Doctors are researching whether the less-invasive surgery could reduce risks and eliminate scars while delivering similar results.

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The best performers included Mako Surgical, which makes a less-invasive knee surgery procedure, was the best-performing stock in August.

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The statistics, which also covered many other types of surgery and other less-invasive procedures, were based on a survey of 772 actively practicing plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otolaryngologists.

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The new procedure was coronary angioplasty, a far less invasive and expensive procedure than coronary bypass surgery that is now performed over a million times each year in the U.S. alone, while saving countless lives.

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Studies show that patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery have a quicker recovery and less short-term pain than with open repair.

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The short-term risk of surgery can affect patients' treatment decision, especially given the prospect of open-heart surgery and weeks of recovery, compared with a less-invasive angioplasty.

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