Minimally invasive video-assisted mitral valve surgery: A 12-year, 2-center experience in 1178 patients

Single-Center Prospective Study of Cross-Clamp vs Balloon Occlusion in Robotic Mitral Surgery

BACKGROUND

Transthoracic aortic cross-clamp and endoaortic balloon occlusion have both been shown to have comparable safety profiles for aortic occlusion. Because most surgeons use only one technique, we sought to compare the outcomes when a homogeneous group of surgeons changed their occlusion technique from aortic cross-clamp to balloon occlusion.

METHODS

We changed our technique from aortic cross-clamp to balloon occlusion in November 2022. This allowed us to conduct a prospective treatment comparison study in the same group of surgeons. Propensity score matching was used to match cases (balloon occlusion) 1:3 to controls (aortic cross-clamp) based on age, sex, body mass index, concomitant maze procedure, and tricuspid valve repair.

RESULTS

Total of 411 patients underwent robotic mitral surgery from 2020 through 2023. Propensity score matching was used to match 56 balloon occlusion patients to 168 aortic cross-clamp patients. The 224 patients were a median age of 65 years (interquartile range, 55.6-70.0 years), and 119 (53%) were men. All valves were successfully repaired. Balloon occlusion had a shorter median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time compared with aortic cross-clamp (84.0 vs 94.5 minutes, P = .006). Median cross-clamp time (64.0 vs 64.0 minutes, P = .483) and total surgery time (5.9 vs 6.1 hours, P = .495) did not differ between groups. There were no in-hospital deaths. There were 5 surgeons who performed various combinations of console and bedside roles. CPB, cross-clamp, and surgery durations were not significantly affected by the different surgeon combinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with aortic cross-clamp, balloon occlusion has similar perioperative and early postoperative outcomes. Additionally, it likely introduces a 10-minute reduction in total CPB time.

Management of left atrial myxoma in pregnant women: a case series

BACKGROUND

Left atrial myxoma during pregnancy is rare. We present three cases in order to aid in the management.

CASE PRESENTATION

Three cases of left atrial myxoma during pregnancy were presented in this article. Three patients all received multidisciplinary team work and acquired good outcomes. The case 1 had no symptoms and delivered before traditional cardiac surgery. The case 2 and case 3 undergone totally endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy. The case 3 maintained pregnancy to term and gave birth to a healthy baby via vaginal delivery. No relapse of the tumor was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of left atrial myxoma during pregnancy ought to be individualized and combined with the gestational age. If the diagnosis was made in the first two trimesters of pregnancy, totally endoscopic minimally invasive cardiac surgery during pregnancy would be an optimal choice. The patients can benefit from the multidisciplinary team work.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Standard of Care for Mitral Valve Endocarditis

Background. Minimally invasive surgery via right mini-thoracotomy has become the standard of care for the treatment of mitral valve disease worldwide, particularly at high-volume centers. In recent years, the spectrum of indications has progressively shifted and extended to fragile and higher-risk patients, also addressing more complex mitral valve disease and ultimately including patients with native or prosthetic infective endocarditis. The rationale for the adoption of the minimally invasive approach is to minimize surgical trauma, promote an earlier postoperative recovery, and reduce the incidence of surgical wound infection and other nosocomial infections. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the early and late outcome in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for mitral valve infective endocarditis. Methods. Prospectively collected data regarding minimally invasive surgery in patients with mitral valve infective endocarditis were entered into a dedicated database for the period between January 2007 and December 2022 and retrospectively analyzed. All comers during the study period underwent a preoperative evaluation based on their clinical history and anatomy for the allocation to the most appropriate surgical strategy. The selection of the mini-thoracotomy approach was primarily driven by a thorough transthoracic and especially transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation, coupled with total body and vascular imaging. Results. During the study period, 92 patients underwent right mini-thoracotomy to treat native (80/92, 87%) or prosthetic (12/92, 13%) mitral valve endocarditis at our institution, representing 5% of the patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral surgery. Twenty-six (28%) patients had undergone previous cardiac operations, whereas 18 (20%) presented preoperatively with complications related to endocarditis, most commonly systemic embolization. Sixty-nine and twenty-three patients, respectively, underwent early surgery (75%) or were operated on after the completion of the targeted antibiotic treatment (25%). A conservative procedure was feasible in 16/80 (20%) patients with native valve endocarditis. Conversion to standard sternotomy was necessary in a single case (1.1%). No cases of intraoperative iatrogenic aortic dissection were reported. Four patients died perioperatively, accounting for a thirty-day mortality of 4.4%. The causes of death were refractory heart or multiorgan failure and/or septic shock. A new onset stroke was observed postoperatively in one case (1.1%). Overall actuarial survival rate at 1 and 5 years after operation was 90.8% and 80.4%, whereas freedom from mitral valve reoperation at 1 and 5 years was 96.3% and 93.2%, respectively. Conclusions. This present study shows good early and long-term results in higher-risk patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for mitral valve infective endocarditis. Total body, vascular, and echocardiographic screening represent the key points to select the optimal approach and allow for the extension of indications for minimally invasive surgery to sicker patients, including active endocarditis and sepsis.

Cost and Clinical Outcomes Evaluation Between the Endoaortic Balloon and External Aortic Clamp in Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Endoaortic balloon occlusion facilitates cardioplegic arrest during minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Studies have shown endoclamping to be as safe as traditional aortic clamping. We compared outcomes and hospital costs of endoclamping versus external aortic occlusion in a large administrative database.

