Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has not enjoyed a standard nomenclature. The terms minimally invasive or limited-access cardiac surgery have referred to the size of the incision, the avoidance of a sternotomy, use of a partial sternotomy, or abstention from cardiopulmonary bypass. However, the development of MIHVS may be considered analogous to an Everest ascent, embarking from a conventional or "base camp" operation and advancing progressively toward less invasiveness through experience and acclimatization
