Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery Versus Standard Sternotomy in Obese Patients Undergoing Isolated Valve Surgery

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement in Obese Patients: A Propensity-Matched Study

INTRODUCTION

Obese patients are at risk of complications after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive approach via upper sternotomy in this setting.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 203 obese patients who underwent isolated, elective aortic valve replacement between January 2014 and January 2023 - 106 with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) and 97 with conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR). To account for baseline differences, a propensity-matching analysis was performed obtaining two balanced groups of 91 patients each.

RESULTS

The 30-day mortality rate was comparable between groups (1.1% MIAVR vs. 0% CAVR, P=0.99). MIAVR patients had faster extubation than CAVR patients (6 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 hours, P<0.01). Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was less common in the MIAVR than in the CAVR group (3.3% vs. 13.2%, P=0.03). Other postoperative complications did not differ significantly. Intensive care unit stay (1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4 days, P<0.01), but not hospital stay (6.7 ± 2.1 vs. 7.2 ± 1.9 days, P=0.09), was shorter for MIAVR than for CAVR patients. Follow-up survival was comparable (logrank P-value = 0.58).

CONCLUSION

MIAVR via upper sternotomy has been shown to be a safe and effective option for obese patients. Respiratory outcome was promising with shorter mechanical ventilation time and reduced need for post-extubation support. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was reduced. These advantages might be important for the obese patient to whom minimally invasive surgery should not be denied.

Predictors of outcomes in patients with obesity following mitral valve surgery

Objective

Few studies have assessed the outcomes of mitral valve surgery in patients with obesity. We sought to study factors that determine the in-hospital outcomes of this population to help clinicians provide optimal care.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of adult patients with obesity who underwent open mitral valve replacement or repair between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2020, was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample. Weighted logistic regression and random forest analyses were performed to assess factors associated with mortality and the interaction of each variable.

Results

Of the 48,775 patients with obesity, 34% had morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40), 55% were women, 66% underwent elective surgery, and 55% received isolated open mitral valve replacement or repair. In-hospital mortality was 5.0% (n = 2430). After adjusting for important covariates, a greater risk of mortality was associated with older patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.43), higher Elixhauser comorbidity score (aOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.87-2.36), prior valve surgery (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.01-2.63), and more than 2 concomitant procedures (aOR, 2.83; 95% CI, 2.07-3.85). Lower mortality was associated with elective admissions (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.87) and valve repair (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46-0.73). Machine learning identified several interactions associated with early mortality, such as Elixhauser score, female sex, body mass index ≥40, and kidney failure.

Conclusions

The complexity of presentation, comorbidities in older and female patients, and morbid obesity are independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients undergoing open mitral valve replacement or repair. Morbid obesity and sex disparity should be recognized in this population, and physicians should consider older patients and females with multiple comorbidities for earlier and more opportune treatment windows.

Comparative effects of minimally invasive approaches vs. conventional for obese patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive approaches like mini-thoracotomy and mini-sternotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) showed impressive outcomes. However, their advantages for obese patients are questionable. We aimed in this network meta-analysis to compare three surgical approaches: Full sternotomy (FS), Mini-sternotomy (MS), and Mini-thoracotomy (MT) for obese patients undergoing AVR.

METHODS

We followed the PRISMA extension for this network meta-analysis. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane searched through March 2023 for relevant articles. The analysis was performed using R version 4.2.3.

RESULTS

Out of 344, 8 articles met the criteria with 1392 patients. The main outcomes assessed were perioperative mortality, re-exploration, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, ICU stay, hospital stay, cross-clamp time, and bypass time. In favor of MS, the length of ICU stay and hospital stay was significantly lower than for FS [MD -0.84, 95%CI (-1.26; -0.43)], and [MD -2.56, 95%CI (-3.90; -1.22)], respectively. Regarding peri-operative mortality, FS showed a significantly higher risk compared to MS [RR 2.28, 95%CI (1.01;5.16)]. Also, patients who underwent minimally invasive approaches; MT and MS, required less need of re-exploration compared to FS [RR 0.10, 95%CI (0.02;0.45)], and [RR 0.33, 95%CI (0.14;0.79)], respectively. However, Intraoperative timings; including aortic cross-clamp, and cardiopulmonary bypass time, were significantly lower with FS than for MS [MD -9.16, 95%CI (-1.88; -16.45)], [MD -9.61, 95%CI (-18.64; -0.59)], respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our network meta-analysis shows that minimally invasive approaches offer some advantages for obese patients undergoing AVR over full sternotomy. Suggesting that these approaches might be considered more beneficial alternatives for obese patients undergoing AVR.

Visual analysis based on CiteSpace software: a bibliometric study of atrial myxoma

Objective

To use CiteSpace and VOSviewer visual metrology to analyze the research status, frontier hotspots, and trends in research on atrial myxoma.

Methods

The Web of Science core collection database was used to retrieve relevant literature on atrial myxoma from 2001 to 2022. CiteSpace software was used to analyze keywords with a co-occurrence network, co-polymerization class, and burst terms, and a corresponding visual atlas was drawn for analysis.

Results

A total of 893 valid articles were included. The country with the highest number of articles was the United States (n = 186). The organization with the highest number of articles was the Mayo Clinic (n = 15). The author with the highest number of articles was Yuan SM (n = 12). The highest cited author was Reynen K (n = 312). The highest cited journal was Annals of Thoracic Surgery (n = 1,067). The most frequently cited literature was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995, which was cited 233 times. The keywords co-occurrence, copolymerization analysis, and Burst analysis revealed that the main research focuses were surgical methods, case reports, and genetic and molecular level studies on the pathogenesis of myxoma.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis revealed that the main research topics and hotspots in atrial myxoma included surgical methods, case reports, genetic and molecular studies.

Minimal Access Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Tricuspid valve diseases are a heterogeneous group of pathologies that typically have poor prognoses when treated medically and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality with traditional surgical techniques. Minimal access tricuspid valve surgery may mitigate some of the surgical risks associated with the standard sternotomy approach by limiting pain, reducing blood loss, lowering the risk of wound infections, and shortening hospital stays. In certain patient populations, this may allow for a prompt intervention that could limit the pathologic effects of these diseases. Herein, we review the literature on minimal access tricuspid valve surgery focusing on perioperative planning, technique, and outcomes of minimal access endoscopic and robotic surgery for isolated tricuspid valve disease.

Effect of minimally invasive cardiac surgery compared with conventional surgery on post-operative physical activity and rehabilitation in patients with valvular heart disease

Background

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has steadily become more and more popular. MICS is less invasive and has a faster return to normality after surgery. Patients who had MICS continue to exercise more frequently than those who had the conventional median sternotomy surgery. It is generally established that physical activity lowers mortality and the risk of cardiac disease. The purpose of the study: is to evaluate and compare physical activity levels in MICS and conventional surgery.

Result

The level of preoperative physical activity did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, the MICS group significantly exceeded the conventional group in terms of postoperative progress, amount of physical activity, and 6-minute walking test. Also, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was significantly less.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has a higher margin of benefit, and speedy recovery to normality, which is accompanied by a lower VAS score and increased physical activity in comparison to conventional surgery.

