Partial versus full sternotomy for aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve approaches in the era of minimally invasive cardiac surgery

The concept of minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been gradually adopted world-wide since its inception more than 2 decades ago. Recently, catheter intervention has been used in the treatment of structural heart disease. Most notably, minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation is now an established treatment option for aortic valve stenosis. There are three major approaches for minimally invasive aortic valve surgery: via median sternotomy, via the parasternal approach, and via the thoracotomy approach. All these approaches allow for a small skin incision and/or avoid full sternotomy. Moreover, several advanced variations with additional aortic procedures or totally endoscopic management have been developed. When considering each approach, low invasiveness must be balanced with safety, as surgeons broaden their insight of advanced medicine. Physical invasiveness is largely related to the surgical approach in minimally invasive surgery. We review the history and evolution of the different surgical approaches for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.

Evolution of Minimally Invasive Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

OBJECTIVE

The majority of minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacements (MIAVRs) are performed at high-volume cardiac surgery centers. However, outcomes at lower volume federal facilities are not yet reported in the literature and not captured in the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database. Our study objective was to describe the evolution of MIAVR at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed of 114 patients who underwent MIAVR for isolated aortic valvular disease between January 2011 and August 2018. Preoperative STS risk factors were determined and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

By 2016, 100% of isolated surgical aortic valve replacements were performed as MIAVRs at our VAMC. Introduction of automatic knot-fastening devices, single-shot del Nido cardioplegia, and rapid deployment valves decreased aortic cross-clamp (AXC) times from a median of 96 (interquartile range [IQR]: 84 to 103) to 53 minutes (38 to 61, P < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis). Thirty-day mortality was 0.9%. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days (7 to 13). Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 54% of patients, stroke occurred in 1.8% of patients, and 7.1% of patients required permanent pacemakers. Transition to rapid deployment valves decreased postoperative mean pressure gradient from median 14 mmHg (10 to 17) to 7 mmHg (4.7 to 10, P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney). At median 1.5-year follow-up echocardiogram, mean gradient was 10.8 mmHg with mild paravalvular leak rate of 1.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Facilitating technologies decreased operative times during MIAVR adoption at our VAMC. For patients with isolated aortic valve pathology, MIAVR can be performed with low morbidity and mortality at lower volume federal institutions, with outcomes comparable to those reported from higher volume centers.

Improved operative and recovery times with mini-thoracotomy aortic valve replacement

Background

The small incisions of minimally invasive surgery have the proposed benefit of less surgical trauma, less pain, and faster recovery. This study was done to compare minimally invasive techniques for aortic valve replacement, including right anterior mini-thoracotomy and mini-sternotomy, to conventional sternotomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 503 patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement at our institution from 2012 to 2015 using one of three techniques: 1) Mini-thoracotomy, 2) Mini-sternotomy, 3) Conventional sternotomy. Demographics, operative morbidity, mortality, and postoperative complications were compared.

Results

Of the 503 cases, 267 (53.1%) were mini-thoracotomy, 120 (23.8%) were mini-sternotomy, and 116 (23.1%) were conventional sternotomy. Mini-thoracotomy patients, compared to mini-sternotomy and conventional sternotomy, had significantly shorter bypass times [82 (IQ 67–113) minutes; vs. 117 (93.5–139.5); vs. 102.5 (85.5–132.5), respectively (p < 0.0001)], a lower incidence of prolonged ventilator support [3.75% vs. 9.17 and 12.9%, respectively (p = 0.0034)], and required significantly shorter ICU and postoperative stays, resulting in an overall shorter hospitalization [6 (IQ 5–9) days; vs. 7 (5–14.5); vs 9 (6–15.5), respectively (p < 0.05)]. Incidence of other postoperative complications were lower in the mini-thoracotomy group compared to mini-sternotomy and conventional sternotomy, without significance. Minimally invasive techniques trended towards better survival [mini-thoracotomy 1.5%, mini-sternotomy 1.67%, and conventional sternotomy 5.17% (p = 0.13)].

Conclusions

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement approaches are safe, effective alternatives to conventional sternotomy. The mini-thoracotomy approach showed decreased operative times, decreased lengths of stay, decreased incidence of prolonged ventilator time, and a trend towards lower mortality when compared to mini-sternotomy and conventional sternotomy.

Ministernotomy or sternotomy in isolated aortic valve replacement? Early results

Introduction

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the gold standard in treating symptomatic aortic valve defects. To improve the healing process and limit the trauma, the minimally invasive approach was introduced.

Aim

To compare the peri- and post-operative results of aortic valve replacement performed via conventional full sternotomy (con-AVR) and of AVR performed via partial upper sternotomy (mini-AVR).

