Center of Excellence
Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
Program Overview
Our board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons are leaders in modern, minimally invasive techniques that reduce hospital stays, minimize discomfort, and help patients return to their daily lives sooner. As part of Naples Comprehensive Health, we bring together cutting-edge surgical innovation and seamlessly coordinated cardiac care, from initial diagnosis through full recovery.
Every patient receives a personalized surgical plan tailored to their specific heart condition, ensuring the safest approach and the best possible results.
What Is Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery?
Minimally invasive heart surgery is a revolutionary alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. Rather than opening the chest with a full sternotomy, surgeons perform major cardiac procedures through small incisions located between the ribs using specialized instruments and high‑definition imaging systems for enhanced precision.
Depending on the patient and condition, minimally invasive techniques may include:
- Mini- thoracotomy (mini incision between the ribs)
- Robotic assisted cardiac surgery
- Video assisted surgical approaches
- Catheter based hybrid procedures (performed in collaboration with interventional cardiology)
Benefits May Include:
- Smaller incisions with reduced trauma and scarring
- Less blood loss and transfusions
- Lower risk of infection
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster overall recovery
- Quicker return to normal daily activities
- Cosmetically attractive
Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Right for You?
While most patients can benefit from minimally invasive techniques, not everyone is a candidate. Despite this, you should always inquire if you are a candidate. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the safest and most effective approach based on each patient’s unique heart condition.
Who Is a Candidate?
Eligibility for minimally invasive surgery depends on the type and severity of the heart condition, overall health, and other individualized factors.
There are very few exclusion criteria due to our team’s extensive experience.
Our team performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the safest, most effective surgical approach for each patient. We ensure personalized care, that is precise and aligned with their unique needs.
Treatments & Procedures
If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart valve disorder, coronary artery disease, or another structural heart condition, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We can assure you that there is not another team in the country that has an equivalent level of experience.
We offer:
- Expert cardiac surgical consultation
- Multidisciplinary case review
- Second-opinion evaluations
- Advanced imaging and diagnostics
- Coordinated pre and post operative care
- Comprehensive post- operative cardiac rehabilitation support
From your initial appointment through full recovery, you’ll have a dedicated care team that ensures seamless and continuous support.
Conditions We Treat
Our minimally invasive techniques are used to treat a wide range of cardiac conditions, including:
Valve Disorders
- Mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis
- Aortic valve regurgitation or stenosis
- Tricuspid valve disease
- Pulmonary valve disease
- Multi-Valve disease
Structural Heart Conditions
- Atrial and ventricular septal defects
- Anomalous pulmonary venous return
- Cardiac tumors
- Atrial fibrillation (surgical ablation procedures)
Ascending Aortic Aneurysms
- Isolated ascending aortic aneurysms
- Combined ascending aortic aneurysms with aortic valve and/or mitral valve disease
- Aortic Root aneurysms with aortic valve disease and reimplantation of the coronaries
Coronary Artery Disease
- Select cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Each case is carefully evaluated to determine whether minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery offers the safest and most effective treatment option.
There are limited exclusion criteria due to our tremendous experience in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, led by Dr. Joseph Lamelas, Director of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery.
Testing & Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment. At the Rooney Heart Institute, we utilize advanced cardiovascular imaging and diagnostic technologies, including:
- Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography
- Cardiac CT and cardiac MRI
- Stress testing
- Cardiac catheterization
- 3D model imaging for surgical planning
Our integrated heart team reviews all imaging collaboratively to develop a precise, personalized surgical plan tailored to each patient’s condition.
Our Team
Our Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Program is led by highly experienced, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons who collaborate closely with: Interventional cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, advanced practice providers, specialized cardiac nurses, and cardiac rehabilitation experts.
This multidisciplinary team approach ensures seamless, coordinated care before, during, and after surgery—supporting the best possible outcomes for every patient.