METHODS

There were 52,882 adults undergoing eligible cardiac surgery (October 2015 to March 2020) identified in the Premier Healthcare Database. Endoclamp procedures (n = 419) were 1:3 propensity score matched to similar procedures using external aortic occlusion (n = 1,244). Generalized linear modeling measured differences in in-hospital complications (major adverse renal and cardiac events, including mortality, new-onset atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury [AKI], myocardial infarction [MI], postcardiotomy syndrome, stroke/transient ischemic attack [TIA], and aortic dissection) and length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

The mean age was 63 years, and 53% were male (n = 882). The majority (93%, n = 1,543) were mitral valve procedures, and 17% of procedures (n = 285) were robot-assisted. Total hospitalization costs were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups ($52,158 vs $49,839, P = 0.06). The median LOS was significantly shorter in the endoclamp group (incident rate ratio = 0.87, P < 0.001). Mortality, atrial fibrillation, AKI, and stroke/TIA were similar between the 2 groups. MI and postcardiotomy syndrome were lower in the endoclamp group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14, P = 0.006, and OR = 0.27, P = 0.005). There were no aortic dissections in the endoclamp group.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic endoclamping in MIS was associated with similar costs, shorter LOS, no dissections, and comparably low mortality and stroke rates when compared with external clamping in this hospital billing dataset. These results demonstrate the clinical safety and efficacy of endoaortic balloon clamping in a real-world setting. Further studies are warranted.

A Retrospective Evaluation of Endo-Aortic Balloon Occlusion Compared to External Clamping in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

We compare outcomes of endo-aortic balloon occlusion (EABO) vs external aortic clamping (EAC) in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Adults undergoing mitral valve surgery (July 2017-December 2018) were identified within the STS database (N = 60,607). Total 7,978 patients underwent a minimally invasive approach (including robotically assisted). About 1,163 EABO patients were 1:1 propensity-matched to EAC patients using exact matching on age, sex, and type of mitral procedure, and propensity score average matching for 16 other risk indicators. Early outcomes were compared. Categorical variables were compared using logistic regression; hospital and intensive care unit length of stay were compared using negative binomial regression. In the matched cohort, mean age was 62 years; 35.9% were female, and 86% underwent mitral valve repair. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was shorter for EABO vs EAC group (125.0 ± 53.0 vs 134.0 ± 67.0 minutes, P = 0.0009). There was one aortic dissection in the EAC group and none in the EABO group (P value > 0.31), and no statistically significant differences in cross-clamp time, major intraoperative bleeding, perioperative mortality, stroke, new onset of atrial fibrillation, postoperative acute kidney injury, success of repair. Median hospital LOS was shorter for EABO vs EAC procedures (4 vs 5 days, P < 0.0001). In this large, retrospective, STS database propensity-matched analysis ofpatients undergoing MIMVS, we observed similar safety outcomes for EABO and EAC, including no aortic dissections in the EABO group. The EABO group showed slightly shorter CPB times and hospital LOS.

Historical evolution of robot-assisted cardiac surgery: a 25-year journey

Many patients and surgeons today favor the least invasive access to an operative site. The adoption of robot-assisted cardiac surgery has been slow, but now has come to fruition. The development of modern surgical robots took surgeons close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and optical engineers. Moreover, the necessary project funding required entrepreneurs, federal grants, and venture capital. Non-robotic minimally invasive cardiac surgery paved the way to the application of surgical robots by making changes in operative approaches, instruments, visioning modalities, cardiopulmonary perfusion techniques, and especially surgeons' attitudes. In this article, the serial development of robot-assisted cardiac surgery is detailed from the beginning and through clinical application. Included are references to the historical and most recent clinical series that have given us the evidence that robot-assisted cardiac surgery is safe and provides excellent outcomes. To this end, in many institutions these procedures now have become a new standard of care. This evolution reflects Sir Isaac Newton's famous 1676 quote when referring to Rene Descartes, "If have seen further [sic] than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants".

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.

Iatrogenic Acute Aortic Dissection in the Era of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Experience of a Center and Review of Literature

Introduction

Iatrogenic acute aortic dissection (IAAD) type A is a rare but potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery.

Methods

The purpose of this article is to review the literature since the first reports of IAAD in 1978, examining its clinical characteristics and describing operative details and surgical outcomes. Moreover, we reviewed the recent literature to identify current trends and risk factors for IAAD in minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedures, often related to femoral artery cannulation for retrograde perfusion.

Results

We found that IAAD ranges from 0.04 to 0.29% of cardiac patients in overall trials and ranged from 0.12 to 0.16% between 1978-1990, before the minimally invasive surgical era. And we concluded that since the first cases to the recent reports, the incidence of IAAD has not significantly changed. As minimally invasive procedures are on the rise, some authors think that the incidence of IAAD could increase in the future; we think that using all the precaution - such a strict monitoring of perfusion pressure throughout the intervention, avoiding extremely high jet pressures using vasodilators, repositioning of arterial cannula, or splitting perfusion in both femoral arteries -, this complication can be extremely reduced. Finally, we describe a very singular case occurring during mitral valve replacement followed by spontaneous dissection of left anterior descending artery one month later.

Conclusion

The present article adds to the literature a more detailed clinical picture of this entity, including patients' characteristics, the mechanism, timing, and localization of the tear, and mortality details.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair for degenerative etiology: a comparative study

Background

There is a paucity of data comparing the minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MiMVr) to the conventional approach in patients with degenerative disease. Our objective was to compare the outcomes of MiMVr to the traditional mitral valve repair through median sternotomy in patients with degenerative mitral valve disease. We conducted a retrospective study on 215 patients classified into two groups. Group 1 (n = 80) included those who had mitral valve repair through a right anterolateral video-assisted mini-thoracotomy, and group 2 (n = 135) was approached through a conventional median sternotomy. We compared the preoperative, operative, and postoperative data between groups. Both groups had echocardiographic follow-ups after 6 and 12 months.