Material and methods

The total study population was divided into 2 demographically homogeneous groups: mini-AVR (n = 74) and con-AVR (n = 76). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative echocardiography.

Results

Aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were significantly longer in the mini-AVR group. Shorter mechanical ventilation time, hospital stay and lower postoperative drainage were observed in the mini-AVR group (p < 0.05). Biological prostheses were more frequently implanted in the mini-AVR group (p < 0.05). Patients from the mini-AVR group reported less postoperative pain. No significant differences were found in the diameter of the implanted aortic prosthesis, the amount of inotropic agents and painkillers, postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), medium and maximum transvalvular gradient or the number of transfused blood units. There were no differences in the frequency of postoperative complications such as mortality, stroke, atrial fibrillation, renal failure, wound infection, sternal instability, or the need for rethoracotomy.

Conclusions

Ministernotomy for AVR is a safe method and does not increase morbidity and mortality. It significantly reduces post-operative blood loss and shortens hospital stay. Ministernotomy can be successfully used as an alternative method to sternotomy.

A Contemporary Approach to Reoperative Aortic Valve Surgery: When is Less, More?

OBJECTIVE

Although the benefits of minimally invasive valvular surgery are well established, the applicability of extending these techniques to reoperative aortic valve surgery is unknown. We evaluated our experience with a minimally invasive approach to this patient population.

METHODS

From January 2010 to September 2015, 21 patients underwent reoperative isolated aortic valve replacement via a minimally invasive approach by a single surgeon. All patients had preoperative evaluation with computerized tomography and coronary catheterization. Surgical approaches were right anterior thoracotomy (6/21) or upper hemisternotomy (15/21). Central aortic cannulation was preferred with femoral artery cannulation used in four patients (19%). In patients with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts, no attempt to dissect or occlude the graft was made. Cold blood cardioplegia was administered antegrade (12/21) or retrograde (9/21); systemic cooling with a mean low temperature of 27.5 °C was employed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 75.1 years with a range from 33 to 92 years, and 67% (14/21) were male. All procedures were completed with a minimally invasive approach. Mean ± SD cross-clamp time was 51.5 ± 9.2 minutes. Fourteen patients had patent LIMA grafts. No aortic, LIMA, or cardiac injuries occurred. There were no hospital deaths nor occurrences of perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, wound infection, renal failure, or endocarditis/sepsis. One patient required a reoperation for bleeding. Sixty-two percent of patients were discharged to home; mean ± SD length of stay was 6 ± 3 days.

CONCLUSIONS

With appropriate preoperative evaluation and careful surgical planning, a minimally invasive approach to reoperative aortic valve surgery can be performed in a safe and effective manner.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement via Right Anterior Minithoracotomy and Central Aortic Cannulation

Objective

This study reports the evolution of a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) technique that uses a right anterior minithoracotomy approach with central cannulation, for a 13-year period. This technique has become our standard approach for isolated primary AVR in nearly all patients.

Methods

This observational study evaluated perioperative clinical outcomes of patients 18 years or older who underwent mini-AVR from November 2003 to June 2015.

Results

The mini-AVR technique was used in 202 patients during two periods of 2003 to 2009 (n = 65, “early”) and 2010 to 2015 (n = 137, “late”). The mean ± SD age was 72.5 ± 12.9 years and 60% were male. Demographic parameters were statistically similar between the study periods, except for increased body weight in the later period (75.3 ± 14.7 vs 80.9 ± 20.8 kg, P = 0.03). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were significantly different by each year and Bonferroni adjustment, with significant decreases in cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times beginning 2006. Compared with the early study period, late study period patients were more often extubated intraoperatively (52% vs 12%, P < 0.001), had less frequent prolonged ventilator use postoperatively (6% vs 16%, P = 0.018), required fewer blood transfusions (mean, 2.0 ± 2.3 U vs 3.6 ± 3.0 U; P = 0.011), and had shorter postoperative stay (6.3 ± 4.5 days vs 8.0 ± 5.9 days, P = 0.026). Numerically, fewer postoperative strokes (1% vs 6%, P = 0.09) and fewer reoperations for bleeding (3% vs 6%, P = 0.3) occurred in the late period. In-hospital mortality did not differ (1/65 early vs 3/137 late).

Conclusions

Overall mini-AVR intraoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes improved for this 13-year experience.

Assessment Based on EuroSCORE of Ministernotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement

To assess the advantages of a ministernotomy over a standard sternotomy for aortic valve replacement, 191 patients were classified as low-, medium-, and high-risk by EuroSCORE. A ministernotomy was carried out in 100 patients, and a standard sternotomy was used in 91. Among low-risk patients, those who had a ministernotomy showed a marginal increase in atrial fibrillation. Of the medium-risk patients, those who had a sternotomy had significantly more atrial fibrillation and slightly more general infections. In the high-risk subgroup, significantly more atrial fibrillation was observed in the sternotomy group, and more neurologic events were observed in the ministernotomy group; the difference became nonsignificant when only severe events were considered. There was a significant benefit in terms of rhythm disturbances in medium- and high-risk patients who underwent a ministernotomy compared to those who had a full sternotomy. Mortality, duration of intensive care, and hospital stay were not influenced by the operative method.

