Standard open-heart surgery typically requires a procedure known as a median sternotomy (dividing the breastbone), considered one of the most invasive and traumatic aspects of open-chest surgery. A minimally invasive approach, on the other hand, allows access to the heart through small incisions and without stopping the heart, or separating the breastbone (sternum) and ribcage, or requiring a heart-lung machine to be used.

Minimally invasive procedures typically mean less pain and faster recovery times than those associated with traditional open methods.

Minimally invasive cardiac procedures offered at USC:

• MAZE procedure for treatment of atrial fibrillation
• Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB)
• Multi-vessel small thoracotomy
• Single-vessel small thoracotomy
• Minimally invasive heart valve surgery
• Minimally invasive treatment for atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Minimally invasive treatment for ventricular septal defect (VSD)
• USC cardiac electrophysiology service