Minimally Invasive Versus Conventional Approach for Mitral Valve Surgery

Abstract

The lateral thoracotomy approach for mitral valve surgery was used extensively in the early history of open-heart surgery. Postoperative sternal wound complications are the major problem with sternotomy incision, other disadvantages of median sternotomy is the bad cosmetic appearance of the scar, which is more prone to keloid formation.

This study compared the procedure and early postoperative outcome of the standard sternotomy approach for mitral valve surgery versus the minimally invasive approach through right anterolateral mini-thoracotomy by direct vision.