Results

There was no difference in gender distribution between both groups, and patients who had median sternotomy were significantly older (median 37 (Q1-Q3, 29-44) vs. 54 (48-60) years; P < 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass (134.5 (130-138.5) vs. 99 (97-104) min; P < 0.001) and ischemic times (99 (95-105.5) vs. 78 (75-81) min; P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in patients who had median sternotomy. Patients with MiMVr had significantly lower blood loss (370 (315-390) vs. 550 (490-600) ml; P < 0.001) and ICU stay (5 (4.5-6) vs. 7 (7-8) days; P < 0.001). There was no difference between both groups regarding re-exploration for bleeding, postoperative stroke, wound infection, renal failure, and mortality. As regards postoperative echocardiography follow-up at 6 and 12 months after the operation, there were no significant changes in the mean mitral valve gradient within each group; however, the mean gradient was lower in the MiMVr group (3 (3-3.5) vs. 4 (3-5) mmHg; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding mitral regurgitation severity during 6 and 12 months follow-up.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair in patients with degenerative pathology could be an alternative to conventional mitral valve surgery with comparable short-term and long-term outcomes.

Reoperative Mitral Valve Surgery Through Port Access

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has become the standard approach for mitral valve pathology in many centres. The anterolateral mini thoracotomy access is beneficial in reoperative surgery by avoiding repeat sternotomy associated risks. The aim of this study is to analyse the safety of this technique. All patients undergoing reoperative MIMVS between 2008 and 2019 were studied retrospectively. Primary endpoint was 30-day major complications and mortality; secondary outcome was long term survival, reoperation rate and rate of more than moderate recurrent regurgitation. 146 Patients underwent reoperative MIMVS with a mean age of 68 ± 8 years. The composite outcome of 30-day major complication and mortality was 29.5%. 30-Day mortality was 6.2% and stroke rate 3.4%. Survival for the whole cohort was 89.7 ± 2.5% at 1-year, 71.6 ± 4.3% at 5 year and 50.9 ± 5.9% at 8-year follow up. Cox regression analysis revealed reduced left ventricular function (HR 2.8; 95%CI 1.5 - 5.0), GFR < 60 (HR 2.1; 95%CI 1.2 - 3.7) and active endocarditis (HR 6.4; 95%CI 2.7 - 15.4) as variables associated with reduced long-term survival. The cumulative incidence of re-operation after mitral valve replacement was 11.3 ± 3.2% at 5-year and for repair 16.2 ± 7.5% at 5-year. The cumulative incidence of more than moderate recurrent regurgitation after mitral valve repair was 25.4 ± 9.0% at 3-year. Minimally invasive access in reoperative mitral valve surgery in the current study showed similar 30-day mortality and stroke rate compared to repeat sternotomy results reported in literature.

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

117, 121.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery: Methods and Outcomes in a 20-Year Review

In the mid- to late-1990s the cardiac surgery community began to apply limited incisions in mitral valve surgery. Ministernotomies and right-sided minithoracotomies were placed instead of the classic midline sternotomy. Adjunct technology such as videoscopy, advanced peripheral cannulation techniques, procedure specific long shafted surgical instruments, as well as surgical robots became available, and the procedures were refined in a stepwise fashion. In 2021, minimally invasive mitral valve repair is routine at many centers around the globe. We reviewed a total of 50 consecutive patient series published on the topic between 1999 and 2019. Three main versions of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery were applied in 20,539 patients. The surgical methods, their specific results, and the cumulative outcome of less invasive mitral valve surgery published over more than 20 years are reported and an integrated view on what less invasive mitral valve surgery can offer is presented.

Mitral valve surgery: current status and future prospects of the minimally invasive approach

Introduction: During the past five years the approach to procedural planning, operative techniques and perfusion strategies for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has evolved. With the goal to provide a maximum of patient safety the procedure has been modified according to individual patient characteristics and is largely based on preoperative imaging.Areas covered: In this review article we describe the important factors in image based therapy planning and simulation, different access strategies, the operative key-steps, a rationale use of devices, and highlight a few future developments in the field of MIMVS. Published studies were identified through pearl growing, citation chasing, a search of PubMed using the systematic review methods filter, and the authors' topic knowledge.Expert opinion: With the help of expert teams including surgeons specialized in mitral repair, anesthesiologists and perfusionists a broad spectrum of mitral valve pathologies and related pathologies can be treated with excellent functional outcomes. Avoiding procedure related complications is the key for success for any MIMVS program.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a systematic safety analysis

Objective

Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly adopted as an alternative to conventional sternotomy for mitral valve pathology in many centres worldwide. A systematic safety analysis based on a comprehensive list of pre-specified 30-day complications defined by the Mitral Valve Academic Consortium (MVARC) criteria is lacking. The aim of the current study was to systematically analyse the safety of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery in our centre based on the MVARC definitions.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through right mini-thoracotomy in our institution within 10 years were studied retrospectively. The primary outcome was a composite of 30-day major complications based on MVARC definitions.

