First fully endoscopic mitral valve surgery

The East Slovak Institute of Heart and Vascular Diseases (VÚSCH) in Košice has successfully performed Slovakia’s first fully endoscopic mitral valve surgery using a 3D endoscopic tower. This advancement marks a significant step in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, improving patient recovery and outcomes.

The procedure involves a small chest incision, with a high-definition 3D camera providing enhanced visualization for the surgeon. "The recovery is faster and less painful, reducing intensive care time and allowing patients to return to normal life sooner. There is also a cosmetic benefit," said the head of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at VÚSCH and the Faculty of Medicine at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University.

One of the first patients, Marta Eliášová, who had a congenital heart defect, shared her experience: "I used to struggle with heavy breathing, but now I don’t. Two weeks after surgery, I feel great and have been taking longer walks."

Source: TASR