Minimally Invasive Approaches Are Safe for Concomitant Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery

Objective:

The need for concomitant tricuspid surgery during mitral valve surgery is associated with higher operative risk. We hypothesized that concomitant tricuspid surgery through a minimally invasive thoracotomy (MICS) is associated with noninferior risk compared with a sternotomy.

Methods:

All patients undergoing mitral valve surgery at a single institution (2010 to 2020) were evaluated. After excluding endocarditis, emergent operations, and concomitant aortic valve or coronary artery bypass grafting procedures, patients were stratified by MICS versus sternotomy. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the risk-adjusted association between concomitant tricuspid valve procedure and Society of Thoracic Surgeons major morbidity or mortality. An interaction term evaluated the impact of approach on concomitant tricuspid surgery.

Results:

A total of 772 patients underwent mitral valve surgery, including 138 (17.9%) with concomitant tricuspid valve operation. Of the total cohort, 243 patients (31.5%) underwent the MICS approach. Concomitant tricuspid operation was performed in 104 sternotomy patients (19.7%) compared with 34 MICS patients (14.0%, P = 0.056). After risk adjustment, patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid valve surgery via sternotomy had nearly 2 times greater odds of morbidity and mortality relative to those undergoing isolated mitral surgery via sternotomy (adjOR = 1.86, P = 0.049), while patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid surgery via the MICS approach had no increased risk of the composite outcome (adjOR = 0.66, P = 0.543), relative to isolated mitral surgery via MICS approach.

Conclusions:

Concomitant tricuspid surgery at the time of mitral valve surgery carries additional risk in a broad patient population. A minimally invasive approach appears to be safe for selected patients requiring concomitant tricuspid valve surgery.

Decision Making during the Learning Curve of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A Focused Review for the Starting Minimally Invasive Surgeon

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is evolving rapidly since the early 1990’s and is now increasingly adopted as the standard approach for mitral valve surgery. It has a long and challenging learning curve and there are many considerations regarding technique, planning and patient selection when starting a minimally invasive program. In the current review, we provide an overview of all considerations and the decision-making process during the learning curve.

Minimally-invasive cardiac surgery: a bibliometric analysis of impact and force to identify key and facilitating advanced training

Background

The number of citations an article receives is a marker of its scientific influence within a particular specialty. This bibliometric analysis intended to recognise the top 100 cited articles in minimally-invasive cardiac surgery, to determine the fundamental subject areas that have borne considerable influence upon clinical practice and academic knowledge whilst also considering bibliometric scope. This is increasingly relevant in a continually advancing specialty and one where minimally-invasive cardiac procedures have the potential for huge benefits to patient outcomes.

Methods

The Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) data citation index database was searched with the following terms: [Minimal* AND Invasive* AND Card* AND Surg*]. Results were limited to full text English language manuscripts and ranked by citation number. Further analysis of the top 100 cited articles was carried out according to subject, author, publication year, journal, institution and country of origin.

Results

A total of 4716 eligible manuscripts were retrieved. Of the top 100 papers, the median (range) citation number was 101 (51–414). The most cited paper by Lichtenstein et al. (Circulation 114(6):591–596, 2006) published in Circulation with 414 citations focused on transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation as a viable alternative to aortic valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass in selected patients with aortic stenosis. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery published the most papers and received the most citations (n = 35; 3036 citations). The United States of America had the most publications and citations (n = 52; 5303 citations), followed by Germany (n = 27; 2598 citations). Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, published the most papers of all institutions. Minimally-invasive cardiac surgery pertaining to valve surgery (n = 42) and coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 30) were the two most frequent topics by a large margin.

Conclusions

This work establishes a comprehensive and informative analysis of the most influential publications in minimally-invasive cardiac surgery and outlines what constitutes a citable article. Undertaking a quantitative evaluation of the top 100 papers aids in recognising the contributions of key authors and institutions as well as guiding future efforts in this field to continually improve the quality of care offered to complex cardiac patients.

Surgical outcomes associated with partial upper sternotomy in obese aortic disease patients

Background

Excellent partial upper sternotomy outcomes have been reported for patients undergoing aortic surgery, but whether this approach is particularly beneficial to obese patients remains to be established. This study was developed to explore the outcomes of aortic surgical procedures conducted via a partial upper sternotomy or a full median sternotomy approach in obese patients.

Methods

We retrospectively examined consecutive acute type A aortic dissection patients who underwent aortic surgery in our hospital between January 2015 to January 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on body mass index: ‘non-obese’ and ‘obese’. We then further stratified patients in the obese and non-obese groups into partial upper sternotomy and full median sternotomy groups, with outcomes between these two sternotomy groups then being compared within and between these two body mass index groups.

Results

In total, records for 493 patients that had undergone aortic surgery were retrospectively reviewed, leading to the identification of 158 consecutive obese patients and 335 non-obese patients. Overall, 88 and 70 obese patients underwent full median sternotomy and partial upper sternotomy, respectively, while 180 and 155 non-obese patients underwent these respective procedures. There were no differences between the full median sternotomy and partial upper sternotomy groups within either BMI cohort with respect to preoperative baseline indicators and postoperative complications. Among non-obese individuals, the partial upper sternotomy approach was associated with reduced ventilation time (P = 0.003), shorter intensive care unit stay (P = 0.017), shorter duration of hospitalization (P = 0.001), and decreased transfusion requirements (Packed red blood cells: P < 0.001; Fresh frozen plasma: P < 0.001). Comparable findings were also evident among obese patients.

Conclusions

Obese aortic disease patients exhibited beneficial outcomes similar to those achieved for non-obese patients via a partial upper sternotomy approach which was associated with significant reductions in the duration of intensive care unit residency, duration of hospitalization, ventilator use, and transfusion requirements. This surgical approach should thus be offered to aortic disease patients irrespective of their body mass index.

Percutaneous versus surgical femoral access in minimally invasive cardiac operations

OBJECTIVES

Both surgical and percutaneous femoral accesses for the establishment of extracorporeal circulation are used in minimally invasive cardiac surgeries. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes with the MANTA vascular closure device after percutaneous arterial decannulation via the surgical approach.

METHODS

Between November 2018 and January 2021, a total of 490 consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive cardiac operations at our institution. Cannulation and decannulation of femoral vessels were under direct vision surgically or percutaneously. The MANTA system was used to close the femoral artery in all patients with percutaneous cannulation. Demographic, clinical and procedural data were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

Surgical cut-down and suture closure of the femoral artery was performed in 222 patients (45.3%); percutaneous access and closure with the MANTA system was used in 268 patients (54.7%). The surgical group presented a significantly higher incidence of any access site complication compared to the percutaneous group [18 patients (8.1%) vs 6 patients (2.2%); P = 0.003]. Lymph fistula and wound healing disorders occurred more frequently in the surgical group (3.2% vs 0% [P = 0.004] and 3.6% vs 0% [P = 0.002], respectively). Median procedural duration and stays in the intensive care unit were significantly lower in the percutaneous group {127 [interquartile range (IQR) 97-158] min vs 150 (IQR 117-185) min (P < 0.001) and 1 (IQR 1-2) day vs 2 (IQR 1-3) days (P = 0.008), respectively}.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous access and closure with the MANTA system are feasible, safe and associated with lower incidences of all-cause access site complications and shorter stays in the intensive care unit compared to surgical access and closure in minimally invasive cardiac surgeries.

Outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in patients with obese body mass indices

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive heart valve surgery has previously been shown to be safe and feasible in obese patients. Within this population, we investigated the effect of obesity class on the patient outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR).

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with obese body mass indices (BMIs) who underwent mini-AVR between 2012 and 2020. Patients were stratified into three groups according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adult obesity classifications: Class I (BMI: 30.0-<35.0), Class II (BMI: 35.0-<40.0), and Class III (BMI ≥ 40.0). The primary outcomes were postoperative length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality, and direct cost.

RESULTS

Among 206 obese patients who underwent mini-AVR, LOS (Class I 5 [3-7] vs. Class II 6 [5-7] vs. Class III 6 [5-7] days; p = .056), postoperative 30-day mortality (Class I 2.44% [n = 3] vs. Class II 4.44% [n = 2] vs. Class III 7.89% [n = 3]; p = .200), and costs (Class I $24,118 [$20,237-$29.591] vs. Class II $22,215 [$18,492-$28,975] vs. Class III $24,810 [$20,245-$32,942] USD; p = .683) did not differ between obesity class cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-AVR is safe and feasible to perform for obese patients regardless of their obesity class. Patients with obesity should be afforded the option of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery regardless of their obesity class.

Size does matter: Yet BMI extremes are manageable in minimally invasive cardiac surgery

The obesity paradox has been recently challenged in the literature to spotlight a vague and ill-defined relationship between obesity extremes and cardiac morbidity and mortality. Patient size and incision size both remain important determinants of outcomes. Today, with obesity rates rising around the world, extremely obese patients require experienced teams and substantially improved care.

Minimally invasive surgery versus sternotomy in native mitral valve endocarditis: a matched comparison

OBJECTIVES

The present study compared the clinical outcomes between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and median sternotomy (MS) in patients with native mitral valve infective endocarditis.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2019, a total of 154 patients with acute (n = 131, 85%) or subacute (n = 23, 15%) native mitral valve infective endocarditis were included in the study. One-to-one nearest neighbour propensity score matching considering endocarditis severity using the dedicated De Feo score and 19 other clinically relevant baseline variables resulted in a population of 39 matched pairs. The matched cohort was investigated regarding operative and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Both groups showed similar results regarding cardiopulmonary bypass time [MIS: 96 min (77-138), MS: 99 min (88-127); P = 0.780] and aortic cross-clamp time [MIS: 64 min (54-90), MS: 65 min (59-83); P = 0.563], whereas overall operative time was shorter through minimally invasive access [MIS: 138 min (112-196), MS: 187 min (175-230); P = 0.005]. Although the rate of revision for bleeding was similar in both groups [MIS: 12.8% (n = 5), MS: 10.3% (n = 4); P = 1.000], MIS was associated with fewer red blood cell unit transfusions [MIS: 1 unit (0-4), MS: 4 units (2-10); P = 0.001] and fewer fresh frozen plasma unit transfusions [MIS: 0 units (0-0), MS: 1 unit (0-5); P = 0.002]. MIS was associated with a shorter ventilation time [MIS: 708 min (429-1236), MS: 1440 min (659-4411); P = 0.024] and a lower rate of reintubation after extubation [MIS: 5.1% (n = 2), MS: 25.6% (n = 10); P = 0.021].

CONCLUSIONS

In patients suffering from native mitral valve infective endocarditis, MIS provides significant clinical benefits over sternotomy in selected patients.

SUBJECT COLLECTION

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Anatomical circumstances and aortic cross-clamp time in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

Prolonged operative times, potentially leading to increased morbidity, are a possible drawback of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of anatomical circumstances in the chest on aortic cross-clamp time.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 68 patients who underwent minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the Perceval sutureless valve via right-anterior thoracotomy or with ministernotomy. Anatomical variables were measured during preoperative computer tomography scans.

RESULTS

Aortic cross-clamp time was shorter in those having ministernotomy than in the right-anterior thoracotomy group (41.1 vs 52.3 min; P < 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.09). A multivariable linear-regression model (P = 0.018) showed the aortic dextroposition variable to be a significant predictor of the aortic cross-clamp method and CPB times (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003) independent of other anatomical variables in the right thoracotomy group (10 mm deviation from optimal position prolonged the times for 240 and 600 s). For the whole cohort, a correlation between aortic valve dimensions and operative times was found (P = 0.046, P = 0.009). A linear-regression model (P = 0.046) predicted 90 s longer aortic cross-clamp time and 231 s longer CPB time for every 1 mm smaller aortic valve diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical variables are associated with the operative times in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with sutureless valves. Considering this association, preplanning the procedure is recommended.

Robotic mitral valve operations can be safely performed in obese patients

INTRODUCTION

Robotic cardiac surgery offers mitigated risks for obese patients requiring mitral valve surgery. We aimed to study the safety of robotic mitral surgery in the obese patient population by analyzing the outcomes of mitral surgery patients in our center for robotic cardiac surgery.

METHOD

This study retrospectively included 123 consecutive patients who underwent robotic mitral valve operations in a single center for robotic cardiac surgery. Patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 were compared against patients with BMI < 30 for demographic and operative parameters as well as postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean BMI was 33.9 ± 2.8 in the obesity group (n = 87) and 25.4 ± 2.7 in the no-obesity group (n = 36). Female gender (80.6% vs. 52.9%, p = .004), diabetes (25.0% vs. 10.3%, p = .036), and hypertension (48.6% vs. 26.4%, p = .018) were more common in patients with obesity. The obesity group was operated with similar cardiopulmonary bypass and total operative times with the no-obesity group. Postoperative drainage and blood transfusion requirements were similar between the groups. Mechanical ventilation times (6.1 ± 2.2 vs. 8.0 ± 4.4 h, p = .003) and intensive care unit stay (20.4 ± 1.6 vs. 29.4 ± 3.7, p = .027) were shorter in the obesity group. Other postoperative outcomes of infection, atrial fibrillation, hospital stay duration, and readmission rates were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Robotic mitral surgery is safe to perform in obese patients. Obesity should not be a contraindication for robotic mitral surgery as obese patients have outcomes similar to nonobese patients despite increased challenges and risk-factors.

Minimally Invasive Versus Sternotomy for Mitral Surgery in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

The safety of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) in elderly patients is still debated. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing MIMVS with conventional sternotomy (CS) in elderly patients (≥65 years old).

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for trials and observational studies comparing MIMVS with CS in patients ≥65 years old presenting for mitral valve surgery. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of all outcomes.