Results

745 patients underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (507 repair, 238 replacement), with a mean age of 62.9±12.3 years. The repair was successful in 95.8%. Overall 30-day mortality was 1.2% and stroke rate 0.3%. Freedom from any 30-day major complications was 87.2%, and independent predictors were left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.02) and estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m² (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.26).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is a safe technique and is associated with low 30-day mortality and stroke rate.

Transthoracic clamp versus endoaortic balloon occlusion in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine outcomes following aortic occlusion with the transthoracic clamp (TTC) versus endoaortic balloon occlusion (EABO) in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. A subgroup analysis compares TTC to EABO with femoral cannulation separately from EABO with aortic cannulation. We searched Medline and Embase up to December 2018. Two people independently and in duplicate screened title and abstracts, full-text reports, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for non-randomized studies. We identified 1564 reports from which 11 observational studies with 4181 participants met the inclusion criteria. We found no evidence of difference in the risk of postoperative death or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) between the 2 techniques. Evidence for a reduction in aortic dissection with TTC was found: 4 of 1590 for the TTC group vs 19 of 2492 for the EABO group [risk ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-0.93; P = 0.04]. There was no difference in aortic cross-clamp (AoX) time between TTC and EABO [mean difference (MD) -5.17 min, 95% CI -12.40 to 2.06; P = 0.16]. TTC was associated with a shorter AoX time compared to EABO with femoral cannulation (MD -9.26 min, 95% CI -17.00 to -1.52; P = 0.02). EABO with aortic cannulation was associated with a shorter AoX time compared to TTC (MD 7.77 min, 95% CI 3.29-12.26; P < 0.001). There was no difference in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time between TTC and EABO with aortic cannulation (MD -4.98 min, 95% CI -14.41 to 4.45; P = 0.3). TTC was associated with a shorter CPB time compared to EABO with femoral cannulation (MD -10.08 min, 95% CI -19.93 to -0.22; P = 0.05). Despite a higher risk of aortic dissection with EABO, the rates of survival and cerebrovascular accident across the 2 techniques are similar in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Long-term results of endoclamping in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery where external aortic clamping cannot be used - a propensity matched analysis

Background

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is standard of care in many centres and it is commonly associated with the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Conventional external aortic clamping (exoclamping) is not always feasible, so endoaortic clamping (endoclamping) has evolved as a viable alternative. The aim of this study is to compare endoclamping (Intraclude™, Edwards Lifesciences) with exoclamping (Chitwood) during minimally invasive mitral valve procedures.

Methods

This single-centre study included 822 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve procedures. The endoclamp was used in 64 patients and the exoclamp in 758. Propensity-score (PS) matching was performed resulting in 63 patients per group. Outcome measures included procedural variables, length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and repeat surgery.

Results

The mean age was similar in the two group (62.2 [endoclamp] vs. 63.5 [exoclamp] years; p = 0.554), as were the cardiopulmonary bypass (145 vs. 156 min; p = 0.707) and the procedure time (203 vs. 211 min; p = 0.648). The X-clamp time was significantly shorter in the endoclamp group (88 vs. 99 min; p = 0.042). Length of ICU stay (25.0 vs. 23.0 h) and length of hospital stay (10.0 vs. 9.0 days) were slightly longer in the endoclamp group, but without statistical significance. There were nominal but no statistically significant differences between the groups in the rates of stroke, vascular complications, myocardial infarction or repeat mitral valve surgery. The conversion rate to open sternotomy approach was 2.4% without difference between groups. The estimated 7-year survival rate was similar for both groups (89.9% [endoclamp]; 84.0% [exoclamp]) with a hazard ratio of 1.291 (95% CI 0.453–3.680).

Conclusions

Endoaortic clamping is an appropriate and reasonably safe alternative to the conventional Chitwood exoclamp for patients in which the exoclamp cannot be used because the ascending aorta cannot be safely mobilised.

Is Prophylactic Tricuspid Annuloplasty Beneficial for Degenerative Mitral Valve Repair?

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical impacts of prophylactic tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) in patients with mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who underwent mitral valve repair.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-one patients with mild TR who underwent mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation between 1997 and 2013 were categorized into the TAP (n = 85) or no TAP (n = 66) groups. The indications for TAP were atrial fibrillation and tricuspid annular dilatation. The mean follow-up duration was 115.5 ± 48.6 months. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis and propensity score matching with 53 patients in each group were used to adjust for the baseline differences between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were no early mortalities in either group, and early morbidities, including heart block, were not different between the groups. Inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted survival analysis did not reveal any difference in overall survival (P = .862), freedom from cardiac-related mortality (P = .535), or major adverse valve-related events (P = .972) between the groups. There was no difference in late TR progression (moderate or greater) between the groups (P = .316). These results were consistent in the matched analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic TAP in mild TR may not have a beneficial effect on TR progress in degenerative mitral regurgitation. Further large studies are necessary to define the role of prophylactic TAP in mild TR.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between robotic and thoracoscopic mitral valve repair

Background

To compare the clinical outcomes and hospital cost of robotic versus thoracoscopic approaches to mitral valve plasty (MVP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who received minimal invasive MVP between 2007 January and 2020 January at our department. The basic characteristics, echocardiography, surgical data, postoperative adverse events and hospital cost of the patients were collected. The primary outcomes of this study were direct hospital cost and 30-day outcomes, including the operative time, complications, and length of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 234 patients received minimally invasive MVP by using robotic (n=121) and thoracoscopic (n=113) technique respectively. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 0.9% (n=2), with no significant difference between two groups. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aorta clamping time in thoracoscopic group were longer than that in robotic group (153.2±25.6 vs. 123.8±34.9 min and 111.8±23.0 vs. 84.9±24.3 min, P<0.001). The intraoperative blood transfusion rate (52.2% vs. 64.5%) and ICU time (2.8±2.3 vs. 3.6±2.7 days, all P<0.05) of the thoracoscopic group were lower than those in the robotic group. The adjusted hospital and operating room cost of the thoracoscopic group were significant lower ($18,208.4±$4,429.1 vs. $35,674.3±$4,936.1 and $9,038.3±$2,171.7 vs. $18,655.1±$2,558.3, all P<0.001).

