FREQUENTLY ASKED
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to the most common questions regarding minimally invasive heart surgery, recovery timelines, and surgical procedures.
In traditional open-heart surgery, the breastbone (sternum) is completely divided. In minimally invasive cardiac surgery, the heart is accessed between the ribs through small incisions under the breast or armpit using high-resolution 3D endoscopic cameras. Preserving the thoracic bone structure minimizes surgical trauma, bleeding, and postoperative pain.
It is the endovascular delivery of a specialized stent-graft into the thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm through a needle puncture or small incision in the groin, avoiding opening the chest or abdomen and allowing discharge in 24 to 48 hours.
Without connecting the patient to a heart-lung machine and without stopping the heart, bypass is performed through a small incision under the left breast using the internal mammary artery (LIMA). Complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass are prevented, drastically reducing stroke, kidney dysfunction, and bleeding risks.
In patients with diabetes, severe lung disease, or osteoporosis, dividing the sternum carries a high risk of bone non-union and deep wound infections. Because the breastbone is completely untouched in minimally invasive surgery, bone infection risk is eliminated.
Our surgical priority is always to repair and preserve the patient's own native heart valve. With advanced endoscopic valvuloplasty and annuloplasty rings, the patient's natural valve is restored. If the valve structure is irreversibly damaged, biological or mechanical valve replacement is carried out.
With our vast experience in over 500 cases, carotid stenosis is operated under ultrasound-guided regional cervical block while the patient is fully awake. This allows continuous real-time neurological assessment without general anesthesia risks.
Aortic valve operations are performed through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy (a small cut incision between the 2nd and 3rd ribs) or mini-sternotomy without cutting the complete breastbone. The rib cage remains entirely stable and functional.
Yes. Arterial narrowing in the legs is treated through a groin puncture under local anesthesia using balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting, restoring arterial flow without surgical incisions.
Yes. Tricuspid valve regurgitation and leakage are treated via a small small incision under the right breast with 3D camera guidance, ensuring minimal trauma and rapid hemodynamic stabilization.
Absolutely yes. Atrial septal defects (ASD) are closed endoscopically through a small incision cosmetic small incision under the right breast using autologous pericardium, leaving no visible front chest scars.
It is the endovascular delivery of a specialized stent-graft into the thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm through a needle puncture or small incision in the groin, avoiding opening the chest or abdomen and allowing discharge in 24 to 48 hours.
No. Because the thoracic cage remains intact, patients do not need uncomfortable chest corsets and are allowed to sleep on their side or in any position they prefer immediately.
In patients with diabetes, severe lung disease, or osteoporosis, dividing the sternum carries a high risk of bone non-union and deep wound infections. Because the breastbone is completely untouched in minimally invasive surgery, bone infection risk is eliminated.
Patients can comfortably drive and undertake air or land travel 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, and can resume swimming and non-contact exercise within 4 to 6 weeks.
With our vast experience in over 500 cases, carotid stenosis is operated under ultrasound-guided regional cervical block while the patient is fully awake. This allows continuous real-time neurological assessment without general anesthesia risks.
Office workers, executives, and desk-based professionals can return to their active work routines within 10 to 15 days following discharge.
Yes. Arterial narrowing in the legs is treated through a groin puncture under local anesthesia using balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting, restoring arterial flow without surgical incisions.
You can send your coronary angiography CD, echocardiography reports, and CT scans via WhatsApp or email. Dr. Taha Özkara will evaluate your anatomical suitability for closed surgery personally.
Absolutely yes. Atrial septal defects (ASD) are closed endoscopically through a small incision cosmetic small incision under the right breast using autologous pericardium, leaving no visible front chest scars.
Our dedicated international patient desk organizes airport transfers, multilingual translation, surgical scheduling, hospital stay, and comprehensive telemedicine follow-ups after your return home.