Evidence from large case series supports the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopically assisted mitral valve surgery. This guidance “ Thoracoscopically assisted mitral valve surgery ” relates to mitral valve surgery procedures that use thoracoscopic visualization of the operative field for at least part of the operation. Thoracoscopically assisted mitral valve surgery is technically demanding.
Surgeons undertaking it should have special expertise and specific training in thoracoscopic cardiac surgery and should perform their initial procedures with an experienced mentor. Mitral valve surgery includes operations to repair or replace the mitral valve in patients with mitral stenosis, regurgitation or a combination of both. Mitral valve disease can be treated medically to reduce the risk of congestive heart failure and to control atrial fibrillation (which often co-exists in these patients…