Conclusions

Both robotic and thoracoscopic approach for MVP are safe and reliable. Robotic technique has shorter operation time, while thoracoscopic technique has more advantages in blood transfusion rate, postoperative ventilation time, ICU duration and hospitalization expenses.

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.

Incidence and Distribution of Cerebral Embolism After Cardiac Surgery According to the Systemic Perfusion Strategy - A Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major concern in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, so we investigated the incidence and risk factors of cerebral embolism according to the systemic perfusion strategy under thorough imaging assessment.Methods and Results:Between November 2011 and May 2015, 315 cardiac surgery patients who underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) as a routine evaluation were enrolled. The incidence and distribution of cerebral embolism were analyzed with routine postoperative brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) examination. Anterograde perfusion was used in 103 patients (group A), and retrograde perfusion was performed in 212 patients (group R). Operative deaths, incidence of clinical stroke (group A: 0%, group R: 0.5%, P=0.77), and rate of cerebral embolism (group A: 35.9%, group R: 26.4%, P=0.08) were comparable. The median number of new embolic lesions detected by MRI per patient (group A: 2, group R: 2, P=0.16), maximal diameter of the lesion (group A: 6.5 mm, group R: 6.0 mm, P=0.97), and anatomic distribution of the lesion were similar between groups. In the multivariate analysis, hypertension, emergency status, atherosclerosis grade 3 or 4 (intimal thickening >4 mm), and cardiopulmonary bypass time were independent risk factors for postoperative cerebral embolism, but retrograde perfusion was not.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of postoperative DW-MRI, retrograde perfusion itself might not increase the incidence of postoperative cerebral embolism in properly selected cardiac surgery patients undergoing routine preoperative CTA examination.

External aortic clamping versus endoaortic balloon occlusion in minimally invasive cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive cardiac valve surgery is safe, effective and increasingly popular. It is performed worldwide with the use of either external aortic clamping or endoaortic balloon occlusion.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. Primary outcomes included aortic dissection, conversion to sternotomy, mortality, stroke and cross-clamp time. Secondary outcomes included atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, reoperation for bleeding, cardiopulmonary bypass times, myocardial infarction, use of intra-aortic balloon pump and length of hospital stay. The random effects model was used to calculate the outcomes of both binary and continuous data.

RESULTS

Thirty retrospective studies were included in the meta-analysis. The incidence of aortic dissection (pooled odds ratio = 3.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-14.18; P =0.04) and conversion to sternotomy (pooled odds ratio = 3.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-7.10; P = 0.009) was higher in the endoaortic balloon occlusion group than in the external aortic clamping group, in whom a direct comparison was possible. The remaining observational studies did not show any significant differences in either group. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality (P = 0.37), stroke (P = 0.26), cross-clamp time (P = 0.20), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.18), acute kidney injury (P = 0.49), reoperation for bleeding (P = 0.24), cardiopulmonary bypass time (P = 0.06), myocardial infarction (P = 0.74), use of intra-aortic balloon pump (P = 0.11) or length of hospital stay (P = 0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

External aortic clamping may be safer than endoaortic balloon occlusion with respect to aortic dissection and conversion to sternotomy. However, mortality, length of stay, stroke, cross-clamp time and other cardiovascular complication rates were similar between the 2 techniques.

Transfer of a minimally invasive mitral valve repair program from a high-volume center to a very low volume center: how many cases are necessary to maintain acceptable results?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether minimally invasive mitral valve repair (MIMVR) can be transferred from a high-volume center into a very small volume center and to clarify how many cases are necessary for maintenance of this program, early outcomes of MIMVR in Asahikawa Medical University were compared with those results in patients operated by a single surgeon in Duesseldorf University Hospital.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients who underwent MIMVR in Asahikawa Medical University (group A) between May 2014 and July 2018 and 134 patients who underwent MIMVR in Duesseldorf University Hospital (group D) between September 2009 and January 2014 by a surgeon who started MIMVS later in Asahikawa were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In group D, there were more patients with ischemic mitral valve regurgitation and with annular calcification than in group A. Survival rate at 6 months and 1 year was 98.5% and 98.5% in group A and 92.9% and 91.3% in group D, respectively. EuroSCORE II was significantly higher in patients dead within 30 days and within the first year.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that MIMVR programs can be transferred with acceptable early results into very low volume centers, if the team is developed by surgeons who are well trained and experienced in MIMVR. Moreover, the present study suggested that case number for maintenance of acceptable results may be obviously less than the previous recognition that this kind of specialized surgery could be maintained with at least 50 cases annually. However, meticulous preparations for surgery are essential for satisfactory surgical outcomes.

Clinical Outcomes of Mitral Valve Reoperations in the United States: An Analysis of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated outcomes of reoperative mitral valve surgery (MVS) in the United States.

METHODS

Adults undergoing isolated MVS with prior open-heart operation in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) National Database between July 2011 and September 2016 were included. Urgent or emergent operations as well as all indications and causes for MVS were included. Primary outcomes were operative mortality and morbidity. Multivariable models were used for risk-adjustment, incorporating variables from the STS Valve Risk Model as well as type of prior operation and reoperative approach.

