Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) has revolutionised modern cardiac care by reducing surgical trauma, accelerating recovery, minimising complications and enhancing cosmetic outcomes through small incisions and advanced instrumentation. This approach replaces traditional sternotomy with targeted access routes that preserve structural integrity, reduce postoperative pain and shorten hospital stays. As global demand for less invasive treatments grows, clinicians increasingly seek advanced training opportunities and specialised cardiology conference sessions that highlight evolving minimally invasive techniques, patient selection criteria and technological innovations that support complex cardiac interventions.

MICS incorporates a diverse range of procedures, including valve repair and replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, septal defect closure, arrhythmia surgery, tumour excision and hybrid surgical–interventional approaches. Each technique requires a deep understanding of anatomical constraints, thoracoscopic navigation and perfusion strategies. Attendees will explore how surgical planning, preoperative imaging and coordination with anaesthesiology influence procedural success and minimise risk. The session also examines workflow optimisation that reduces bypass time, enhances exposure and ensures precise instrument manipulation.

As utilisation increases, the role of robotic cardiac surgery continues to expand. Robotics offer improved dexterity, high-definition visualisation and enhanced control through wristed instruments that enable delicate manoeuvres in confined spaces. Participants gain insight into how robotic platforms modify surgical ergonomics, reduce physical strain and enable complex reconstruction with minimal trauma. Discussions also highlight learning curves, team training models and credentialing pathways that ensure safety and consistency across early and advanced adopters.

Patient selection remains essential for optimal outcomes. The session outlines decision-making for patients with calcified valves, prior thoracic surgeries, chest deformities, obesity, frailty and significant comorbidities. Attendees will learn how to integrate CT mapping, echocardiography and risk?scoring tools to determine feasibility and anticipate technical challenges. Conversion strategies, emergency protocols and postoperative care pathways are also explored to support safe programme development.

The session reviews postoperative management, focusing on rapid extubation, multimodal analgesia, early ambulation and structured physiotherapy. Clinical examples illustrate how targeted rehabilitation accelerates functional recovery, reduces readmissions and improves patient?reported outcomes. Minimally invasive approaches not only optimise perioperative safety but also reduce long-term complications associated with sternal instability, infections and impaired pulmonary mechanics.

Finally, attendees explore future innovations, such as totally endoscopic coronary surgery, next?generation robotics, augmented?reality surgical support, remote console operation and AI?enhanced decision guidance. As institutions increasingly adopt minimally invasive programmes, multidisciplinary coordination and workforce training will be key to ensuring quality, efficiency and equitable access.