RECENT INNOVATIONS IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARDIAC SURGERY (MICS)

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has significantly transformed modern cardiac surgical practice. Instead of performing procedures through a full median sternotomy, surgeons increasingly use small thoracic incisions, endoscopic cameras, and robotic platforms to access the heart. These techniques aim to reduce surgical trauma, postoperative pain, and recovery time while maintaining the same therapeutic effectiveness as conventional open-heart surgery. Recent technological developments—including robotic mitral valve repair, totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), advanced intraoperative imaging, and hybrid operating rooms—have further expanded the possibilities of minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Clinical studies show that MICS is associated with reduced hospital stays, improved cosmetic outcomes, and faster return to daily activities. This article reviews the most important technological and clinical innovations in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, describes their advantages and limitations, and discusses their potential implementation in developing healthcare systems, particularly in Central Asia and Uzbekistan.