Minimally Invasive Versus Right Thoracotomy for Mitral Valve Surgery

Abstract

he lateral thoracotomy approach for mitral valve surgery was used extensively in the early history of open-heart surgery. This study compared the procedure and early postoperative outcome of the classic right thoracotomy approach for mitral valve surgery versus the minimally invasive approach through right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy. Intraoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference in the cross-clamp time, total bypass time, but there was a significant difference in total operative time, this was attributed to the need for acquiring experiences in MIMVS and the lack of adequate instrumentation. The length of the incision was highly significantly shorter in minimally invasive approach versus in classic right thoracotomy, there was significant difference in the intensive care parameters. Postoperatively, the mechanical ventilation time was shorter in minimally invasive approach, the blood loss and the blood transfusion required was lesser in minimally invasive approach.