India, Sept. 20 -- Advances in cardiac surgery have made treatment safer and recovery significantly easier. Minimally invasive heart surgery offers an alternative to conventional open-heart procedures for appropriately selected patients, using smaller, keyhole-sized openings instead of large incisions. Shorter hospital stays reduce medical costs for patients while optimising bed usage and resources for hospitals, enabling more patients to receive timely care. While minimally invasive surgery offers several advantages, its suitability depends on an individual's health, specific cardiac condition and the complexity of the procedure. A thorough evaluation by an experienced cardiac team is essential to determine the best approach. The author of this article is an MBBS, MS, MCh (CTVS), AIIMS Delhi; chief heart surgeon, Indus International Hospital, Mohali (Derabassi). For more information, call: 01762-512666...