Results

The MIMVS group had lower odds of acute renal failure (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.78), prolonged intubation (>48 h; OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.70), less blood product transfusion (weighted mean difference [WMD] −0.82 units; 95% CI −1.29 to −0.34 units), shorter ICU length of stay (LOS; WMD −2.57 days; 95% CI −3.24 to −1.90 days) and hospital LOS (WMD −4.06 days; 95% CI −5.19 to −2.94 days). There were no significant differences in the odds of mortality, stroke, respiratory infection, reoperation for bleeding, and postoperative atrial fibrillation. MIMVS was associated with longer cross-clamp (WMD 11.8 min; 95% CI 3.5 to 20.1 min) and cardiopulmonary bypass times (WMD 23.0 min; 95% CI 10.4 to 35.6 min).

Conclusions

MIMVS in elderly patients is associated with lower postoperative complications, blood transfusion, shorter ICU, and hospital LOS, and longer cross-clamp and bypass times.

Minimally invasive resection of benign cardiac tumors

Primary cardiac tumours for which surgical resection is the main stay of treatment are rare and present both diagnostic and management challenges. The majority of patients are asymptomatic and one third of those who have symptoms present with vague constitutional symptoms which further complicates the process of early diagnosis. The current state-of-the art multi-modality imaging, routine use of intra-operative transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) in most cardiac centres and the tremendous advances of endoscopic adjuncts greatly enhances both the diagnosis and management of those group of patients. The surgical burden of median sternotomy and the contemporary trend towards less invasive surgery urged the necessity for adopting minimally invasive surgery in general and cardiac tumours are no exception. Despite the rarity of theses tumours, minimally invasive resection is successful in the hands of experienced minimally invasive surgeons who employ the same minimal access valve surgery platform to access the tumours in various cardiac chambers and valves with no compromise to the oncological clearance and hence achieve the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without compromising long term outcomes.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery

Since their introduction, it has been demonstrated that minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) approaches are safe and effective for the treatment of aortic valve diseases. To date, the main advantage of these approaches is represented by the reduced surgical trauma, with a subsequent reduced complication rate and faster recovery. This makes such approaches an appealing choice also for frail patients [obese, aged, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]. The standardization of the minimally invasive techniques, together with the implementation of preoperative workup and anesthesiological intra- and post-operative care, led to an amelioration of surgical results and reduction of surgical times. Moreover, the improvement of surgical technology and the introduction of new devices such as sutureless and rapid deployment (SURD) valves, has helped the achievement of comparable results to traditional surgery. However, transcatheter technologies are nowadays more and more important in the treatment of aortic valve disease, also in low risk patients. For this reason surgeons should put new efforts for further reducing the surgical trauma in the future, even taking inspiration from other disciplines. In this review, we aim to present a review of literature evidences regarding minimally invasive treatment of aortic diseases, also reflecting our personal experience with MIAVR techniques. This review could represent a tool for a well-structured patient assessment and preoperative planning, in order to safely carrying out an MIAVR procedure with satisfactory outcomes.

Minimally invasive tricuspid valve surgery

Tricuspid valve disease carries a very unfavorable prognosis when medically treated. Despite that, surgical intervention is still underperformed for tricuspid valve disease due to the reported high morbidity and mortality from a sternotomy approach. This had led to a shift towards maximizing medical therapy for right ventricular failure and, as a result, a more significant delay in surgical referrals with surgical risks when patients are finally referred. Tricuspid valve patients usually have other co-morbidities resulting from their systemic venous congestion and low flow cardiac output. Minimally invasive tricuspid valve surgery provides less tissue injury and, as a result, less trauma during surgery. This provides a hope for both patients and treating doctors to be more open for providing this procedure with less complications. Isolated minimally invasive tricuspid valve surgery is still not performed as widely as expected. This can be partly due to the adverse outcomes historically labelled to tricuspid valve surgery or by the long journey of learning the surgical team would need to commit to with a minimal access approach. In this article we will review the perioperative pathway, and outcomes of isolated minimally invasive tricuspid valve surgery in the available English literature.

Predictive Value of Body Mass Index in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

BACKGROUND

 With this study we aimed to analyze if the separate consideration of body mass index (BMI) could provide any superior predictive values compared with the established risk scores in isolated minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS). This might facilitate future therapeutic decision-making, e.g., regarding the question surgery versus transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr).

METHODS

 We assessed the relevance of BMI in non-underweight patients who underwent isolated MIMVS. The risk predictive potential of BMI for mortality and several postoperative adverse events was assessed in 429 consecutive patients. This predictive potential was compared with that of European System for Cardiac Outcome Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (STS score) using a comparative receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

 BMI was a significant numeric predictor of wound healing disorders (p = 0.001) and proved to be significantly superior in case of this postoperative adverse event compared with the EuroSCORE II (p = 0.040) and STS score (p = 0.015). Except for this, the predictive potential of BMI was significantly inferior compared with that of the EuroSCORE II and STS score for several end points, including 30-day (p = 0.029 and p = 0.006) and 1-year (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001) mortality.

CONCLUSION

 Therefore, we suggest that, in the course of decision-making regarding the right treatment modality for non-underweight patients with isolated mitral valve regurgitation, the sole factor of BMI should not be given a predominant weight.

BISMICS consensus statement: implementing a safe minimally invasive mitral programme in the UK healthcare setting

Disseminating the practice of minimally invasive mitral surgery (mini-MVS) can be challenging, despite its original case reports a few decades ago. The penetration of this technology into clinical practice has been limited to centres of excellence, and mitral surgery in most general cardiothoracic centres remains to be conducted via sternotomy access as a first line. The process for the uptake of mini-MVS requires clearer guidance and standardisation for the processes involved in its implementation. In this statement, a consensus agreement is outlined that describes the benefits of mini-MVS, including reduced postoperative bleeding, reduced wound infection, enhanced recovery and patient satisfaction. Technical considerations require specific attention and can be introduced through simulation and/or use in conventional cases. Either endoballoon or aortic cross clamping is recommended, as well as femoral or central aortic cannulation, with the use of appropriate adjuncts and instruments. A coordinated team-based approach that encourages ownership of the programme by the team members is critical. A designated proctor is also recommended. The organisation of structured training and simulation, as well as planning the initial cases, is an important step to consider. The importance of pre-empting complications and dealing with adverse events is described, including re-exploration, conversion to sternotomy, unilateral pulmonary oedema and phrenic nerve injury. Accounting for both institutional and team considerations can effectively facilitate the introduction of a mini-MVS service. This involves simulation, team-based training, visits to specialist centres and involvement of a designated proctor to oversee the initial cases.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery in obese patients: Can the bigger afford the smaller?

BACKGROUND

Ministernotomy and right minithoracotomy are well-known minimally invasive approaches for aortic valve replacement (AVR); however, controversial opinions exist for their utilization in obese patients. The aim of this study is to check a potential positive role of minimally invasive surgery in this population.

