Minimally Invasive Surgery: Less Trauma, Faster Recovery

In recent years, advances in cardiovascular medicine have transformed the way heart disease is treated. Today, patients no longer need to associate heart surgery with a large scar on the chest, prolonged hospital stays, or months of recovery. Thanks to the evolution of less aggressive surgical techniques, it is now possible to perform complex procedures through small incisions—shortening recovery time and significantly improving the patient experience.

This approach, known as minimally invasive surgery, has gained global recognition due to its clinical and functional benefits. In Colombia, the HIC Cardiovascular Institute has become one of the few centers in Latin America to systematically implement these techniques with highly effective results. “Having access to this type of procedure puts us at the forefront in Latin America,” says Dr. Lorena Montes Villalobos, cardiovascular surgeon and medical leader at the Center of Excellence in Myocardial Revascularization at the Institute.

What is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery allows surgeons to access the heart through small incisions between the ribs—without the need to open the sternum. This reduces bleeding, lowers the risk of infection, and shortens hospital stays.

“Sternal fractures from traditional surgery can take up to two months to heal. In contrast, with a minimally invasive approach, patients can return to their daily and work activities much sooner,” explains Dr. Montes. This technique also provides aesthetic advantages, as scars are smaller and more discreet.

Procedures That Make a Difference

The HIC Cardiovascular Institute performs a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, some of which are still rare in the region. These include:

• Valve surgery: mitral and tricuspid valve replacement and repair.

• Closure of congenital heart defects, such as atrial septal defect (ASD).

• Aortic valve surgery via mini-sternotomy.

• Off-pump coronary bypass via minimal access: a highly specialized technique that, according to Dr. Montes, “is performed in only two or three centers in Colombia and in very few across Latin America.”

“In our region, we are the only center offering all types of minimally invasive heart surgery: mitral, aortic, and coronary,” she states.

Real Benefits for Patients

The results—both for national and international patients—are evident: fewer blood transfusions, shorter time on mechanical ventilation, and reduced hospital stays. Most importantly, patients return to their lives more quickly.

“Many of our patients work in construction or agriculture and need to resume their activities quickly. With minimally invasive surgery, they don’t have to wait months before lifting weight or using both arms. It truly changes their lives,” notes Dr. Montes. Additionally, there is a lower risk of infection and, in the long term, less pain.

Technology as an Ally

To perform these procedures, the Institute is equipped with specialized instruments, video towers, thoracoscopes, and everything needed to operate with maximum precision through limited access. This technology lays the foundation for robotic-assisted surgery, which the institution has already begun to explore.

“This is the natural step toward robotic surgery, which represents a major innovation for Colombia and the region,” says Dr. Montes.

Building a Highly Trained Team

Achieving these outcomes takes more than technology—it requires a highly trained team. “Training is not only for the surgeon. It includes anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and surgical assistants,” the doctor explains.

She herself completed specialized training in off-pump minimally invasive coronary surgery, certified by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. The Institute also fosters continuous training aligned with international standards.

“The whole team must be prepared to manage a completely different dynamic: a closed chest, a beating heart… it’s a different kind of surgery,” she adds.

International Access and Personalized Care

The HIC Cardiovascular Institute receives patients from various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Each treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient, always selecting the most beneficial and least invasive approach.

“Many international patients, particularly from the islands, have conditions such as obesity that increase the risk of complications in open surgery. In these cases, avoiding a sternotomy helps reduce infection risk, improves healing, and leads to better outcomes. Others come for aesthetic reasons—these incisions are small and well hidden,” says Dr. Montes.

A Vision for the Future: Robotic Heart Surgery

The next step is clear: to advance the use of robotic-assisted cardiac surgery. The HIC Cardiovascular Institute is preparing to integrate this innovation more broadly—not only in valve procedures but also in off-pump coronary surgeries.

“That would be a major innovation for Latin America,” concludes Dr. Montes.

Learn More About Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

At the HIC Cardiovascular Institute, we combine medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach to offer safer, less invasive procedures with faster recovery. Our international care team is ready to support you every step of the way—from diagnosis through recovery.