Treatments

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Myxoma Removal in India

Quick answer

Minimally invasive cardiac myxoma removal takes out a benign heart tumour through a small incision on the right side of the chest, often with a camera, instead of opening the breastbone. It suits many left atrial myxomas of moderate size. Recovery is usually quicker, and many international patients return home within a few weeks.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24

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At a glance

Cardiac SurgerySpecialty

The surgeon reaches the heart between the right ribs, connects the heart-lung machine through the groin and uses a thoracoscope (thin camera) for a magnified view. Robotic assistance is used at some centres.

The tumour is removed in one piece with its attachment, just as in open surgery. The smaller access mainly changes pain, scarring and the speed at which people return to daily life.

How this approach differs

This approach avoids splitting the breastbone, with a much shorter incision placed on the right side of the chest. It usually means less pain and blood loss, earlier walking and faster return to driving and work. Very large tumours, unusual attachment sites or other heart disease may still need open surgery. It requires a surgeon trained in thoracoscopic heart surgery, available at selected centres.

Cardiac Myxoma RemovalStandard approach

Who needs minimally invasive cardiac myxoma removal

Left atrial myxoma attached to the septum, reachable from the right side
Tumours of a size that can be removed through a small incision
Patients with healthy groin vessels for machine connection
Adults without other heart disease needing open surgery
Patients wishing to avoid a breastbone incision

How it is done

General anaesthesia with one-lung ventilation is started.
A small incision is made under the right breast or on the side of the chest.
The heart-lung machine is connected through groin vessels.
The heart is stopped and the atrium opened under camera view.
The tumour and its base are removed intact and placed in a retrieval bag.
The septal defect is repaired, the heart restarted and the incision closed.

Before you travel to India

Echocardiogram, ideally transoesophageal, showing tumour size and stalk
CT of chest and groin vessels if requested
Coronary assessment if over middle age
Lung function results if you have lung disease
Confirm the centre offers minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Recovery and flying home

Many patients are walking within a day.
Hospital stay is often shorter than after open removal.
Arm and chest movement restrictions are minimal.
Your team checks rhythm and wounds before clearing you to fly.
Echocardiogram follow-up checks for recurrence.

Risks

Conversion to open surgery
Groin vessel complications
Tumour fragmentation and embolism
Atrial fibrillation
Fluid around the right lung

Alternatives

Open cardiac myxoma removal through the breastbone
Robotic-assisted removal at centres with robotic programmes

Conditions treated

Cardiac Tumour (Myxoma)

Hospitals in India for minimally invasive cardiac myxoma removal

How these hospitals compare

Specialists

Frequently asked questions

Is the tumour removed as completely as in open surgery?

Yes, the aim is identical: remove the whole tumour with its base. Experienced surgeons achieve complete removal through small incisions. The approach is chosen only if this is safe.

Who cannot have keyhole myxoma removal?

Patients with very large tumours, right-sided or valve-attached tumours, previous right chest surgery or poor groin vessels may need open surgery. Associated heart disease also matters.

How large is the incision?

It is usually a few centimetres, sometimes with extra small ports for the camera. It is much smaller than a breastbone incision.

How soon can an international patient fly after keyhole myxoma surgery?

Recovery is typically quicker than open surgery, but flying depends on rhythm and wound checks. Your surgeon will advise. Plan some flexibility.

Is a camera always used?

Most centres use a thoracoscope for a magnified view. Some use a robot. The technique depends on the surgeon's training.

Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices

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