Minimal vs Median Sternotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement through a ministernotomy or conventional sternotomy. Sixty patients were randomized into 2 groups of 30 each: group 1 had a full sternotomy and group 2 had a ministernotomy. Pain was evaluated on a daily basis, pulmonary function tests were performed perioperatively. The skin incision was shorter in group 2 (7.17 vs 24.50 cm in group 1). There was significantly less mediastinal drainage in group 2 (233 vs 590 mL in 24 hours in group 1). Group 1 patients had more blood transfusions and longer ventilation time. In group 1, 96.7% experienced severe pain, whereas 93.3% in group 2 reported minimal pain. Hospital stay was 17.7 days in group 1 and 8.0 days in group 2. The ministernotomy had a cosmetic advantage, less blood loss and transfusion requirement, greater sternal stability, better respiratory function, and earlier extubation and hospital discharge.

Influence of body mass index on outcomes after minimal-access aortic valve replacement through a J-shaped partial upper sternotomy

Background

Minimal-access aortic valve replacement (MAAVR) may reduce post-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements, decrease post-operative pain, shorten length stay and enhance cosmesis. This may be particularly advantageous in overweight/obese patients, who are at increased risk of post-operative complications. Obese patients are however often denied MAAVR due to the perceived technical procedural difficulty. This retrospective analysis sought to determine the effect of BMI on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing MAAVR.

Methods

Ninety isolated elective MAAVR procedures performed between May 2006–October 2013 were included. Intra- and post-operative data were prospectively collected. Ordinary least squares univariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of BMI as a continuous variable on post-operative outcomes. One-way ANOVA and Chi-squared testing was used to assess differences in outcomes between patients with BMI <25 (n = 36) and BMI ≥25 (n = 54) as appropriate.

Results

There was no peri-operative mortality, myocardial infarction or stroke. Univariate regression demonstrated longer cross-clamp times (p = 0.0218) and a trend towards increased bypass times (p = 0.0615) in patients with higher BMI. BMI ≥25 was associated with an increased incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (p = 0.020) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (p = 0.036) compared to BMI <25. However, raised BMI did not extend ICU (p = 0.3310) or overall hospital stay (p = 0.2614). Similar rates of sternal wound complications, inotrope requirements and renal dysfunction were observed in both normal- and overweight/obese-BMI groups. Furthermore, increasing BMI correlated with reduced mechanical ventilation time (p = 0.039) and early post-operative blood loss (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that within the range of this study, MAAVR is a safe, reproducible and effective procedure, affording equivalent clinical outcomes in both overweight/obese and normal-weight patients considered for an isolated first-time AVR, with low post-operative morbidity and mortality. MAAVR should therefore be considered as an alternative surgical strategy to reduce obesity-related complications in patients requiring aortic valve replacement.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

With the advent of transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the emergence of rapid deployment aortic valves, there is a resurgent interest in minimizing the trauma of surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). The present review summarizes the history of minimal access AVR and attempts to collate the existing evidence regarding minimal access AVR.

Current status of surgical treatment for aortic valve stenosis

In this review, we discuss the current surgical treatment for aortic valve stenosis. Surgical strategy for treatment of aortic valve stenosis is based on the risk profile of the patient. We reviewed the existing literature and present the current state of the art of these various approaches, taking into account clinical outcomes, quality of life, costs, and learning curve.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. A safe and useful technique beyond the cosmetic benefits

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital clinical outcomes of minimally invasive, isolated aortic valve replacement vs median sternotomy.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2012, 615 patients underwent aortic valve replacement at a single institution, 532 by a median sternotomy (E group) and 83 by a J-shaped ministernotomy (M group).

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the E and M groups in terms of age (69.27 [9.31] years vs 69.40 [10.24] years, respectively), logistic EuroSCORE (6.27 [2.91] vs 5.64 [2.17], respectively), size of implanted valve prosthesis (21.94 [2.04] mm vs 21.79 [2.01] mm, respectively), or the incidence of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 102.90 (41.68) min for the E group vs 81.37 (25.41) min for the M group (P<.001). Mean cross-clamp time was 77.31 (29.20) min vs 63.45 (17.71) min for the S and M groups, respectively (P<.001). Mortality in the E group was 4.88% (26). There were no deaths in the M group (P<.05). The E group was associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stays: 4.17 (5.23) days vs 3.22 (2.01) days (P=.045) and 9.58 (7.66) days vs 7.27 (3.83) days (P<.001), respectively. E group patients had more postoperative respiratory complications (42 [8%] vs 1 [1.2%]; P<.05). There were no differences when postoperative hemodynamic, neurologic, and renal complications, systemic infection, and wound infection were analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of morbidity, mortality, and operative times, outcomes after minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve replacement are at least comparable to those achieved with median sternotomy. The length of the hospital stay was reduced by minimally invasive surgery in our single-institution experience. The retrospective nature of this study warrants further randomized prospective trials to validate our results.

