Keyhole heart operation a success

By Cai Wenjun  |   2008-12-16  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

LOCAL doctors used minimally invasive keyhole surgery yesterday to successfully treat a 13-year-old boy with heart disease.

It was the nation's first minimally invasive surgery that repaired two heart valves at the same time.

Doctors from Shanghai Yodak Cardio-Thoracic Hospital opened three holes of between 1 and 2 centimeters in the boy's chest and armpit. The entire surgery was performed through an endoscope.

Traditionally, to repair a patient's heart valves doctors cut open the chest bone, leaving a 20cm scar.

The boy, from Jiangsu Province, surnamed Chen, wants to become an actor.

"A huge scar on his chest may destroy his dream," said his father. "He is extremely happy that doctors told him the surgery can be done through small holes without cutting the chest open."

"This procedure reduced the chance of infection, meant less trauma, less bleeding, a shorter stay in hospital and a faster recovery," said Dr Cheng Yunge.

The boy will leave intensive care today, and be discharged in a week, one week earlier than those who undergo the traditional, invasive operation.