METHODS

From January 2010 to November 2019, 613 obese patients (defined by a body mass index ≥30) underwent isolated AVR at our institution. Surgical approach included standard median sternotomy (176 patients), partial upper sternotomy (271 patients), or right anterior minithoracotomy (166 patients). Intra- and postoperative data were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Patients treated with minimally invasive approaches had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = .012) and aortic cross-clamp time (p = .022), mainly due to the higher utilization of sutureless valve implantation. They also presented advantages in terms of reduced postoperative ventilation time (p = .010), incidence of wound infection (p = .009), need of inotropic support (p = .004), and blood transfusion (p = .001). The univariable logistic regression showed the traditional full sternotomy approach as compared with ministernotomy (p = .026), active smoking (p = .009), peripheral vascular disease (p = .003), ejection fraction (p = .026), as well Logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE; p = .015) as factors associated with hospital mortality. The multivariable logistic regression adjusted for the logistic EuroSCORE revealed that surgical approaches do not influence hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese patients with severe aortic valve pathology can be treated with minimally invasive approaches offering a less biological insult and reduced postoperative complications, but without impact on hospital mortality.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair

Minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) repair is being increasingly performed over the last 2 decades due to the constantly growing patient demand, since it offers a shorter recovery, less restriction and faster return to normal physical activities, reduction in pain, and superior cosmetic results. However, such procedures have to be performed through small incisions which limit visualization and the freedom of movement of the surgeon, in contrast to conventional operations that are performed through a sternotomy. Therefore, special long surgical instruments are required, and visualization is usually enhanced with advanced port-access two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) thoracoscopic cameras. This makes performance of a minimally invasive MV repair more challenging for the surgeon and is thereby associated with a steep learning curve. Nonetheless, the vast majority of patients who require MV repair are usually good candidates for this less invasive technique, though adequate patient selection is of utmost importance for success. Concomitant cardiac procedures such as ablation surgery for atrial fibrillation or right-sided interventions such as tricuspid valve surgery, heart tumor resection, and atrial septal defect closure can easily be performed using this approach. Short- and long-term results after minimally invasive MV repair are excellent and comparable with those achieved through a sternotomy approach. There are few drawbacks associated with minimally invasive MV repair such as the high technical demands of working through a constrained space and development of complications associated with peripheral cannulation and seldom unilateral pulmonary edema. Nonetheless, high-volume centers have been able to achieve similar operating times, postoperative complication rates, and mid-/long-term outcomes to those obtained through conventional sternotomy. Up-to-date evidence is needed in order to improve recommendations supporting minimally invasive MV repair. Future innovations should concentrate on decreasing complexity and improving reproducibility of minimally invasive procedures in low-volume centers.

Is obesity associated with poorer outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery?

OBJECTIVES

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing MIMVS ± concomitant procedures over an 8-year period. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMI ˂ 30 kg/m2, as per World Health Organization definitions. Baseline characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes and 5-year survival were compared.

RESULTS

We identified 296 patients (BMI ≥30, n = 41, median 35.3, range 30–43.6; BMI &lt;30, n = 255, median 26.2, range 17.6–29.9). The groups were well matched with regard to baseline characteristics. There was only 1 in-hospital mortality, and this was in the BMI &lt; 30 group. There was no difference in repair rate for degenerative disease (100% vs 96.3%, P &gt; 0.99 respectively) or operative durations [cross-clamp: 122 min interquartile range (IQR) 100–141) vs 125 min (IQR 105–146), P = 0.72, respectively]. There were only 6 conversions to sternotomy, all in non-obese patients. There was no significant difference in any other perioperative or post-operative outcomes. Using the Kaplan–Meier analysis, there was no significant difference in 5-year survival between the 2 groups (95.8% vs 95.5%, P = 0.83, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients having MIMVS, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that obesity affects either short- or mid-term outcomes. Obesity should therefore not be considered as a contraindication to this technique for experienced teams.

Outcomes in minimally invasive double valve surgery

OBJECTIVE

To review current literature evidence on outcomes of minimally invasive double valve surgeries (MIS).

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic literature search was done from inception to 20th June 2020 identifying articles that discussed outcomes of minimally invasive approach in double valve surgeries either as a solo cohort or as comparative to conventional sternotomies. No limit was placed on time and place of publication and the evidence has been summarized in narrative manner within the manuscript.

RESULTS

Majority of current literature reported similar perioperative and clinical outcomes between MIS and conventional median sternotomy; except that MIS has better cosmetic effects and pain control. Nevertheless, minimal invasive techniques are associated with longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times which may have impact on the reported outcomes and overall morbidity and mortality rates.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive double valve surgery continues to develop, but scarcity in the literature suggests uptake is slow, possibly due to the learning curve associated with MIS. Many outcomes appear to be comparable to conventional sternotomy. There is need for larger, multi-center, and randomized trial to fully evaluate and establish the early, mid- and long-term morbidity and mortality rates associated with both techniques.

Learning curve predictors for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery; how far should the rabbit hole go?

OBJECTIVE

To analyze predictors that influence the learning curve of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS).

METHODS

Patients who underwent MIMVS between March 2010 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Predictive factors that influence the learning curve were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and five patients were included in the analysis. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time in minutes was 158.72 ± 40.98 and the aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time in minutes was 114.48 ± 27.29. There were three operative mortalities, one stroke and five >2+ mitral regurgitation. ACC time in minutes was higher in the low logistic Euroscore II (LES) group (LES < 5% = 118.42 ± 27.94) versus (LES ≥ 5 = 88.66 ± 22.26), P < .05 while creatinine clearance in μmol/L was higher in the LES < 5% group (LES < 5% = 84.32 ± 33.7) versus (LES ≥ 5% = 41.66 ± 17.14), (P < .05). One patient from each group required chest tube insertion for pleural effusion P < .05. The cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) for the first 25 patients had CPB and ACC times that reached the upper limits. Between 25 to 64 patients the curve remained stable while with the introduction of reoperations and complex surgical procedures the CUSUM reached the upper limits.

CONCLUSIONS

The learning curve is affected by many factors but this should not desist surgeons from approaching this technique. The introduction of high-risk patients in clinical practice should be carefully measured based on surgeon experience.

Is it safe to move away from a full sternotomy for aortic valve replacement?

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgical approaches have gained popularity among patients and surgeons. The aim of this project was to assess the safety of initiating aortic valve replacement via an anterior right thoracotomy program.

METHODS

Between May 2015 and May 2019, data of all isolated primary aortic valve replacements were extracted retrospectively from our prospectively collected database and categorized into conventional median sternotomy, hemisternotomy, and anterior right thoracotomy cases. In total, 661 patients underwent isolated primary aortic valve replacement, of whom 429 (65%) had a median sternotomy, 126 (19%) had a hemisternotomy, and 106 (16%) had an anterior right thoracotomy. Preoperative characteristics were similar in each of the three groups. Statistical testing of the surgical groups was undertaken using the chi-square test for categorical variables and one-way analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc pairwise tests (where appropriate) for continuous variables, to identify differences between pairs of data.