Minimally invasive approaches versus conventional sternotomy for aortic valve replacement: a propensity score matching study

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate our institutional results of the aortic valve replacement through minimally invasive approaches compared with conventional sternotomy.

Materials and Methods

From August 1997 to July 2010, 838 patients underwent primary isolated aortic valve replacement. Of them, 73 patients underwent surgery through minimally invasive approaches (MIAS group) whereas 765 patients underwent surgery through the conventional sternotomy (CONV group). Clinical outcomes were compared using a propensity score matching design.

Results

Propensity score matching yielded 73 pairs of patients in which there were no significant differences in baseline profiles between the two groups. Patients in the MIAS group had longer aortic cross clamp than those in the CONV group (74.9±27.9 vs.. 66.2±27.3, p=0.058). In the MIAS group, conversion to full sternotomy was needed in 2 patients (2.7%). There were no significant differences in the rates of low cardiac output syndrome (4 vs. 8, p=0.37), reoperation due to bleeding (7 vs. 6, p=0.77), wound infection (2 vs. 4, p=0.68), or requirements for dialysis (2 vs. 1, p=0.55) between the two groups. Postoperative pain was significantly less in the MIAS group than the conventional group (pain score, 3.79±1.67 vs. 4.32±1.56; p=0.04).

Conclusion

Both minimally invasive approaches and conventional sternotomy had comparable early clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary isolated aortic valve replacement. Minimally invasive approaches significantly decrease postoperative pain.

‘Ad Hoc Sternal-Split Safely Replaces Full Sternotomy for Thyroidectomy Requiring Thoracic Access

Mediastinal goiter (MG) removal occasionally needs sternotomy, mainly in case of subaortic extension. We aimed to test the hypothesis that sternal-split may safely replace full sternotomy for MG removal (through total thyroidectomy) when thoracic access is required. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study comparing 15 subaortic MGs receiving sternal-split with 87 MGs undergoing cervicotomy alone between January 1997 and June 2009. Among 15 cases requiring sternal incision, sternal-split was extended to the angle of Louis in nine patients (60%), to the third intercostal space (IS) in one of five (20%) cases of MGs with anterior mediastinum involvement, and in five of 10 (50%) cases with posterior involvement ( P = 0.6). Full sternotomy was never necessary. The median hospitalization was 5 days (range, 4-8 days) after sternal access as compared with 3 days (range, 2–4 days) after cervicotomy ( P = 0.04). Complications were similar in these two study groups: one postoperative bleeding in each group and three recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies after cervicotomy ( P = 0.5). There was no operative mortality, blood transfusion, tracheotomy requirement, wound infection, or persistent hypoparathyroidism. Proper extension of sternal-split to the second or third IS allows an adequate approach to both the anterior and to the posterior mediastinum, thus permitting safe management of MGs requiring thoracic access.

Minimally invasive surgical valve repair

BACKGROUND

Minimal-access valve repair was introduced in the 1990s and is becoming an accepted option for patients undergoing valve surgery. Minimally invasive surgical valve repair reduces the degree of surgical insult, produces less postoperative pain, uses less blood, and is associated with better cosmetic results.

METHODS

Between July 2008 and February 2009, 17 cardiac surgical patients were treated with minimally invasive valve repair at 3 different institutions (Royal Spanish Hospital, Portuguese Hospital, and Cardio Pulmonar Institute, Salvador, Brazil). The heart was accessed via an incision between the ribs in the second or third intercostal space. A retrospective analysis was performed on the outcomes in the first 24 postoperative hours in the intensive care unit and on the fourth postoperative day before the patient's discharge from the hospital.

