Breaking News: Las Higueras Hospital Pioneers Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
In a groundbreaking development, the cardiocirgery team at Las Higueras Hospital has introduced a new approach to cardiac surgery that promises to revolutionize patient recovery and reduce complications. During 2024, the hospital conducted 570 cardiac surgeries, with 324 of these being coronary revascularization procedures, representing 56.8% of the total. This year, the team has taken a significant step forward by adopting a minimally invasive technique for coronary interventions through the ribs.
Expert Insights from Dr. Pablo Filippa
Dr. Pablo Filippa, a cardiac surgeon at Las Higueras Hospital, explained the innovative approach: “The usual method involves a sternotomy, which means making a chest cut that fractures the bone. This year, we are initiating a minimally invasive coronary surgery program that avoids this fracture, working between the ribs. This technique achieves the same results while decreasing risks, particularly the risk of infection.”
Benefits for Patients
Coronary disease is one of the most common pathologies in cardiac surgery. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow or become blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. Patients often require intervention to improve blood flow to the heart. Freddy Pérez, a merchant who underwent this new procedure, reported: “Before the surgery, I felt tired, which made my work difficult. Now, after the operation, I no longer feel that fatigue and hope to benefit from a better quality of life.”
The Impact of Diabetes on Surgery
About 35% of patients are diabetic, which increases the risk of sternal wound infections in conventional surgery. The minimally invasive approach eliminates this risk by avoiding the opening of the sternum. This advance not only benefits local patients but also strengthens the macro welfare network, consolidating the cardiac surgery team at Las Higueras Hospital as leaders in public cardiovascular innovation in southern Chile.
Future Implications
This breakthrough in cardiac surgery has far-reaching implications for patient care and hospital innovation. Minimally invasive procedures offer faster recovery times and reduced complications, making them a preferred choice for many patients. As more hospitals adopt these techniques, the standard of care in cardiac surgery is likely to improve significantly.
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