RESULTS

Cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times were significantly longer in the anterior right thoracotomy group compared to the hemisternotomy and median sternotomy groups (p < 0.001). Blood loss was significantly less and hospital stay significantly shorter in the hemisternotomy group compared to median sternotomy group but not the anterior right thoracotomy group. Mortality, stroke, renal, gastrointestinal and respiratory complications showed no statistical differences.

CONCLUSION

Surgical aortic valve replacement had a very low mortality and morbidity in our experience, and it is safe to start a minimal access program for aortic valve replacement.

Minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacement: The RALT approach

Less-invasive techniques for cardiothoracic surgical procedures are designed to limit surgical trauma, but the technical requirements and preoperative planning are more demanding than those for conventional sternotomy. Patient selection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and surgical skills are key factors for procedural success. Aortic valve replacement is frequently performed through an upper hemisternotomy, but the right anterior minithoracotomy represents an even less traumatic, technical advancement. Preoperative assessment of the ascending aorta in relation to the sternum is mandatory to select patients and the intercostal access site. This description of the surgical technique focuses on the specific procedural details including the obligatory planning with computed tomography and our cannulation strategy. We also sought to define the anatomical ascending aorta-sternal relationship, as it is of utmost importance in preoperative computed tomographic planning.

Right anterior mini-thoracotomy and sutureless valves: the perfect marriage

Background

A minimally invasive approach (MIA) reduces mortality and morbidity in patients referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Sutureless technology facilitates a MIA. We describe our experience with the sutureless Perceval (LivaNova, Italy) aortic bioprosthesis through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy (RAMT) approach.

Methods

Between March 2011 and October 2019, 1,049 patients underwent AVR with Perceval bioprosthesis. Five hundred and three patients (48%) were operated through a RAMT approach in the second intercostal space. Considering only isolated AVR (881), 98% of patients were operated with MIA, and Perceval in RAMT approach was performed in 57% of these patients. Eight patients (1.6%) had previously undergone cardiac surgery. The prosthesis sizes implanted were: S (n=91), M (n=154), L (n=218) and XL (n=40). Concomitant procedures were mitral valve surgery (n=6), tricuspid valve repair (n=1), mitral valve repair and tricuspid valve repair (n=1) and miectomy (n=2). Mean age was 78±4 years (range, 65-89 years), 317 patients were female (63%) and EuroSCORE II was 5.9%±8.4%.

Results

The 30-day mortality was 0.8% (4/503). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamp times were 81.6±30.8 and 50.3±24.5 minutes respectively for stand-alone procedures. In two patients, early moderate paravalvular leakage appeared as a result of incomplete expansion of the sutureless valve due to oversizing of the bioprosthesis, requiring reoperations at two and nine postoperative days with sutured aortic bioprosthesis implantation. Permanent pacemaker implantation within the first thirty days was necessary in 26 (5.2%) patients. At the mean follow-up of 4.6 years (range, 1 month to 8.6 years), survival was 96%, freedom from reoperation was 99.2%, and mean transvalvular pressure gradient was 11.9±4.3 mmHg.

Conclusions

AVR with the Perceval bioprosthesis in a RAMT approach is a safe and feasible procedure associated with low mortality and excellent hemodynamic performance. Sutureless technology facilitates a RAMT approach.

Minithoracotomy vs. Conventional Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Mitral Valve Stenosis: a Single-Center Analysis of 128 Patients

Objective

To compare the in-hospital outcomes of a right-sided anterolateral minithoracotomy with those of median sternotomy in patients who received a mitral valve replacement (MVR) because of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (RMS).

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 128 patients (34% male) with RMS between 2011 and 2015. The median age was 53 years (45; 56). The mean ejection fraction was 58.4±6.3%. All the subjects were divided into two groups - Group 1 contained 78 patients who underwent MVR via minithoracotomy (MT-MVR), while Group 2 contained 50 patients who underwent MVR via median sternotomy (S-MVR).

Results

In the MT-MVR group, a mechanical prosthesis was implanted in 72% of cases, while it was implanted in 90% of cases in the S-MVR group (P=0.01). The duration of myocardial ischemia was similar (MT-MVR, 77±24 min; S-MVR, 70±18 min) (P=0.09). However, the cardiopulmonary bypass time was lower in the S-MVR group than in the MT-MVR group (99±24 min and 119±34 min, respectively) (P≤0.001). There was no difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospitalization period. Postoperative blood loss was lower in the MT-MVR group (P≤0.001) than in the S-MVR group. There are no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications (superficial wound infection, stroke, delirium, pericardial tamponade, pleural puncture, acute kidney insufficiency, and implantation of pacemaker). The overall in-hospital mortality was 3.9% (P=0.6)

Conclusion

The minimally invasive approach for RMS is feasible and has an excellent cosmetic effect without increasing the risk of surgical complications.

Long-Term Outcomes of Right Minithoracotomy Versus Hemisternotomy for Mitral Valve Repair

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair has been increasingly adopted. Right minithoracotomy (RT) and lower hemisternotomy (HS) have each been associated with improved short-term outcomes; however, these approaches have not been directly compared to each other. The aim of this study was to compare long-term survival and durability of 2 minimally invasive approaches to mitral repair.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified all isolated mitral repairs performed via RT or HS between October 1997 and June 2018; 100 RT cases and 719 HS cases were included. Outcomes of interest were postoperative complications, long-term survival, and freedom from mitral reoperation. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare RT and HS to a reference cohort of full-sternotomy cases. Total observation time was 9,901 patient-years and mean follow-up time was 12.2 years.

RESULTS

Mean age was 58±12 years in the RT group and 56±13 years in the HS group (P = 0.2). The RT group had longer bypass (143 minutes vs. 112 minutes; P < 0.001) and cross-clamp times (99 minutes vs. 78 minutes; P < 0.001) compared with the HS group. There were no differences in operative mortality or 30-day outcomes. Survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 99% (96-100), 92% (85-100), and 69% (30-100) in the RT group and 98% (97-99), 92% (90-94), and 89% (86-92) for HS (P < 0.9). There were no differences in risk-adjusted survival between RT, HS and full sternotomy. No long-term mitral reoperations occurred in the RT group and 8 (1%) occurred in the HS group (P < 0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair can be performed safely through RT or HS with excellent survival and durability at 15 years.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is associated with a low rate of complications

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is generally performed through a right minithoracotomy, in contrast to the traditional full median sternotomy approach. Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is performed with increasing frequency, and by reducing surgical trauma, several observational studies suggest potential benefits with decreased bleeding and postoperative pain, reduced incidence of sternal wound infections, reduced length of hospital stay and shortened recovery period after surgery. In this review, we present an overview of mitral valve surgery, summarize the available evidence regarding the minimally invasive approach and report our experiences from introducing a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery programme at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair: Indication for Surgery Does Not Influence Early Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of robotic mitral valve repair (MVr) by primary indication per American Heart Association guidelines for surgery: class I vs class IIa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2016, 603 patients underwent robotic MVr for severe primary mitral regurgitation. Medical records of 576 consenting patients were retrospectively reviewed to determine the primary indication for surgery. Patients were stratified into class I or class IIa, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared.