RESULTS

Of the 17 patients who underwent minimally invasive valve repair and were evaluated, 8 patients (47.05%) underwent aortic surgery, 4 patients (23.52%) underwent mitral valve surgery, 4 patients (23.52%) underwent surgery for a congenital heart defect, and 1 patient (5.88%) underwent endocarditis treatment. The duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was <120 minutes in all cases (median interval between lowest and highest CPB times, 90 minutes), and all cross-clamp times were <100 minutes (median interval between lowest and highest cross-clamp times, 70 minutes). There were no cases of reoperation for bleeding, incision infection, or myocardial infarction. The median hospital stay was 5 days; the operative mortality rate was 5.8%.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that by avoiding full sternotomy, the approach of minimal surgical access contributes to an improved postoperative stability of the chest and less surgical pain. On the other hand, the limited exposure of the heart is a disadvantage of minimally invasive valve repair. Minimally invasive surgical valve repair is safe and feasible with excellent outcomes and is well tolerated in the elderly. Care must be taken to follow the learning curve for operation duration and to treat surgical complications.

Total miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass: the next step in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement has been established in many centres over the last decade. Although numerous modifications have been described to date, these solely involve variations of the utilized operative incision. Total miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (tMCPB) offers the theoretical potential of reducing even further the overall procedural "invasiveness". We describe our initial experience of an application of MCPB for aortic valve replacement through a minimal incision.

Treatment of ascending aorta disease with Bentall-De Bono operation using a mini-invasive approach

BACKGROUND

Use of minimally invasive approaches in cardiac surgery is increasing, obtaining a wide consensus and representing a challenging alternative technique for many surgeons. We report our experience of the treatment of ascending aorta disease using the Bentall-De Bono procedure through a minimally invasive approach.

METHODS

Between September 1997 and June 2005 at 'Policlinico San Matteo', Pavia, we treated 40 patients affected by ascending aorta disease and aortic valve regurgitation using a Bentall-De Bono procedure through a minimally invasive approach, by means of a reversed T or J ministernotomy. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty patients were men. Short-term and mid-term mortality and peroperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

None of the patients died during the 30-day postoperative period. The mean ICU and length of stay times were 3.3 +/- 8.2 and 9.3 +/- 7.2 days, respectively. Six patients (15%) had one or more postoperative complications. One patient (2.5%) underwent early reoperation for bleeding. None underwent a procedure-related reoperation. Mechanical ventilation was longer than 48 h in five patients (12.5%). The mean follow-up was 38.4 +/- 31 months. Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was, respectively, 94.1, 90.6 and 90.6%. At the end of the follow-up, there were 37 survivors. Twenty-seven (73%) patients were in New York Heart Association I, six (16%) were in New York Heart Association II and four (11%) were in New York Heart Association III.

CONCLUSION

Reversed T or J ministernotomy is a feasible and secure alternative to complete sternotomy. The short incision may enhance the outcome and does not affect the survival, offering proper access to the anatomic structures.

Limited upper sternotomy in general thoracic surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the status of limited upper sternal split in general thoracic surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical files of 100 consecutive patients operated on through limited upper sternotomy at a hospital in Italy during the 10 years between January 1995 and December 2004.

RESULTS

Thymus surgery represented the main indication for this approach (n = 51): for myasthenia without thymoma in 28 patients, for thymus neoplasms with or without myasthenia in 22, and for intrathymic parathyroid adenoma in 1. Thyroid surgery constituted the second main indication for upper sternal split (n = 32) for benign retrosternal goiter in 18 patients, for mediastinal nodal metastasis of thyroid cancer in 11, and for malignant retrosternal goiter in 3. The remaining indications were as follows: to assess residual disease following chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease in 7 patients and for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1; for tracheal surgery in 7; and for excision of nodal mediastinal metastasis of non-thyroid cancer in 2. All operations were completed through the upper sternal split. There was no surgical mortality but complications developed in eight patients.

CONCLUSION

The upper sternal split provides a satisfactory access to perform a surgical procedure in the superior mediastinum in most diseases. The procedure is safe and involves minimal surgical trauma.

Partial median sternotomy: an attractive approach to mediastinal parathyroid disease

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid exploration through a standard cervical approach is adequate for the resection of most mediastinal parathyroid glands. A subset of mediastinal parathyroid glands causing hyperparathyroidism, however, cannot be removed in this manner.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed our experience with the use of partial median sternotomy in the treatment of these patients.

RESULTS

Over a 14-year period, all but 10 of 937 (1.1%) consecutive patients explored for hyperparathyroidism by a single endocrine surgeon were treated by a cervical approach. Partial median sternotomy was performed in 10 cases and was successful in seven cases (70%), with conversion to a complete sternotomy being required in three cases. Six of these seven patients had failed a previous parathyroid exploration (86%), including one patient who had a previous complete sternotomy. Cure of hyperparathyroidism was achieved in all seven patients undergoing partial median sternotomy. In five patients a mediastinal parathyroid gland was removed (71%), and in one patient a parathyroid adenoma in the carotid sheath was eventually found, and the location of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland in one patient was never determined although the patient was cured. The mean length of hospital stay after a partial median sternotomy was 2.6 days. One patient sustained a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury at the time of a repeat cervical exploration and partial median sternotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Rarely, mediastinal parathyroid glands cannot be resected through a cervical approach. In these cases the use of partial median sternotomy is an attractive technique in achieving cure of hyperparathyroidism and is associated with minimal morbidity and a short length of hospital stay.

