUCES THEM. Numerous world firsts and innovations have come from the hands of our team, such as:

– The international textbook of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, 450 pages, published by Taylor&Francis (London/New York)
– 12 different invasive techniques, now adopted all over the planet
– The first UNIPORT heart operation in the world (a single hole/incision of minimal dimensions)
– The world’s first holographic heart surgery
– New type endoscopic cameras and tools
– The world’s first biomimetic and personalized valve to replace the patient’s mitral and tricuspid valves.
– Training Doctors from all over the world, for 15 consecutive years, and from 20 different countries.
– Coverage of the ENTIRE spectrum of cardiac surgery with minimally invasive methods, on the same platform, at the same address.
and many other innovations, and firsts, by Greek hands.

Also, for the first time in Greece, and in one of the country’s largest institutions (one of the very few with the seal of JCI international quality standards for health care), best practice protocols (BPE), rapid patient recovery (ERAS) are being introduced, which promise to change the entire course and experience of the patient. With the transfer and establishment of a team of international scope, in cooperation with the Medical Industry, the Academy/University, and the fine tradition of the Hygeia Foundation, we now aim for international leadership, inside and outside the Greek borders. Already, we see a significant movement of patients from America to Australia towards our institution, and our special team, with excellent results, something unprecedented for the country.

The new era of Cardiac Surgery is now here, at the service of man, dispelling myths and eliminating fears.