In a landmark achievement for international cardiac care, MIOT International’s cardiothoracic team successfully performed Fiji’s first Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (MICS-CABG) at Lautoka Hospital.

Led by Dr. M. Kulasekaran, Senior Cardiothoracic Surgeon, this breakthrough marks a transformative step in expanding advanced heart surgery beyond conventional borders — bringing world-class expertise closer to patients who need it most.

Understanding the Shift: From Conventional to Minimally Invasive Bypass

For decades, conventional open-heart bypass surgery has been the standard treatment for blocked coronary arteries. While effective, it involves significant surgical trauma.

Conventional Open-Heart Surgery (Sternotomy)

  • More than 15 cm incision in the centre of the chest
  • Breastbone (sternum) divided to access the heart
  • Heart temporarily stopped
  • Heart–lung machine used to circulate blood

Although lifesaving, this method requires longer recovery and carries risks associated with bone cutting and cardiopulmonary bypass.

MIOT’s Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery: A Modern Alternative

Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (MICS-CABG) is performed through:
  • A small 6–8 cm incision on the left side of the chest
  • No cutting of the breastbone
  • Surgery performed on a beating heart
  • No heart–lung machine required

This technique demands high surgical precision, advanced stabilisation technology, and specialised expertise — all of which were successfully delivered during this milestone case in Fiji.

Why This Case Is Clinically Significant

Performing minimally invasive bypass surgery outside a high-volume tertiary centre presents unique challenges:

  • Limited infrastructure compared to metropolitan cardiac institutes
  • Requirement for meticulous patient selection
  • Precision coordination among anaesthesia, perfusion, and surgical teams
  • Need for advanced instrumentation and intraoperative stabilisers

The successful execution of this procedure at Lautoka Hospital demonstrates MIOT’s ability to deliver sophisticated cardiac solutions globally while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

Major Advantages for Patients

Minimally invasive bypass surgery offers substantial clinical and patient-centred benefits:

Reduced Surgical Trauma

Avoiding sternotomy means:

  • No bone cutting
  • Less structural disruption of the chest wall

Less Blood Loss

  • Reduced transfusion requirements
  • Lower risk of related complications

Reduced Infection Risk

  • Particularly important in diabetic and high-risk patients

Less Pain

  • Smaller incision leads to improved post-operative comfort

Faster Recovery

  • Early mobilisation
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Quicker return to daily activities

Better Cosmetic Outcome

  • Smaller, discreet scar on the side of the chest

Who Is a Suitable Candidate?

Minimally invasive bypass is ideal for:

  • Patients with one or two blocked coronary arteries
  • Individuals unsuitable for angioplasty or stenting
  • Patients at higher risk for full sternotomy due to co-morbidities
  • Those concerned about large surgical scars and prolonged recovery

Careful evaluation, including coronary angiography and overall health assessment, determines suitability.

MIOT’s Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

With over 30 years of surgical excellence, MIOT’s cardiac team:

  • Performs more than 500 cardiac surgeries annually
  • Offers state-of-the-art operating theatres and critical care support
  • Specialises in:
    • Coronary artery disease
    • Valvular heart disease
    • Heart failure surgery
    • Aortic diseases
    • Adult congenital heart disease
    • General thoracic and vascular surgery

The Fiji milestone reflects MIOT’s commitment to not only treating patients within India but also exporting clinical excellence to global healthcare systems.

A Defining Moment for Regional Cardiac Care

This first minimally invasive bypass surgery in Fiji is more than a procedural achievement — it represents:

  • Transfer of advanced cardiac skills across borders
  • Strengthening of regional healthcare capabilities
  • Improved access to modern heart surgery techniques
  • A shift toward patient-centred surgical innovation

To know more about MIOT Institute of Cardiac Care visit: https://www.miotinternational.com/centers-of-excellence/miot-institute-of-cardiac-care/