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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Mini right thoracotomy as an approach to aortic valve closure in an assist device patient
Karen M Doersch1, Basar Sareyyupoglu
1From the *Department of Surgery, Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor; and †Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Baylor, Scott and White Temple Clinic, Temple, TX.
Abstract:
This case report concerns a patient status post left ventricular assist device placement that was complicated by new onset severe aortic valve insufficiency. After almost 2 years with his device, the patient had a syncopal episode and had worsening aortic valve regurgitation on echocardiography. The patient underwent an aortic valve closure via the right second intercostal space, which represents a new approach to managing these patients surgically and avoiding repeat sternotomies and further right ventricle injury.