RESULTS

A total of 17,195 patients underwent isolated reoperative MVS at 962 centers. The STS predicted risk of mortality was 8.0%, with 20% having an STS predicted risk of mortality greater than 10%. Prior cardiac operations included previous MVS (61%), coronary artery bypass (39%), aortic valve surgery (18%), and tricuspid valve surgery (6%). Operative mortality for the overall study cohort was 6.6%, and postoperative stroke occurred in 2.4%. Observed-to-expected mortality for the overall cohort was 0.82. The strongest independent predictors of operative mortality included salvage operation, preoperative dialysis dependence, congestive heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, and active endocarditis. Prior aortic valve replacement was associated with increased mortality risk, whereas prior MVS reduced mortality risk. Surgical approach did not affect mortality. For patients with prior MVS undergoing elective, non-endocarditis operations, the operative mortality was 3.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high-risk patient profile, surgical outcomes of reoperative MVS were acceptable, particularly in patients with prior MVS and without endocarditis undergoing elective operations.

Thoracoscope-Assisted Mitral Valve Replacement with a Small Incision in the Right Chest: A Chinese Single Cardiac Center Experience

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, feasibility, and clinical effectiveness of thoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement via thoracic right-anterior minimal incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted of 225 patients with mitral valve lesions who were treated in our hospital from August 2012 to August 2015. Group A included 105 patients undergoing thoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement via a thoracic right-anterior minimal incision, and group B included 120 patients undergoing conventional mitral valve replacement. We collected and analyzed clinical data from both groups. RESULTS The procedures were successful in patients of both groups. No severe complications or mortality were reported. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time (8.6±2.4 h vs. 12.4±3.2 h), duration of intensive care (1.7±1.2 d vs. 2.8±1.3 d), duration of postoperative analgesia use (28.7±8.9 h vs. 36.3±7.5 h), postoperative length of hospital stay (8.2±2.2 d vs. 12.8±2.1 d), pleural fluid drainage (210.5±60.5 ml vs. 425.4±75.6 ml), blood transfusion amount (420.5±80.4 ml vs. 658.3±96.7 ml), and operative incision length (4.7±1.1 cm vs. 22.4±2.5 cm) were significantly shorter (or lower) in group A than in group B. There were different advantages and disadvantages in the 2 kinds of operative procedure in terms of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS Thoracoscopy-assisted mitral valve replacement via thoracic right-anterior minimal incision has the same clinical efficacy, safety, and feasibility as conventional mitral valve replacement.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in China: Multi-Center Experience

BACKGROUND To the best of our knowledge, there is no nationwide data available on the development of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) in China. The purpose of this study was to report the results of MICS in 6 experienced centers in China. MATERIAL AND METHODS From September 2014 to July 2016, 1241 patients with cardiac conditions who underwent MICS procedures were randomly enrolled in 6 centers in China, and those patients were randomly selected for inclusion in this study. The MICS procedures were defined as any cardiac surgery performed through a less invasive incision, rather than a complete median sternotomy, mainly including mini-incision surgery (400, 32.2%), video-assisted approach (265, 21.3%), completely thoracoscopic approach without robotic assistance (504, 40.6%), and robotic procedure (55, 4.4%). RESULTS The 5 most common in-hospital complications were respiratory failure (28, 2.3%), reoperation for all reasons (19, 1.5%), renal failure (11, 0.9%), heart failure (9, 0.7%), and stroke (6, 0.5%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (P=0.033), aortic cross-clamp time (P=0.003), cannulation approach (P=0.010), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.003) at baseline were all significant risk factors of any in-hospital complication of MICS procedures. CONCLUSIONS From our experience, minimally invasive cardiac approaches are safe and reproducible, with acceptable CPB and aortic cross-clamp time duration and low mortality.

Mitral repair and the robot: a revolutionary tool or marketing ploy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we discuss the current evidence supporting each minimally invasive mitral repair approach and their associated controversies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current evidence demonstrates that minimally invasive mitral repair techniques yield similar mitral repair results to conventional sternotomy with the benefits of shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, better cosmesis and improved patient satisfaction. Despite this, broad adoption of minimally invasive mitral repair is still not achieved. Two main approaches of minimally invasive mitral repair exist: endoscopic mini-thoracotomy and robotic-assisted approaches.

SUMMARY

Both minimally invasive approaches share many commonalities; however, most centres are strongly polarized to one approach over another creating controversy and debate about the most effective minimally invasive approach.

Computational evaluation of aortic occlusion and the proposal of a novel, improved occluder: Constrained endo-aortic balloon occlusion