Cardiac surgery in the elderly: indications and management options to optimize outcomes

The elderly have increasingly benefited from the advances in cardiac surgical techniques and perioperative care. Compared to the same procedures in younger patients their operations can be more technically demanding and their level of reserve leaves less margin should complications occur. The importance of using realistic indications for operations with a focus on improving the quality of their lives and of optimal preoperative preparation of patients is emphasized.

Minimally Invasive Versus Standard Approach Aortic Valve Replacement: A Study in 506 Patients

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through partial upper sternotomy has been shown to reduce surgical trauma, and, supposedly, decrease postoperative pain, blood loss, and hospital stay.

METHODS

From October 1997 until November 2004, 506 patients received isolated aortic valve replacement, of which 232 underwent the minimal access J-sternotomy approach (group 1). The control group (group 2) consisted of 274 patients who underwent aortic valve replacements by median sternotomy. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes of the patients in the early follow-up period.

RESULTS

In group 1 and group 2, respectively, early mortality was 2.6% (6 patients) and 4.4% (12 patients). The minimal access group had reduced aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times compared with conventional group: 61.8 +/- 16.6 versus 69.5 +/- 16.6 minutes (p < 0.05) and 88.8 +/- 23.2 versus 100.2 +/- 22.6 minutes (p < 0.05), respectively. Mean blood loss was lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (p < 0.05). Intensive care unit and hospital stays were shorter in the minimal access group: 2.1 +/- 2.5 versus 2.5 +/- 5.3 days (p = nonsignificant) and 10.8 +/- 7.1 versus 12.8 +/- 10.6 days (p < 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve replacement can be performed safely through a partial upper sternotomy on a routine basis for isolated aortic valve disease.

Minimally invasive valve surgery: different techniques and approaches

Less invasive approaches to cardiac surgical procedures are being developed in an effort to decrease patient morbidity and enhance postoperative recovery in comparison with conventional methods. Although full median sternotomy has been the standard surgical approach to the heart for more than 30 years, minimally invasive techniques using limited incisions are rapidly gaining acceptance. Potential advantages of a small skin incision include less trauma and tissue injury, leading to a less painful and quicker overall recovery, as well as shorter hospital stays for patients. Decreasing the size of the skin incision for minimally invasive valve surgery to significantly less than the cardiac size requires specific access to the valve to be repaired or replaced. Thus, various minimally invasive techniques and approaches have been described for aortic and mitral valve surgery. This article will review the different minimally invasive techniques and approaches, as well as early results and outcomes for aortic and mitral valve surgery.

Comparison of limited and full sternotomy in aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

The practice of minimally invasive valve surgery remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and postoperative course of aortic valve replacement through limited upper sternotomy compared to conventional full sternotomy.

METHODS

From May 1998 to August 2000, we performed 24 cases of isolated aortic valve replacements through the limited upper sternotomy approach (group M). During the same period, 18 patients received isolated aortic valve replacements through the conventional full sternotomy approach (group C). Operation duration, postoperative course and laboratory data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All patients received a valve replacement with a prosthetic valve. There was no significant difference between the two groups in mean aortic cross-clamping time, mean cardiopulmonary bypass time or mean operation duration (skin to skin). No patient required blood transfusion. Patients in the group M were extubated earlier, with less postoperative blood loss and discharged earlier after the operation than those in group C. On the first postoperative day, the peak level of lactic acid dehydrogenease was significantly lower in the group M than those in group C.

CONCLUSION

Limited upper sternotomy for aortic valve replacement resulted in shorter operation duration and minimized operative risks for the patients. We believe this method brings not only cosmetic benefits but also improved postoperative course.

Allogeneic blood transfusion requirements after minimally invasive versus conventional aortic valve replacement: a risk-Adjusted analysis

BACKGROUND

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) through a partial sternotomy (mini-AVR) has been suggested to significantly reduce postoperative morbidity compared with conventional AVR. This study sought to investigate whether mini-AVR patients require fewer transfusions than patients who had conventional AVR.

METHODS

Of 511 patients who had AVR, 56 had mini-AVR and 455 had conventional AVR. A matched-case logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for these imbalances between groups.

RESULTS

No patient in the mini-AVR cohort required conversion to a conventional AVR. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the mini-AVR group compared with the conventional AVR group, with a median of 102 minutes (range, 78 to 119 minutes) versus 75 minutes (range, 61 to 96 minutes; p < 0.01) in the conventional AVR group. A total of 31 patients (55%) in the mini-AVR group and 336 patients (74%) in the conventional sternotomy group required transfusions during their hospital stay (p < 0.01). After adjusting for differences in preoperative risk factors, year of operation, and surgeon, by matching on propensity score, the differences were not statistically significant (odds ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.40 to 1.75, p = 0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-AVR produces better wound cosmesis and less surgical trauma but requires more time to perform. Matched-case analysis failed to show a significant difference in blood transfusion requirements after mini-AVR compared with the conventional AVR approach.

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery in the elderly: a case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Although minimally invasive aortic valve surgery (MIAVR) is performed in many centers, few studies have compared its results to a standard sternotomy (SS) approach. We assessed the hypothesis that, when compared with SS in the elderly population, MIAVR has similar morbidity and mortality and allows faster hospital recovery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From January 1995 through February 2002, 515 patients over age 65 underwent isolated aortic valve replacement. Using data gathered prospectively, 189 MIAVR patients were matched with 189 SS patients by age, ventricular function, valvular pathology, urgency of operation, diabetes, previous cardiac surgery, renal disease, and history of stroke. In each group, 56.1% of patients underwent non-elective procedures, and 28% were >or=80 years old. Hospital mortality (6.9%) and freedom from postoperative morbidity (82.5% versus 81.5%, P=0.79) were similar. Multivariate analysis revealed that urgent procedures [Odds Ratio (OR)=3.97; P=0.03], congestive heart failure (OR=3.94; P=0.03), and ejection fraction <30% (OR=4.16; P=0.03) were significant predictors of hospital mortality. Prolonged length of stay was associated with age (P=0.05), preoperative stroke (OR=3.5,P=0.001), CHF (OR=2.2, P=0.004), and sternotomy approach (OR=2.3,P=0.002) by multivariate analysis. More MIAVR patients were discharged home (52.6% versus 38.6%,P=0.03) rather than to rehabilitation facilities. Three year actuarial survival revealed no difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery is safe in elderly patients, with morbidity and mortality comparable to sternotomy approach. The shorter hospital stay and greater percentage of patients discharged home after MIAVR reflect enhanced recovery with this technique.

Avoidance of full-sternotomy: effect on inflammatory cytokine production during cardiopulmonary bypass in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Although open heart operations via a mini-sternotomy or mini-thoracotomy are considered "less invasive" cosmetically and are hopeful for early social recovery, clinical experiences have not shown less invasiveness toward systemic inflammatory response, because of the wide variety of patients and operative procedures encountered. We examined the effect of a mini-sternotomy on an inflammatory response during a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure performed in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, each of which underwent a 120-minute CPB, were randomly divided into four groups according to the method of exposing the pericardial cavity; no sternotomy (Group N [0 cm], n = 8), right para-sternal thoracotomy (Group P [2 cm], n = 8), lower mini-sternotomy (Group M [2 cm], n = 8), and full-sternotomy (Group F [4 cm], n = 8). Blood samples were obtained (1) just prior to the initiation of CPB, and then (2) 30, (3) 60, and (4) 120 minutes after the initiation of CPB.

RESULTS

Thirty minutes after the initiation of CPB, there were significant differences in plasma interleukin [IL]-6 levels between groups, except for Groups P and M; whereas at 60 minutes the only significant difference occurred between Groups N and F, and at 120 minutes there were no significant differences between any of the groups. Further, plasma IL-8 levels were not significantly different at each sampling point between all of the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results first demonstrate experimentally that the avoidance of a full-sternotomy can be considered a less invasive strategy in terms of reducing the systemic inflammatory response that accompanies a shorter CPB duration.

Minimal access aortic valve replacement: effects on morbidity and resource utilization

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients undergoing minimal access versus conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODS

We reviewed prospectively gathered data on all patients who were undergoing first-time AVR, with or without replacement of the ascending aorta, over a 1-year period at our institution.

RESULTS

A total of 176 patients underwent minimal access and 258 underwent conventional AVR. The conventional group was older, had more incidence of diabetes, and more aortic stenosis (all p < 0.05). Eight minimal access AVR patients (2%) required conversion to a complete sternotomy. Minimal access AVR patients had longer aortic crossclamp times than conventional AVR patients (60 +/- 22 vs 55 +/- 23 minutes, p = 0.03) but similar CPB times (93 +/- 38 vs 88 +/- 42 minutes, p = 0.20). Postoperative creatine kinase-MB levels were similar for the two groups. Total postoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the minimal access group, and these patients received less red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Minimal access AVR patients were less likely to have postoperative respiratory failure (3% vs 10%); they had shorter intensive care unit stays (3.7 +/- 5.4 vs 4.5 +/- 5.6 days) and shorter hospital stays (10 +/- 6 vs 12 +/- 7 days, all p < 0.05). Mortality was lower in patients undergoing minimal access surgery (3% vs 9%, p = 0.008) by univariate analysis. Multivariate predictors of mortality were age, hypertension, and CPB time.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patient selection may have influenced some of the observed differences between our patient groups, minimal access surgery appears to be associated with decreased morbidity and resource use when compared to conventional AVR.

