Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on thoracoscopically assisted mitral valve surgery.
Description
Thoracoscopically assisted mitral valve surgery involves the repair of a defective valve through one or more small incisions between the ribs rather than one large incision through the breastbone (sternum), and using a camera to visualise the procedure. The patient is connected to a heart-lung machine, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure. Robotic assistance can also be used during the procedure.
Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance