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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Mini-sternotomy approach for aortic valve replacement in the patient with retrosternal gastric tube
1Cardiovascular Surgery, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, 4-6 Minatojima-Nakamachi, Cyuou-ku, Kobe-shi, Japan.
Abstract:
This case report details our experience of aortic valve replacement(AVR) following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.The route of the retrosternal gastric tube was clearly visualized by esophagogram and CT. A mini-sternotomy was performed safely, resulting in minimal dissection of the retrosternal adhesion and a good exposure to institute extracorporeal circulation and perform the AVR. The patient was discharged uneventfully and was in NYHA class I at three months after surgery. A ministernotomy is a safe alternative approach for good exposure of the heart when performing AVR in patients with a retrosternal gastric tube.
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