Related Experiment Video
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
[Aortic valve replacement through right anterolateral thoracotomy for aortic stenosis after mediastinal radiation
H Tanaka1, T Hirotani, S Ohtsubo
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Saiseikai Central Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
A 76-year-old woman had severe aortic stenosis on transthoracic echocardiography [aortic valve area (AVA): 0.7 cm2, max pressure gradient (PG): 108 mmHg]. Since she was on radiation therapy for breast cancer, we considered that median sternotomy was a risk factor for mediastinitis, and right thoracotomy was chosen for aortic valve replacement. The operation was performed through a right anterolateral thoracotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established with right femoral artery cannulation, right atrial cannulation, and right superior pulmonary vein cannulation for venting. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. This method appears to be an alternative approach for aortic valve replacement in patients that are not suitable candidates for median sternotomy.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