Because aortic occlusion is arguably one of the most dangerous aortic manipulation maneuvers during cardiac surgery in terms of perioperative ischemic neurological injury, the purpose of this investigation is to assess the structural mechanical impact resulting from the use of existing and newly proposed occluders. Existing (clinically used) occluders considered include different cross-clamps (CCs) and endo-aortic balloon occlusion (EABO). A novel occluder is also introduced, namely, constrained EABO (CEABO), which consists of applying a constrainer externally around the aorta when performing EABO. Computational solid mechanics are employed to investigate each occluder according to a comprehensive list of functional requirements. The potential of a state of occlusion is also considered for the first time. Three different constrainer designs are evaluated for CEABO. Although the CCs were responsible for the highest strains, largest deformation, and most inefficient increase of the occlusion potential, it remains the most stable, simplest, and cheapest occluder. The different CC hinge geometries resulted in poorer performance of CC used for minimally invasive procedures than conventional ones. CEABO with a profiled constrainer successfully addresses the EABO shortcomings of safety, stability, and positioning accuracy, while maintaining its complexities of operation (disadvantage) and yielding additional functionalities (advantage). Moreover, CEABO is able to achieve the previously unattainable potential to provide a clinically determinable state of occlusion. CEABO offers an attractive alternative to the shortcomings of existing occluders, with its design rooted in achieving the highest patient safety. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical Safety and Effectiveness of Endoaortic as Compared to Transthoracic Clamp for Small Thoracotomy Mitral Valve Surgery: Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Controversies remain on the increased rate of neurological events after small thoracotomy mitral valve surgery attributed to endoaortic balloon occlusion (EABO). Systematic literature search of databases identified 17 studies enrolling 6,643 patients comparing safety and effectiveness of EABO versus transthoracic clamp. In a meta-analysis, there was no difference in occurrence of cerebrovascular events, all-cause mortality, and kidney injury. EABO was associated with a significantly higher risk of iatrogenic aortic dissection (0.93% versus 0.13%; risk ratio, 4.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.62 to 13.49; p = 0.004) and a trend toward longer operative times. The data is limited to observational studies.

A matched pairs analysis of non-rib-spreading, fully endoscopic, mini-incision technique versus conventional mini-thoracotomy for mitral valve repair

OBJECTIVES

Advances in video-assistance lead to an increase in minimal access mitral valve surgery (MAMVS) with decreased incision size yet maintaining the same quality of surgery. Further reduction in surgical trauma and at the same time improved visual guidance can be achieved by a non-rib-spreading fully 3D endoscopic technique (NRS-3D). We compared patients who underwent MAMVS either through an NRS fully 3D endoscopic or rib-spreading (RS) access in a retrospective matched-pair analysis.

METHODS

A matched pairs analysis was undertaken of retrospectively collected data of 284 consecutive patients having received an MAMVS between January 2011 and May 2015. Fifty patients with an RS procedure were compared with 50 patients with an NRS fully 3D endoscopic operation. For all patients, access was made through a 3-4 cm incision in the inframammary fold through the fourth intercostal space. In the NRS-3D group, only a soft-tissue protector, and no additional rib-spreader, was used. Operative visualization was provided by 3D endoscopy in the NRS-3D group.

RESULTS

The NRS as well as the RS procedure was successful in all patients without technical repair limitations. Mortality was 0% in both groups. Significant differences were seen for operation times (39.0 min mean shorter operation time in the NRS-3D group; P < 0.001), and length of stay on intensive care unit (1.0 day mean shorter stay in the NRS-3D group; P = 0.002) and in the hospital (1.4 days mean shorter stay in the NRS-3D group; P = 0.003). Postoperative analgesics doses were significantly lower in the NRS-3D group [P = 0.007 (paracetamol); P = 0.123 (metamizole); P = 0.013 (piritramide)]. Postoperative pain rated on a pain-scale from 0 to 10 was significantly lower in the NRS-3D group (mean difference of 1.8; P = 0.006). Patient satisfaction regarding cosmetic results was comparable in both the groups. Repair results, ejection fraction, perioperative morbidity and MACCE during follow-up showed no significant differences between both groups. Early postoperative and follow-up echocardiography showed sufficient repair in all patients of both groups with no case of >mild recurrent mitral regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

An endoscopic procedure supported by 3D-visualization enables superior depth perception, facilitating an excellent quality of repair results. 3D-visualization is a helpful tool especially for complex reconstruction cases and exact placement of artificial neochordae. With this, an experienced mitral valve surgeon takes shorter operation times. Patients benefit from shorter hospitalization with reduced postoperative pain and early mobilization.

Mitral Valve Repair via a Minithoracotomy in a Patient With Pectus Excavatum

Cardiac surgery in patients with pectus excavatum is challenging because of the difficulty associated with achieving optimal surgical exposure and postoperative sternal fixation by using standard instruments. To solve these problems, mitral valve repair was performed via a right minithoracotomy in a 48-year-old man with severe mitral valve regurgitation and pectus excavatum. With the use of conventional median sternotomy, an optimal surgical field was difficult to achieve because of his thoracic deformity. Therefore, surgical fixation via right minithoracotomy using particular equipment was performed. Using right minithoracotomy, we could obtain an optimal surgical field better than that with median sternotomy, and the patient's mitral valve regurgitation was fixed properly. This approach provides mitral valve exposure advantages as well as cosmetic satisfaction.

Early and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through right minithoracotomy: a 10-year experience in 1604 patients

Background

To report early and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) through right mini-thoracotomy (RT) over a 10-year period.

Methods

From September 2003 to December 2013, a total of 1604 consecutive patients underwent MIMVS through RT.

Results

The mean age was 63 ± 13 years, 770 (48 %) patients were female and 218 (13.6 %) had previous cardiac operations. The most predominant pathology was degenerative disease (70 %), followed by functional mitral valve regurgitation (12 %), rheumatic disease (9.4 %), endocarditis (5 %) and prosthetic dysfunction (3.2 %). Mitral valve repair was performed in 1137 (71 %) patients and 476 (29 %) had mitral valve replacement. Direct aortic cannulation was achieved in 1325 (83 %) patients. Among patients with degenerative disease candidate for repair (n = 958), rate of mitral valve repair was 95 %. Repair techniques included annuloplasty (95 %), leafleat resection (63 %), neochordae implantation (16 %) and sliding plasty (11 %). Concomitant procedures included tricuspid valve repair (14.6 %), atrial fibrillation ablation (9.5 %) and atrial septal defect closure (3.2 %). Overall in-hospital mortality was 1.1 %. Thirty-four patients (2.1 %) had conversion to sternotomy. Incidence of stroke was 2 %. Overall survival at 10 years was 88 ± 2 %. Freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 94 ± 2 % for repair and 80 ± 6 % for replacement. Freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation >3+ at 10 years was 90 ± 3 %.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is a safe and reproducible approach associated with low mortality and morbidity, high rate of mitral valve repair and excellent late results.

