Our Initial Experience of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgical Procedures Via Right Mini-Thoracotomy

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to present the results of patients undergoing atrial septal defect (ASD) repair and mitral valve replacement (MVR) via right mini-thoracotomy and to share the initial experience of minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures. Patients and Methods: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of patients undergoing ASD repair and MVR via right mini-thoracotomy between November 2016 and November 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: During the study period, 22 patients were planned right mini-thoracotomy. The mean age of the patients was 30.4 ± 10.6 years (range, 18-73). Over 22, 3 patients underwent unplanned median sternotomy. Of the remaining 19 patients, 14 patients underwent ASD repair and 5 patients underwent MVR; all successfully via right mini-thoracotomy. Conclusion: Minimally invasive procedures are characterized by low postoperative complication rate, short intensive care time, early recovery period and high patient comfort. These procedures can be safely performed by operators who are in the initial stages of their minimal invasive surgery learning curve.