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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Minimally invasive mitral valve replacement and multivessel coronary artery bypass through a limited right lateral
Robert E Michler1, Arun Gowdamarajan, A Reza Abrishamchian
1Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. michler.1@osu.edu
Insights
This study demonstrates a minimally invasive approach for mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. The lateral thoracotomy technique offers excellent surgical visualization and reduces risks compared to sternotomy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Traditional sternotomy for cardiac procedures carries significant risks.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly explored to improve patient outcomes.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old female patient underwent mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting.
- The procedure was performed via an 8 cm lateral thoracotomy with central aortic cannulation.
Findings:
- This approach allowed for excellent visualization of the mitral valve and coronary vessels.
- Both antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia delivery were successfully achieved.
- The technique potentially decreases operative risks associated with sternotomy.
Implications:
- Lateral thoracotomy may be a viable alternative to sternotomy for complex cardiac surgeries.
- Improved visualization can lead to better surgical precision.
- Reduced operative risks can enhance patient recovery and safety in elderly patients.
Abstract:
Mitral valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting were performed in an 80-year-old woman through an 8 cm lateral thoracotomy using central cannulation with a balloon aortic cannula. Visualization permitted the delivery of both retrograde and antegrade cardioplegia. This technique provides excellent exposure of the mitral valve and all coronary vessels and decreases the operative risks associated with a sternotomy.
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