Hybrid Techniques Gain Focus in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Program at Hackensack University Medical Center

Support for endovascular and surgical team collaboration and extensive robotic capabilities bring successful outcomes and recovery benefits for patients

December 15, 2024

As one of the region’s highest volume centers for minimally invasive cardiac surgery, Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center readily pursues less-invasive techniques for valve replacement and repair, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

While minimally invasive techniques open treatment options for frail and severely ill who don’t qualify or risk poor outcomes with traditional open approaches, the cardiac team at Hackensack University Medical Center evaluates every surgery candidate for potential minimally invasive or hybrid technique potential. For example, a percutaneous coronary artery procedure might be followed by a less invasive valve repair with a partial chest opening.

Mark Anderson, M.D., Cardiac Surgery chair, Hackensack University Medical Center, acknowledges that initially the benefits of minimally invasive surgery were questioned in the medical community, but years of documented outcomes now show concrete benefits, including better patient mobility post-surgery and reduced return to work time.

“There’s no compromise in the operation performed. Even complicated operations can be performed less invasively,” Dr. Anderson said.

Strong robotic surgery capabilities and experience and a highly collaborative interventional and cardiac surgery team make the center a hotbed for innovation in hybrid techniques. While robotic techniques currently focus on CABG, Dr. Anderson said the next horizon at Hackensack University Medical Center includes applying robotic tools in minimally invasive valve surgery, building on the surgical team’s depth of experience in robotics.

Learn more about cardiovascular innovations happening at Hackensack University Medical Center.