Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is usually performed using special surgical instruments through a small incision in the body. While conventional cardiac surgery incisions are usually 15-20 cm in length, minimally invasive surgery incisions are usually only about 7-10 cm in length, with some minimally invasive procedures having even smaller incisions. Minimally invasive heart valve surgery, including valvuloplasty and prosthetic valve replacement, is the most common type of minimally invasive surgery. In some major foreign heart centers, this type of surgery accounts for more than 80% of all minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Advantages of minimally invasive heart valve surgery: 1. small surgical incision; 2. small incision scar; 3. other benefits; 4. less risk of infection; 5. less bleeding; 6. less trauma and less postoperative pain Short post-operative hospital stay; after minimally invasive surgery, the average hospital stay of foreign patients is only 2-5 days, while the average hospital stay after traditional non-minimally invasive surgery is 7-10 days. For the national population, the corresponding post-operative hospital stay is slightly longer than that abroad due to the more conservative concept and physical differences. Post-operative recovery time is short; after minimally invasive surgery, it takes only 1-4 weeks for the patient to recover and resume normal physical activities, compared to 6-8 weeks after traditional heart surgery. Note: Not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive heart surgery. Your surgeon will carefully review your diagnostic information prior to surgery to determine if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. In addition, your surgeon will discuss your condition with you prior to surgery, analyze and compare the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive versus traditional heart surgery, and allow you to make your own choice. Who is a better candidate for minimally invasive heart surgery? Your surgeon will review all of your clinical information prior to surgery to determine if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. In addition, the surgical team will analyze the potential benefits and risks of this type of surgery in comparison to your specific situation. The choice of surgery depends on a variety of factors, including the type and severity of your heart disease, your age, your medical history and your lifestyle. How will I feel after surgery? For the first few days after surgery, you may feel some pain at the incision and your doctor will prescribe medication to relieve this discomfort. If you feel any discomfort after surgery that is similar in nature or degree to what you felt before surgery, you will need to bring it to the attention of your surgeon. Recovery Patients may be discharged home about one week after minimally invasive heart surgery. Before discharge, your doctor will give you detailed instructions on what to expect after discharge, including activity instructions, driving, incision care and diet. In general, if you are sitting in an office, you will be able to start working after discharge. You will be able to participate in some lighter activities 1-4 weeks after minimally invasive heart surgery and resume some activities such as heavy lifting or slightly strenuous activities after 5-8 weeks. Your surgeon will provide you with individualized instructions for activities based on your specific recovery progress. Rehabilitation Precautions To promote your health after surgery, it is recommended that you take your medications and change some of your habits as prescribed by your doctor. Healthy habits and lifestyle are important to your recovery, including: 1) quitting smoking; 2) treating hyperlipidemia; 3) controlling hypertension and diabetes; 4) exercising regularly; 5) maintaining an appropriate weight; 6) eating a healthy diet; and 7) following up regularly at the clinic.