Analysis of the logistical, economic and minimally invasive cardiac surgical training difficulties in India

Significant advances have been made in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) over the past 3 decades. However, the acceptance and practice of MICS continue to remain low in the developing world owing to several challenges. This study aimed to analyse the logistical, economic and training difficulties in MICS with a special focus on the Indian scenario. A systematic review of the current literature on MICS with an emphasis on these challenges was performed. MICS has been shown to have clear cost-benefit advantage that stems from shorter ICU and hospital stay, lesser transfusion requirements and avoidance of sternal wound complications. However, only limited reports are currently available detailing the economic and training challenges for the application of MICS in the developing world, particularly India. Though several challenges exist in widening MICS practice in India, these can be overcome through a target-oriented approach.