DAMANSARA Specialist Hospital 2 (DSH2) continues to elevate healthcare standards with its specialised approach to cardiac surgery, positioning itself as a leading hospital in redefining healthcare.
With a relentless commitment to innovation and patient care, DSH2’s heart and lung medical hub is at the forefront of offering minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), transforming the patient experience and outcomes in cardiac care.
This medical hub is known for its expertise in MICS, a procedure that drastically improves recovery times and reduces the physical impact on patients.
Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, which requires a sternotomy — a large incision through the chest bone — MICS is performed through a small incision of 3-7cm between the ribs, utilising an endoscopic technique, said its consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Dr Shahrul Amry Hashim.
This avoids the zip-like scar that is left by conventional open-heart surgery, which is why MICS is called zip-less cardiac surgery.Dr Shahrul explained, “The biggest difference between the surgeries is the need to cut the sternum, which is the chest bone of patients.
“Under a minimally-invasive approach, the access to the heart is done with a small incision through the intercostal space using an endoscopy technique to aid the surgeon in viewing the heart structure.”
He shared that the common minimally invasive cardiac surgeries are coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve replacement and aortic valve replacement.
“This approach is a game-changer as it changed the perception and acceptance of patients in cardiac surgery. By avoiding the need to cut the chest bone, patients’ recovery process and quality of life are drastically improved.
“Compared to the conventional chest-cutting method, the fractures of the chest bone will require at least two to three months to heal.”
Dr Shahrul emphasised the profound impact this technique has had on his patients.
He pointed out, “By avoiding the need to cut the chest bone, patients are expected to have less post-surgery pain and be able to engage in rehabilitation activities much earlier, which speeds up the recovery process.
“Patients can be rehabilitated as early as one to two weeks after surgery compared to four weeks in open surgery, as limiting factors like pain and wound infections are less likely with MICS.”
Despite the slight increase in cost—about 10-15% higher due to advanced equipment and instruments used in performing the surgery—MICS offers unparalleled value.
“Patients can resume their normal lives within three to four weeks, significantly enhancing their quality of life compared to the three months typically required for recovery from an open-heart surgery.”
He added: “Cardiac surgery is safe. Technology has allowed the heart to be accessed with minimal incision and minimal complications. As patients have the right to choose the best care approach, they must get advice from established heart and lung centres where the experienced team offers all potential options.”
In addition, the establishment of a support group in DSH2 dedicated to patients undergoing MICS further fosters a sense of community and support.
Committed to innovation
DSH2’s efforts in driving clinical excellence have not gone unnoticed. The hospital was recently honoured with the prestigious “Rising Star Hospital of the Year” award in May by Global Health Asia-Pacific Awards 2024.
“This accolade reflects DSH2’s dedication to medical and technological advancements, ensuring superior patient care and reinforcing its position as a leader in healthcare innovation,” said DSH2 chief executive officer Tan Sok Kheng.
Comprehensive care
MICS is among various other laparoscopic surgeries which are offered and excelled by the surgical team in DSH2.
The advanced surgical service at DSH2 offers state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedures, enhancing both recovery time and cost-effectiveness, which promotes less scar and less pain surgeries.
The incorporation of robotic technologies, such as the da Vinci Surgical System and the robotic Orthopedic Surgical System coupled with experienced surgeons allows for more precise and less invasive surgeries.
By leveraging robotic technology, surgeons can perform minimally invasive procedures with unmatched precision and dexterity, leading to faster recovery times, reduced complications and improved surgical results.
Additionally, DSH2 embraces the power of augmented reality with Hololens technology, enabling augmented reality visualisation in imaging.
This immersive tool enhances medical imaging by providing physicians with unparalleled insights into anatomical structures, facilitating more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Vision for the future
Dr Shahrul highlighted the future of MICS and its potential to evolve further with robotic surgery, which promises even greater precision and consistency.
In line with its academic mission, he said that DSH2 is committed to becoming a training centre for MICS, having already conducted workshops for surgeons and anaesthetists from Indonesia.
The hospital is also focused on data collection and publication to support evidence-based practices and future training initiatives.
For info, visit www.kpjhealth.com.my/damansara2/
KKLIU: 2072
EXP: DEC 31, 2026