Does ministernotomy improve postoperative outcome in aortic valve operation? A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative outcome obtained in patients undergoing elective aortic valve operation, either through ministernotomy or conventional sternotomy.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and July 2001, 80 consecutive patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement were randomly divided into two groups: group I (n = 40 patients) undergoing a ministernotomy approach (reversed-C or reversed-L), and group II (n = 40 patients) undergoing conventional sternotomy.

RESULTS

The length of skin incision was significantly shorter in group I than in group II (8.2+/-1.3 cm versus 23.7+/-2.6 cm, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in cardiopulmonary bypass duration, associated procedures, or aortic cross-clamping times. Total operating time was 3.7+/-0.46 hours in group I compared with 3.4+/-0.6 hours in group II (p = 0.014). A similar incidence of cardiac, neurologic, infective, and renal complications between groups was found. Mean mediastinal drainage and mean blood transfusions (amount of blood transfused) per patient were greater in group II (p < 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Twenty-five (62.5%) patients in group II and 15 (37.5%) patients in group I required postoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.04). Mechanical ventilation time was significantly longer in group II (6.2+/-1.8 hours versus 4.4+/-0.9 hours, p = 0.006). Five days after the surgical procedure, spirometric data analysis demonstrated a significantly lower total lung capacity and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures in group II compared with group I (p = 0.003, p = 0.007, and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that ministernotomy had not only important cosmetic advantages but also beneficial effects in blood loss and transfusion, postoperative pain, and probably in sternal stability. Ministernotomy also improved recovery of respiratory function and allowed earlier extubation and hospital discharge.

Anaesthetic considerations for patients undergoing hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass for complex neurovascular lesions: case presentation and review

The anaesthetic management of a 38-year-old woman having excision of a meningioma involving the superior sagittal sinus is described. The procedure was performed using low flow moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with central cannulation. Relevant literature is reviewed.

Aortic root replacement by ministernotomy: technique and potential benefit

BACKGROUND

Although minimally invasive surgical procedures have aroused much interest in cardiac surgery, difficulty still exists with its application in most of the operations on great arteries. This report summarizes our initial experience of aortic root replacement by a superior ministernotomy in terms of operative indications, operative techniques, and potential benefits.

METHODS

Between July 1999 and September 1999, 8 patients who were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome with aortic valve regurgitation underwent aortic root replacements with composite grafts. Clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and postoperative stay of these patients were compared with data of patients who had undergone Bentall procedure by standard median sternotomy from January to September 1999.

RESULTS

There was no death in either group of patients. Demographics were similar between the two groups of patients. In the mini-incision group, the mediastinal drainage was significantly less than the standard incision group. The mean operating time was significantly longer than that in the standard incision group. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time were similar in both groups of patients. The mean intubation time, postoperative blood transfusion amount, duration of intensive care unit stay and postoperative hospital stay were less than that of the standard incision group; however, they all showed no statistical significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic root replacement by a superior ministernotomy in cardiopulmonary bypass with cannulas through the femoral artery and femoral vein or right atrium is a safe, reliable procedure with excellent exposure. The procedure provides a potential benefit of less trauma, quick recovery, and reduction of mediastinal drainage and reduction of blood transfusion.

Cardiac valve operations using a partial sternotomy (lower half) technique

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Operations on cardiac valves are being performed more frequently through smaller incisions than traditional midline sternotomy. A variety of alternate incisions have been used, but most of the interest appears to focus on partial sternotomy. The purpose of the study was to review results using a partial lower sternotomy for cardiac valve operations.

METHODS

A standard partial lower one-half or two-thirds sternotomy was used for cardiac valve operations in 112 patients. The sternum was divided transversely in the third or second intercostal space and vertically from that point through the xyphoid process. Standard instruments and retraction devices were used. This incision provided adequate exposure for even complex operations to be performed. Small cannulae were placed into the aorta and heart through the primary incision for cardiopulmonary bypass. Vacuum-assisted venous drainage was used.

RESULTS

Seventy-four single valve operations were performed. There were 35 double valve and 5 triple valve operations (35.4%) performed. Operative mortality (5.3%) and major complication rates were comparable to full the sternotomy approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial sternotomy (lower half) provides a smaller incision through which virtually all cardiac valve operations may be performed. Results achieved with this approach are similar to those associated with full sternotomy. The smaller incision is appreciated by patients.