Minimally Invasive Combined Heart Valve Surgery

Abstract

Combined heart valve surgery and concomitant cardiac procedures comprise about one-third of all heart valve surgeries. However, the safety and benefits of combined procedure in a minimally invasive technique with one or more valve repairs or replacements have never been systematically analyzed. For this reason, the chance of complications, and of converting the procedure to a full sternotomy approach as a result, is higher. The closure of ASD is also done in combination with left or right heart minimally invasive surgery. Without appropriate caval isolation, ASD usually has a difficult access. Usually, repairs begin with the placement of the mitral annular sutures for better exposure. External defibrillator pads are placed on the patient prior to the operation. An atrial lift system can be used following the LAtomy or RAtomy in combined minimally invasive heart surgery, to achieve better exposure of the atria. The conventional full sternotomy approach is an alternative to minimally invasive combined heart surgery.