RESULTS

Of 516 patients, 428 (83%) had class I indication and 88 (17%) had class IIa indication for surgery. Preoperatively, no significant differences were observed between both cohorts. Importantly, a significantly higher number of patients with class I indication underwent MVr for bileaflet prolapse (172 of 428 [40%] vs 21 of 88 [25%]; P=.03). Early MVr outcomes indicated recurrent mitral regurgitation (moderate or greater) in only 12 of 576 (2%), and no significant differences were observed between classes (P=.23). Apart from parameters for ventricular size, all other intraoperative and postoperative variables were comparable between both cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Comparable outcomes were indicated across all classes of indications for MVr surgery. These results continue to support the use of this surgical technique, even in less sick patients. Early referral along with more extensive robotic MVr experience will likely result in further improvements in long-term outcomes.

Improved Patient Recovery With Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Study

Objective

Despite conflicting evidence available, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) is increasingly used as an alternative to full sternotomy. We sought to compare early outcomes of aortic valve replacement through a full sternotomy (conventional aortic valve replacement [CAVR]) and upper ministernotomy (MIAVR).

Methods

We analyzed 297 patients having undergone primary, elective, isolated MIAVR or CAVR between January 2014 and June 2018. Following propensity score matching, 120 patients remained in each group.

Results

MIAVR required longer bypass (93 ± 26 vs 81 ± 24 minutes, P < 0.01) and operative times (214 ± 39 vs 182 ± 37 minutes, P < 0.01). However, aortic cross-clamp times were comparable (57 ± 17 vs 54 ± 14 minutes for MIAVR and CAVR, respectively, P = 0.14). MIAVR had less 24-hour blood loss (253 ± 204 vs 323 ± 296 mL, P = 0.03), less red blood cells transfusions [1.4 packs (1.1 o 1.9) vs 2.1 packs (1.8 to 2.7), P = 0.01], and shorter assisted ventilation time (7.1 ± 3.3 vs 9.7 ± 3.8 hours, P < 0.01) when compared to CAVR. These results led to significantly shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays for MIAVR patients (2.5 ± 1.3 vs 3.4 ± 1.1 days, P < 0.01 and 6.9 ± 4.1 vs 8.2 ± 4.8 days, P = 0.03, respectively). Thirty-day mortality and clinical outcomes did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusions

MIAVR through upper ministernotomy was shown to be as safe and reliable as CAVR. Patient recovery time was improved by shortening mechanical ventilation and reducing blood loss and transfusions. These results may be significant for high-risk patients undergoing aortic valve surgery.

Aortic Valve Replacement and Concomitant Right Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Performed via a Right Minithoracotomy Approach

Objective

We present our experience of concomitant right coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and aortic valve replacement performed via a right minithoracotomy in patients with coronary lesions not amenable to percutaneous intervention.

Methods

A total of 17 patients underwent concomitant aortic valve replacement and right CABG between April 2008 and July 2013.A5-to 6-cm minithoracotomy incision was made over the right second or third intercostal space, and the costochondral cartilage was transected. A saphenous vein bypass to the right coronary artery was then performed, initiating the anastomosis from the toe of the graft. Subsequently, the aortic valve was replaced using standard techniques.

Results

There were 6 men and 11 women. The median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score mortality risk was 5% [interquartile range (IQR), 2%-8%]. The mean (SD) age was 77 (10) years, the left ventricular ejection fraction was 59% (8%), and the New York Heart Association functional class was 2.4 (0.8). One patient had a history of CABG. The mean (SD) cardiopulmonary bypass time was 168 (57) minutes, and the aortic cross-clamp time was 133 (36) minutes. Three patients underwent concomitant mitral valve surgery (replacement, 2; repair, 1). The median intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay were 47 hours (IQR, 24–90) and 9 days (IQR, 5–13), respectively. There was one reoperation for bleeding, and there was one postoperative stroke. All patients were alive at a mean (SD) follow-up of 2 (1.1) years.

Conclusions

Aortic valve replacement with concomitant CABG performed via a right minithoracotomy approach is feasible.

Planning for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: key steps for patient assessment

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) has proved to be a safe approach for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis and/or insufficiency and is associated with a number of additional benefits for patients. This includes reduced blood loss, reduced transfusion requirements, reduced length of hospital stay and improved aesthetic appearance. As all types of minimally invasive surgery rely on optimizing exposure within a more limited field of view, a thorough preoperative assessment of patients is important to identify and address potential exposure problems. MIAVR through an upper hemisternotomy is considered feasible in almost every patient, but various clinical conditions or anatomical variations can complicate the procedure and may impact on the postoperative outcome. MIAVR through an anterior right thoracotomy requires suitable anatomy, and this should be evaluated preoperatively through a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan. In this review, we aimed to present an overview of the current literature and to reflect on our personal experiences with MIAVR techniques. This should provide an aid-especially to surgeons wanting to start or have little experience with MIAVR-for a structured preoperative patient assessment and planning to increase the chance of a safe procedure with a good outcome.

Outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement surgery

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement has been used for more than 20 years, but its uptake has been limited. The volumes have increased steadily over the last 10 years, but it is still not regarded as a mainstream procedure. The issue, to some extent, is due to the lack of perceived evidence that minimal access incisions confer any benefit other than cosmetic appearance. In this article, the current literature on minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is reviewed, and it is concluded that benefits are demonstrable, particularly in higher risk, comorbid settings.

Strategy-specific durability of mitral valve repair through the video-assisted right minithoracotomy approach

AIMS

We sought to analyze the early and follow-up results of minimally invasive video-assisted mitral valve repair. With particular focus on degenerative disease, results were stratified according to type of lesion, strategy of repair and surgical technique.

METHODS

We retrospectively built a database over 241 patients who received mitral repair for severe regurgitation through right minithoracotomy in the 2009-17 period. Cause was degenerative in 92.1%, restrictive in 5.8% and mixed in the remainders. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up (98.7% complete, average duration 2.9 years ± 1.4) was obtained through contact of in-house and territorial cardiologists. Recurrent mitral regurgitation at follow-up was defined as being at least mild-to-moderate (2+).

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 1.7%, and related to the technique in one case. Five-year actuarial survival was 95% ± 2; there was no valve-related death and one reoperation. At follow-up, we observed eight cases of 2+ regurgitation and one instance of 4+ regurgitation (4-year actuarial freedom: 92% ± 4). Freedom from recurrent regurgitation was significantly lower in the 'restrictive' subgroup vs. the 'degenerative' subgroup (P = 0.02); no statistically significant difference in freedom from recurrence was observed among patients who received mitral repair using a 'resect' vs. 'nonresection' strategy (P = 0.46), and in those who received the Totally Endoscopic technique (endoaortic balloon occlusion, no costal spreading) vs. controls (external aortic clamp, costal spreading) (P = 0.98).

CONCLUSION

Durability of minimally invasive mitral repair is optimal. Nonresection repair techniques are at least noninferior to previous approaches based on leaflet resection.

