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Updated: May 12, 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 surgery: a systematic review
Fabiana Lucà1, Leen van Garsse, Carmelo Massimiliano Rao
1Cardiothoracic and Cardiology Department, Maastricht University, The Netherlands ; Heart and Vessels Department, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy ; Cardiology Department, Paolo Borsellino Hospital, Marsala, Italy.
Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) offers a feasible alternative to traditional open-heart surgery, with comparable long-term survival and improved patient satisfaction. This approach shows reduced complications and enhanced recovery for mitral valve repair and replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
Background:
- Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) is increasingly adopted for mitral valve pathology.
- Clinical significance of MIMVS benefits compared to conventional surgery remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of MIMVS.
- To discuss outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
- To compare MIMVS with conventional sternotomy for mitral valve procedures.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MIMVS.
- Analysis of perioperative and long-term outcomes.
- Comparison of minimally invasive versus conventional sternotomy approaches.
Main Results:
- MIMVS is a feasible alternative to conventional sternotomy.
- MIMVS demonstrates low perioperative morbidity and short-term mortality.
- Benefits include reduced pain, improved respiratory function, less trauma, and higher patient satisfaction.
- Long-term efficacy, including freedom from reoperation and survival, is comparable to standard surgery.
Conclusions:
- MIMVS is a safe and effective option for mitral valve surgery.
- MIMVS offers significant advantages in patient recovery and satisfaction.
- Long-term outcomes of MIMVS are equivalent to conventional sternotomy.
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