Background: This study evaluates the feasibility of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. The aim of the study was to minimize surgical access to achieve better cosmetic results, less postoperative discomfort, and faster recovery. Methods: From September 1997 to October 1998, 76 patients underwent mitral valve surgery through a right anterolateral minithoracotomy at the fourth intercostal space. The mitral valve was either repaired (n 5 21) or replaced (n 5 55).
In all cases, open femoral artery-femoral vein cannulation was used for cardiopulmonary bypass. In 27 cases, an endoluminal aortic clamp was used, but in 49 cases, the aorta was cross-clamped with a transthoracic, sliding-rod-design clamp. Results: There were no approach-related limitations to surgical intervention. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography revealed excellent results after valve repair and no…
