Father-Son Surgeons Offer Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Alternative

The McGinn technique allows access to the heart through a small incision, reducing recovery time.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A life-saving heart procedure offering an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery is now available to patients in Palm Beach County, Florida. The surgeons behind it are a father-and-son team, Dr. Joseph McGinn Jr. and Dr. Joseph McGinn III, who perform the minimally invasive McGinn technique that accesses the heart through a small incision rather than open-heart surgery.

Why it matters

The McGinn technique is a rare procedure, with only about 20 surgeons worldwide trained to perform it. It offers patients a less invasive option that often results in less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

The details

The McGinn technique involves accessing the heart through a small incision rather than opening the chest, as is required for traditional open-heart surgery. This minimally invasive approach can benefit patients like John Zells, who was able to return to golfing just three weeks after his procedure.

  • John Zells, 76, underwent the McGinn procedure in early 2026 after doctors discovered a major blockage in one of his arteries.

The players

John Zells

A 76-year-old Palm Beach County resident who underwent the McGinn procedure after doctors discovered a major blockage in one of his arteries.

Dr. Joseph McGinn Jr.

The surgeon who pioneered the minimally invasive McGinn technique for heart surgery.

Dr. Joseph McGinn III

The son of Dr. Joseph McGinn Jr. who now performs the McGinn technique at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Bethesda Hospital East.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Instead of opening the chest, surgeons access the heart through a small incision. The minimally invasive approach often results in less pain, fewer complications, and a significantly faster recovery.”

— Dr. Joseph McGinn III (wbal.com)

“John Zells is an excellent example of someone who received the appropriate treatment. Now he's thriving. He's pain-free, and I'm happy that I was able to provide that for him.”

— Dr. Joseph McGinn III (wbal.com)

“There's only about 20 of us performing this procedure with any regularity around the world. We have physicians coming from across the globe to watch us operate. The learning curve is steep, but if you have the training and the patients, it truly benefits them.”

— Dr. Joseph McGinn III (wbal.com)

What’s next

The McGinn technique is a rare procedure, with only about 20 surgeons worldwide trained to perform it. As more patients become aware of this minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, demand for the procedure is expected to grow, leading more medical centers to offer it.

The takeaway

The McGinn technique offers patients a less invasive option for heart surgery that can result in faster recovery times and better outcomes compared to traditional open-heart procedures. This innovative approach developed by a father-son surgical team is helping to expand access to life-saving heart care in Palm Beach County and beyond.