Hospital Ruber Internacional launches minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

Hospital Ruber Internacional has launched a new program for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery using minithoracotomy and a ‘rib-sparing’ technique. Unlike conventional cardiac surgery, which typically requires a median sternotomy—an incision that divides the sternum—this approach accesses the heart through a small lateral incision between the ribs.

By avoiding the sternum and not using intercostal separators, the procedure aims to reduce surgical impact and postoperative pain while maintaining the safety and efficacy of traditional methods. The surgical team utilizes small auxiliary ports to introduce specialized instruments and optics to visualize and perform the intervention.