[MITRAL VALVE REPAIR WITH MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARDIAC SURGERY APPROACH AS ROUTINE PRACTICE]

Although minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) via right minithoracotomy is attracting attention as a minimally invasive approach in cardiac surgery, it has not become a standard, routine approach for mitral valve repair. Although it has spread rapidly in Germany (43%) and USA (20.4%), the proportion of MICS in isolated mitral valve repair still comprises only 15.6% of mitral valve repair surgeries in Japan. For safe, assured introduction of MICS as a routine approach under quality control for good surgical and mid- and long-term results, surgeons experienced in mitral valve repair who perform at least 10 mitral valve repairs per year are necessary. A team approach with surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and nurses who are highly motivated is also important.