Total endoscopic repair of unroofed coronary sinus syndrome via right mini-thoracotomy

Unroofed coronary sinus syndrome (URCS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly. Recently, cardiac surgery using a minimally invasive approach has become the preferred treatment, affording better cosmetic results and a more rapid post-operative recovery than the traditional method. We report the case of a 54-year-old male in whom partial URCS was treated via a totally endoscopic repair technique featuring right mini-thoracotomy.

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair through right minithoracotomy in the setting of degenerative mitral regurgitation: early outcomes and long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Mitral valve (MV) repair is the gold standard for the treatment of degenerative MV regurgitation. Recently, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has shown excellent postoperative outcomes compared with conventional surgery. The aim of our study is to report early and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing MIMVS through right mini-thoracotomy (RT) over an eight year period.

METHODS

From September 2003 to December 2011, a total of 1,604 consecutive patients underwent MIMVS through RT.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62±13 years, 295 (42%) patients were female and 16 (2.3%) had previous cardiac operations. MV repair was successfully performed in 670 patients, with a rate of success of 95.3%. Repair techniques included annuloplasty (89%), leaflet resection (n=54.2%), neochordae implantation (12.1%), and sliding plasty (10.5%). Overall in-hospital mortality was 0.1%. Incidence of stroke was 1.3%. At eight-year follow-up, overall survival was 90.1%, freedom from reoperation 93%, and freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation was 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

MIMV repair through right minithoracotomy is a safe and reproducible procedure associated with high rate of MV repair, and excellent early postoperative and long-term results.

Right lateral mini-thoracotomy for mitral valve surgery

Since the 1990 s, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has gained wide acceptance due to patient and economic demand. The advantages are less trauma, less bleeding, less wound infections, less pain and faster recovery. Many studies showed that the outcomes are comparable with those of conventional sternotomy. Right lateral mini-thoracotomy evolved into a routine and safe access in specialized centres for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. The 6-cm incision is performed over the fifth intercostal space in the inframammary groove. With a double-lumen tube, the right lung is deflated before entering the pleural cavity. A soft tissue retractor is used to minimize rib spreading. The stab incisions for the endoscopic camera and the transthoracic clamp are performed in the right anterior and posterior axillary line in the third intercostal space. Surgery on the mitral valve is performed in a standard fashion under a direct vision with video assistance. One chest tube is inserted. The intercostal space is adapted with braided sutures to prevent lung herniation. Ropivacaine is used for local infiltration. The pectoral muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin are adapted with running sutures. Complications of a right lateral mini-thoracotomy are rare (conversion to sternotomy, rethoracotomy, phrenic nerve palsy, wound infection and thoracic wall hernia) and well manageable.

Anesthetic issues for robotic cardiac surgery

As innovative technology continues to be developed and is implemented into the realm of cardiac surgery, surgical teams, cardiothoracic anesthesiologists, and health centers are constantly looking for methods to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. One of the more recent developments in cardiac surgical practice is minimally invasive robotic surgery. Its use has been documented in numerous publications, and its use has proliferated significantly over the past 15 years. The anesthesiology team must continue to develop and perfect special techniques to manage these patients perioperatively including lung isolation techniques and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This review article of recent scientific data and personal experience serves to explain some of the challenges, which the anesthetic team must manage, including patient and procedural factors, complications from one-lung ventilation (OLV) including hypoxia and hypercapnia, capnothorax, percutaneous cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, TEE guidance, as well as methods of intraoperative monitoring and analgesia. As existing minimally invasive techniques are perfected, and newer innovations are demonstrated, it is imperative that the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist must improve and maintain skills to guide these patients safely through the robotic procedure.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is associated with equivalent cost and shorter hospital stay when compared with traditional sternotomy

OBJECTIVE

Mitral valve surgery is increasingly performed through minimally invasive approaches. There are limited data regarding the cost of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Moreover, there are no data on the specific costs associated with mitral valve surgery. We undertook this study to compare the costs (total and subcomponent) of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery relative to traditional sternotomy.

METHODS

All isolated mitral valve repairs performed in our health system from March 2012 through September 2013 were analyzed. To ensure like sets of patients, only those patients who underwent isolated mitral valve repairs with preoperative Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores of less than 4 were included in this study. A total of 159 patients were identified (sternotomy, 68; mini, 91). Total incurred direct cost was obtained from hospital financial records.

RESULTS

Analysis demonstrated no difference in total cost (operative and postoperative) of mitral valve repair between mini and sternotomy ($25,515 ± $7598 vs $26,049 ± $11,737; P = .74). Operative costs were higher for the mini cohort, whereas postoperative costs were significantly lower. Postoperative intensive care unit and total hospital stays were both significantly shorter for the mini cohort. There were no differences in postoperative complications or survival between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed with overall equivalent cost and shorter hospital stay relative to traditional sternotomy. There is greater operative cost associated with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery that is offset by shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays.