Many types of minimally invasive heart procedures can be performed quicker than their open-heart surgery counterparts. For example, a PCI can take from 30 minutes to several hours.

Preparation for the placement of a pacemaker or ICD is similar to that of cardiac ablation and the Maze procedure. Your doctor will perform tests to ensure you can have the procedure.

Cardiac surgeries: Procedures on the heart can trigger VF ... In some cases, people at risk of VF may be candidates for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device placed under the skin ...