The Opportunities and Limitations of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Over the past two decades, minimally invasive techniques for classic heart valve surgery and isolated bypass surgery have been developed that enable access to the heart via partial sternotomy for most aortic valve procedures and via sternotomy-free mini-thoracotomy for other procedures.

METHODS

We review the current evidence on minimally invasive cardiac surgery on the basis of pertinent randomized studies and database studies retrieved by a selective search in the MEDLINE and PubMed Central databases, as well as by the Google Scholar search engine.

RESULTS

A PubMed search employing the search term "minimally invasive cardiac surgery" yielded nearly 10 000 hits, among which there were 7 prospective, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) on aortic valve replacement, with a total of 477 patients, and 3 RCTs on mitral valve surgery, with a total of 340 patients. Only limited reports of specified centers are currently available for multiple valvular procedures and multiple coronary artery bypass procedures. The RCTs reveal that the minimally invasive techniques are associated with fewer wound infections and faster mobilization, without any difference in survival. Minimally invasive procedures are technically demanding and have certain anatomical prerequisites, such as appropriate coronary morphology for multiple bypass operations and the position of the aorta in the chest for sternotomy-free aortic valve procedures. The articles reviewed here were presumably affected by selection bias, in that patients in the published studies were preselected, and there may have been negative studies that were not published at all.

CONCLUSION

Specialized surgeons and centers can now carry out many cardiac valvular and bypass operations via minithoracotomy rather than sternotomy. According to current evidence, these minimally invasive techniques yield results that are at least as good as classic open-heart surgery.

Single-Center Experience with Minimally Invasive Mitral Operations through Right Minithoracotomy

Background: To report single-institution experience with minimally invasive mitral valve operations through the right minithoracotomy over a 5-year period.

Methods: Patients who underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) between January 2012 and December 2016 were included. Clinical follow-up data were collected in a prospective database and analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Data from 151 patients were assessed (mean age, 63.4 ± 9.7 years; 55% were females). Overall 30-day mortality was 0.7% (n = 1). Mean operating time, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamp times were 254.9 ± 48.7, 140.5 ± 36.1, and 94.8 ± 27.0 minutes, respectively. Associated procedures were tricuspid valve annuloplasty (37.1%, n = 56) and closure of atrial septal defect (6.0%, n = 9). Cryoablation was performed in 43.7% of patients (n = 66). One patient (0.7%) required conversion to median sternotomy and six patients (4.0%) underwent re-explorations due to bleeding. Median postoperative hospital stay was 12 days. Overall survival at 5 years was 94.1% ± 2.0%. Freedom from reoperation was 94.6% ± 2.9% at 5 years.

Conclusions: MIMVS is a feasible, safe, and reproducible approach with low mortality and morbidity. Mitral valve surgery through a small thoracotomy is a good alternative to conventional surgical access.

Morbid Obesity Does not Increase Morbidity or Mortality in Robotic Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m) usually confers a higher perioperative risk in cardiac surgery. Robotic cardiac surgery may have many advantages for these high-risk patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing robotic cardiac surgery from July 2013 to April 2017 at our institution. We compared the outcomes of morbidly obese patients versus nonobese patients.

RESULTS

A total of 486 patients underwent robotic cardiac surgery (322 men, median age = 65 years). The robotic procedures were the following: totally endoscopic beating heart coronary artery bypass (n = 263), mitral valve surgery (n = 138), arrhythmia surgery (n = 33), adult congenital surgery (n = 16), pericardiectomy (n = 11), and others (n = 25). The cohorts were divided into the following: normal weight (body mass index < 25, n = 123), overweight (body mass index = 25 to < 30, n = 182), obesity (body mass index = 30 to < 35, n = 105), and morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 35, n = 76). Morbidly obese patients had a higher rate of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus compared with normal or overweight patients. There were no significant differences in morbidity, mean length of intensive care unit stay (2.10 ± 4.27 days), and hospital stay (4.48 ± 5.61 days) among the groups. In-hospital mortality was 1.4% (7/486) with nonsignificant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of robotic heart surgery in morbidly obese patients in our center were acceptable. Over a broad range of cardiac surgical procedures, morbid obesity was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality when these procedures were performed using a robotic approach. These findings can be beneficial in managing this challenging group of patients.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Perioperative Outcomes of Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

Background Endoscopic pituitary surgery (EPS) is increasingly being used for the treatment of pituitary lesions. Obesity is a growing epidemic in our nation associated with numerous comorbidities known to impact surgical outcomes. We present a multi-institutional database study evaluating the association between body mass index (BMI) and postsurgical outcomes of EPS. Methods Patients who underwent EPS from 2005 to 2013 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Preoperative variables, comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes, such as 30-day complications, morbidity, and mortality, were analyzed. Results A total of 789 patients were analyzed, of which 382 were obese (BMI ≥ 30) (48.4%). No difference in reoperation rate ( P = .928) or unplanned readmission rates ( P = .837) was found between the obese versus nonobese group. A higher overall complication rate was observed in the obese group compared to the nonobese counterparts ( P = .005). However, when separated into surgical complications (3.7% vs 1.5%, P = .068) and medical complications (7.6% vs 3.9%, P = .027), only medical complications, specifically pneumonia, remained significantly different. EPS on obese patients was also associated with prolonged operating time (154.8 min vs 141.0 min, P = .011). Conclusions EPS may be a safe treatment option for pituitary lesions in the obese population. Although obese patients undergoing EPS are at increased risk of medical complications and prolonged operating times, this did not influence mortality, reoperation, or readmission rate.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is associated with excellent resource utilization, cost, and outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (mini-MVR) has numerous associated benefits. However, many studies fail to include greater-risk patients. We hypothesized that a minimally invasive approach in a representative cohort provides excellent outcomes with reduced resource utilization.

METHODS

Mitral valve surgical records from 2011 to 2016 were paired with institutional financial records. Patients were stratified by approach and propensity-score matched to balance preoperative difference. The primary outcomes of interest were resource utilization including cost, discharge to a facility, and readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 478 patients underwent mitral surgery (21% mini-MVR) and were balanced after matching (n = 74 per group), with 18% of patients having nondegenerative mitral disease. Outcomes were excellent with similar rates of major morbidity (9.5% mini-MVR vs 10.8% conventional, P = .78). Mini-MVR cases had lower rates of transfusion (11% vs 27%, P = .01) and shorter ventilator times (3.7 vs 6.0 hours, P < .0001). Mean total hospital cost was equivalent ($49,703 vs $54,970, P = .235) with mini-MVR having lower ancillary ($1645 vs $2652, P = .001) and blood costs ($383 vs $1058, P = .001). These savings were offset by longer surgical times (291 vs 234 minutes, P < .0001) with greater surgical ($7645 vs $7293, P = .0001) and implant costs ($1148 vs $748, P = .03). Rates of discharge to a facility (9.6% vs 16.2%) and readmission (9.6% vs 4.1%) were not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

In a real-world cohort, mini-MVR continues to demonstrate excellent results with a favorable resource utilization profile. Greater surgical and implant costs with mini-MVR are offset by decreased transfusions and ancillary needs leading to equivalent overall hospital cost.