The Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is an advanced training programme for cardiac surgeons who wish to gain further expertise in cardiac surgery via minimally invasive and technology assisted techniques. The program covers all aspects of patient selection, cardiac imaging, peri-operative planning, minimally invasive surgical techniques, robotic surgery, hybrid cardiac interventions and post-operative management. Topics of discussion cover minimally invasive valve surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, repair of congenital cardiac defects, arrhythmia surgery, aortic surgery, perfusion management, advanced anesthesia considerations and enhanced recovery. It also covers new technologies like robotic platforms, artificial intelligence, digital surgical planning, telemedicine and concepts of regenerative medicine as they pertain to cardiac surgery. The fellowship program emphasizes a blend of academic rigor, case discussions, simulation-based learning, and exposure to current surgical practices, fostering a comprehensive view of minimally invasive cardiac surgery that enhances clinical understanding, procedural planning, and multidisciplinary decision-making.

Skills You Will Gain

• Familiarity with the principles, indications and patient selection for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

• Understanding of cardiac imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and 3-D surgical planning.

• Knowledge of minimally invasive techniques for valve surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery and repairs for congenital cardiac defects.

• Knowledge of concepts and considerations for cardiac surgery performed with robots.

• Familiarity with hybrid cardiac procedures (surgical catheterization).

• Knowledge of perfusion techniques, principles of cardiopulmonary bypass and perioperative monitoring in minimally invasive surgery.

• Knowledge about anesthesia, pain management and improved recovery practices in cardiac surgery.

• Experiences recognizing, assessing, and responding to complications during minimally invasive procedures.

• Knowledge of reconstruction, post-operative and long term management of cardiac surgery patients.

• Knowledge of the surgical techniques and minimally invasive interventions for the management of atrial fibrillation.

• Understanding of less invasive techniques for aortic and congenital cardiac surgery.

• Knowledge of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, telemedicine and data informed surgical planning and evaluation of surgical outcomes.

• Awareness of ethical, communication, leadership and healthcare management issues in cardiac surgical practice.

• Understanding of new devices, emerging technologies and future developments in minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

• Multidisciplinary understanding of cooperation between cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, cardiologists and rehab teams.

Career Outcomes

• Continuing education in minimally invasive and technology assisted cardiac surgery.

• Chances to work on multidisciplinary cardiac surgery teams providing high-level surgical care.

• Involvement in the assessment, planning and care of patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

• Participation in cardiac surgery programmes with modern surgical techniques and imaging modalities.

• Access to participate in hybrid cardiac intervention pathways and collaborative heart team models.

• Involvement in cardiac surgery services peri-operative care, rehabilitation planning and quality improvement programs.

• Participation in academic activities, clinical education and continuing education activities in cardiac surgery.

• Possibilities for research, innovation and evidence-based practice in minimally invasive cardiac procedures.

• Support for patient-centered care efforts around the issue of surgical recovery, outcomes measurement and service improvement.

• Improved knowledge and skills in cardiac surgeons related to minimally invasive, robotic-assisted and hybrid cardiac surgery.

What you will learn 

Learn from Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Experts 

Clinical Training in Leading Cardiac Centers 

Patient-Centered Cardiac Surgical Learning 

Comprehensive Coverage of MICS Procedures 

Flexible, Self-Paced Learning Modules 

Training in Advanced Surgical Technology