The Valley Hospital in Paramus has announced the successful completion of its first right anterior mini-thoracotomy procedure.
Dr. Habib Jabagi of Valley performed the procedure.
This minimally invasive procedure, involving a small incision less than 6 cm between the patient’s ribs to access the heart, offers select patients an alternative to a full sternotomy – a procedure that involves cutting through the entire breastbone for heart surgery.
Jabagi praised the technology and its evolution for patients.
“We are proud to continually offer the latest procedures and treatments for our patients,” he said. “RAM-T marks an important step in cardiac surgery innovation, combining advanced technology with a patient-first approach to care.”
When compared to traditional heart surgery, patients undergoing a RAM-T procedure may benefit from:
- Shorter post-procedure hospital stays, as patients may be discharged as early as three days post-surgery
- Quicker recovery time, allowing patients to return to daily activities after surgery
- No sternal precautions needed – patients can drive and use their arms normally versus waiting a full month
- Decreased risk of blood loss during surgery
- Improved respiratory function post-operatively, which is typically reduced post full sternotomy
- Improved cosmetic look with a small scar (less than 6 cm)
- Facilitates redo surgeries in the future that may require full sternotomy
A RAM-T procedure may be appropriate for patients who require an aortic valve replacement – a surgical procedure to replace a diseased valve – or ascending aortic aneurysm repair – a procedure to replace a weakened portion of the aorta with a graft.
